Optimization of construction project implementation time using critical path method (CPM) case study of national brain center hospital construction project

Abstract

This study examines the application of the Critical Path Method (CPM) to optimize the project schedule of the National Brain Center Hospital construction in Jakarta. The project, designed to expand the hospital’s medical, educational, and research facilities, encountered significant delays caused by ineffective scheduling, weak control mechanisms, and external challenges. The main objective of this research is to identify the causes of delays and demonstrate how CPM can be effectively used to improve project scheduling and time performance. Data were collected through field observations, stakeholder interviews, and analysis of project documentation, including work breakdown structures (WBS) and progress reports. Using QM for Windows, the CPM model was developed to identify activity relationships, determine the critical path, and calculate total project duration. The analysis revealed that the actual critical path duration was 504 days, exceeding the planned schedule. Several non-critical activities were found to have large float times, indicating inefficiencies in task sequencing and resource allocation. The results highlight CPM’s effectiveness in providing a systematic and quantitative approach to project scheduling. By identifying critical activities and optimizing time allocation, CPM enables project managers to implement corrective actions such as crashing and fast-tracking to reduce delays. This study concludes that applying CPM enhances project control, increases scheduling accuracy, and supports timely decision-making. Therefore, CPM is recommended as a strategic method for improving time management and ensuring successful completion of complex construction projects.