Agent Skills: Critical Path Analyzer

Perform critical path method (CPM) analysis with forward/backward pass calculations

Schedule ManagementID: a5c-ai/babysitter/critical-path-analyzer

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pnpm dlx add-skill https://github.com/a5c-ai/babysitter/tree/HEAD/library/specializations/domains/business/project-management/skills/critical-path-analyzer

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library/specializations/domains/business/project-management/skills/critical-path-analyzer/SKILL.md

Skill Metadata

Name
critical-path-analyzer
Description
Perform critical path method (CPM) analysis with forward/backward pass calculations

Critical Path Analyzer

Overview

The Critical Path Analyzer skill performs comprehensive Critical Path Method (CPM) analysis on project schedules. It calculates forward and backward passes to determine early/late dates, identifies float values, and highlights the critical path - the longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the minimum project duration.

Capabilities

Core CPM Calculations

  • Calculate forward pass (early start/finish dates)
  • Calculate backward pass (late start/finish dates)
  • Determine total float and free float
  • Identify critical path activities
  • Detect near-critical paths (activities with low float)

Advanced Analysis

  • Perform what-if analysis for schedule compression
  • Calculate schedule risk exposure
  • Generate critical path reports and visualizations
  • Support multiple calendar assignments
  • Handle complex dependency relationships (FS, SS, FF, SF with lag/lead)

Schedule Optimization

  • Identify crashing candidates based on cost-duration tradeoffs
  • Recommend fast-tracking opportunities
  • Calculate compression costs and benefits
  • Model resource-constrained critical path

Usage

Input Requirements

  • Activity list with unique identifiers
  • Activity durations
  • Predecessor/successor relationships with dependency types
  • Optional: Activity calendars
  • Optional: Resource assignments for resource-constrained analysis

Output Deliverables

  • Critical path activity list
  • Float analysis report (total float, free float per activity)
  • Near-critical path identification
  • Network diagram with critical path highlighted
  • Schedule risk metrics

Example Use Cases

  1. Schedule Development: Identify critical path during initial planning
  2. Schedule Recovery: Find compression opportunities when behind schedule
  3. Risk Assessment: Analyze schedule risk through float analysis
  4. What-If Analysis: Model schedule impacts of changes

Process Integration

This skill integrates with the following processes:

  • Schedule Development and Critical Path Analysis
  • earned-value-management.js
  • Program Dependency Management
  • Risk Planning and Assessment

Dependencies

  • Network diagram algorithms
  • Scheduling mathematics libraries
  • Graph traversal algorithms
  • Date/time calculation utilities

Related Skills

  • SK-001: Gantt Chart Generator
  • SK-003: Resource Leveling Optimizer
  • SK-019: Dependency Mapper