Network Analysis in Project Management explains how techniques like PERT and CPM help managers plan, schedule and control projects effectively. By mapping task dependencies and identifying the critical path, it ensures better time management, optimal resource utilization and on-time project delivery.
Top 5 Project Management Tools in 2025 (with a twist!) for Project Managers
In a world overflowing with flashy apps and AI tools, what really works for project managers in 2025? In this video, Ray—an experienced PMP and PRINCE2-certified program manager with over 15 years of experience—dives into five powerful and foundational project management tools that continue to deliver results, no matter how advanced the tech gets.
What is Project Management? A Detailed Guide
Project management is a critical discipline that enables organizations to plan, execute, and complete projects efficiently. Whether it’s software development, construction, marketing, or product launches, effective project management ensures that objectives are met on time and within budget.
In this blog, we will explore what is project management, its key methodologies, and fundamental concepts. We will also address common project management questions, including what is a project manager, what is agile project management, what is critical path in project management, and more.
The Ultimate Project Manager Glossary Key Terms
Whether you’re new to project management or an experienced pro, having a solid understanding of project management terminology is crucial. With so many buzzwords, acronyms, and jargon floating around, it can be overwhelming to keep up. This glossary will break down some of the most essential terms every project manager should know. Use this as a quick reference to level up your project management skills and keep your projects on track!
Our finishing schedule was partially designed around the fabrication of two structural steel columns for our ground floor, which took almost a month from the date of the first on-site measurement. After extreme persistence the columns were ready for installation this past Thursday. The person that was set to deliver the columns exchanged choice words with the people that were set to receive the columns on site. In the heat of the moment, the deliverer drove away with our columns still in his truck! I then had to send somebody to retrieve them the following day from another job site. After some traffic, a miscommunication and more stress, the columns arrived on site 24 hours after they were first expected, 4" too short.
This costly mistake left us with two options. Option 1) Continue with the hardwood floor installation as per the schedule, and install the replacement columns on top of the flooring, which would mean that the bottom steel plate would be exposed. This would be ugly and a possible tripping hazard. Option 2) Delay the hardwood floor installation until the replacement columns arrive, so that we could sink the bottom plate as per the design. This would not be ideal either, because delaying anything sets off a chain reaction on our water-tight schedule. You know me. I’m not okay with ugly. We chose the latter. Now the new columns are in and we are racing once again!
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) defines the critical path method or more commonly termed critical path as “the sequence of schedule activities that determines the shortest duration of the project.” The critical path methodology technique can also be applied to “determine amount of float” on various logical network paths in a project schedule network” that reflects minimum total project duration.
What is a Critical Task?
Any task in a project schedule network becomes critical if:
Note that a task stops being critical when it’s marked as completed, because it then can no longer affect the completion of successor tasks or the project finish date.
Identification and close monitoring of all critical tasks in a project is a first step to ensure they can be better managed. Fast Tracking & Crashing techniques are most commonly used by Project Managers to manage critical tasks on their projects.
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Apart from the odd hang glider trip I am quite happy to navigate the island on foot. In addition to the multiple outposts I find myself drawn to trekking towards the next Radio Tower. In addition to adding an extra game element, from a level design perspective it has many usages which I will highlight in this blog. In the beginning of the game a player will find the majority of the map is not unlocked. However the map still includes the radio tower locations. It is intended that the player will use these as focal points and places of interest when heading into unmapped territory.
Level Design: Taking the High Ground
The locations in which the towers are situated have been taken into careful consideration. They have not just been placed at random 3000 metre intervals of each other; each one has been strategically placed commonly on high ground, resulting in the player seeing the tower well before they reach it. This is so that the player knows early on of their goal and can physically see them nearing their objective.
Level Design: Disguising the Critical Path
Although a very linear game feature in what is a very explorative environment, in my opinion the level design has done very well to disguise the linearity. Making you jump, climb, crawl and even keep balance keeps the players mind drawn away from the fact that they are navigating through a critical path that a player has no control of. Additionally, successfully manoeuvring through these obstacles gives the player a sense of achievement As a new route has become available.
When a player reaches the top the tower they have to navigate around to the other side. This is a clever ploy to give the player the opportunity to soak up the surroundings which in Far Cry is an abundance of visual beauty. The sight of this vast open space is also used as a distraction method, as the wide open space and sighting of unchartered areas detracts the player’s attention and fills them with a great sense of discovery and achievement.
Level Design: Player Progression
From a design point of view the player will almost certainly tackle a tower either before or after a main mission. Therefore after the respite that the tower provides the player will want to complete a more challenging activity. When unlocking a tower a player is shown points of interest, and locations of game features. The additional activities have been brought to the player’s attention to provide options for higher intensity of the gameplay. In addition to giving the player the option to gain additional XP, cash and loot that will help them become stronger for the next story arc of the mission, it also helps with the overall player progression and game flow.
Level Design: Signs & Feedback
The towers also contain a flashing light that has been intentionally included for additional signs and feedback, but from a level designers perspective its purpose is to attract the player’s attention and to make them aware of the towers position so it can be detected both during the day and at night. The level designers have also used other tricks of signs and feedback in assisting the player on their way through the critical path up the tower. To climb the tower one of the actions the player has to perform is a quick time event to grab a rope and pull themselves up to the next platform. The rope used is distinctive in its appearance. The aesthetics of the tower give off that its unstable and worn and torn, however the rope is brand new and clean in its appearance. This has been done to make the rope stand out as a player will identify the shiny rope amongst all the blacks and greys that the towers consist of. The formation in which the rope hangs has also been purposely placed. The player will recognise the rope as a climbable object as it hangs the same as the vines on rocks which can also be used to climb to higher ground. Another trick that has been used is the strategically placed items of loot such as cash stacks, and body armour. By placing such items on platforms and ledges it gives the player a hint of which direction to head in and also rewards the player for completing a difficult obstacle.
Level Design: Encouraging exploration
So why am I so compelled to travel to the towers in the first place? From a designer’s perspective it isn’t just about providing a location to gain extra artillery or loot. The towers have been provided and designed in a way to make the player feel that you are an adventurer or explorer, and that there are no limits to where you can go on this island. Most players will have in their own life climbed a tree and experienced the sense of achievement of finally reaching the highest branch; as a designer it is intended to replicate these old feelings of joy and play. Whilst on the tree subject, climbing the actual tree wasn’t where the fun stopped. I remember the way down can just be as enjoyable and was one of the reasons why we may have climbed the tree to begin with. Well, the Radio Towers have been designed with this in mind also. It’s a common rule that the way up takes a lot longer than the way down, whether it is scaling a mountain, biking uphill or tree climbing. Well the towers accommodate this be providing the player with a zip line for that finishing touch, which is used to give the player an exhilarating feeling. This is important, as when leaving the area the player is left feeling charged with positive feelings that will encourage the player to explore more on their travels.
