PMP Notes+

Near-Critical Path

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A Near-Critical Path is a sequence of scheduled activities that possesses low total float, meaning it is close to becoming a critical path if any additional delay occurs. Though not currently the longest path through the schedule, it presents a significant schedule risk because its buffer is minimal and easily consumed.

Purpose and Characteristics

  • Low Total Float Threshold – Typically flagged when float is within a narrow range (e.g. 0–2 days).
  • Not Currently Critical – But it can quickly become critical with minor slippage.
  • Monitored Closely – Especially in high-risk or resource-constrained projects.
  • Shifts Dynamically – Changes in duration or float on any path can cause near-critical paths to become critical.

Example Scenario

If a project has two primary sequences of activities—one with zero float (critical) and another with one day of float (near-critical)—any delay in the near-critical path puts the overall delivery date at risk, effectively turning it into a second critical path.

Mermaid Diagram: Path Classification by Float

flowchart LR
    subgraph Critical Path
        direction LR
        A1[Start] --> A2[Task A - Float 0] --> A3[Task B - Float 0] --> A4[End]
    end

    subgraph Near-Critical Path
        direction LR
        B1[Start] --> B2[Task C - Float 1] --> B3[Task D - Float 1] --> B4[End]
    end

    subgraph Non-Critical Path
        direction LR
        C1[Start] --> C2[Task E - Float 5] --> C3[Task F - Float 5] --> C4[End]
    end

This visual highlights how multiple paths flow toward project completion, with only small differences in float separating near-critical from critical status.

Why Near-Critical Paths Matter

  • Indicate Schedule Fragility – Show how close the project is to delay risks beyond the known critical path.
  • Enable Focused Monitoring – Help prioritize additional tracking and resource management.
  • Improve Risk Response Readiness – Support early intervention to avoid cascading delays.

See also: Critical Path, Near-Critical Activity, Total Float, Free Float.

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