TERM IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

1. Critical path method(CPM)

The critical path method (CPM) is a step-by-step project management technique for process
planning that defines critical and non-critical tasks with the goal of preventing time-frame
problems and process bottlenecks. The CPM is ideally suited to projects consisting of
numerous activities that interact in a complex manner.
The origins of CPM: The CPM was developed in the 1950s by DuPont, and was first used in
missile-defense construction projects. Since that time, the CPM has been adapted to other
fields including hardware and software product research and development. Various computer
programs are available to help project managers use the CPM.

2. Program Evaluation and Review Technique(PERT)

Project management technique that shows the time taken by each component of a project ,
and the total time required for its completion . PERT breaks down the project into events and
activities, and lays down their proper sequence, relationships, and duration in the form of a
network . Lines connecting the events are called paths, and the longest path resulting from
connecting all events is called the critical path. The length (duration) of the critical path is the
duration of the project, and any delay occurring along it delays the whole project. PERT is a
scheduling tool , and does not help in finding the best or the shortest way to complete a
project.

3. Work Breakdown Structure(WBS)

A work breakdown structure (WBS) , in project management and systems engineering , is a
deliverable-oriented decomposition of a project into smaller components. A work breakdown
structure element may be a product , data, service , or any combination thereof. A WBS also
provides the necessary framework for detailed cost estimating and control along with
providing guidance for schedule development and control.

4. Gantt Chart
Gantt charts are useful tools for analyzing , planning and controlling complex multi-stage
projects. It very helpful for a manager for his project management. Gantt charts can: Assist in
identifying the tasks and sub- tasks to be undertaken, Help you lay out the tasks that need to
be completed, Assist in scheduling when these tasks will be carried out and in what order
Assist in planning resources needed to complete the project, Assist in working out the critical
path for a project where it needs to be completed by a particular date. When a complex or
multi-task project is under way, Gantt charts assist in monitoring whether the project is on
schedule, or not. If not, the Gantt chart allows you to easily identify what actions need to be
taken in order to put the project back onto schedule.

5. Auto Cad (CAD)

AutoCAD is a commercial software application for 2D and 3D computer-aided design
(CAD) and drafting available since 1982 as a desktop application and since 2010 as a
mobile web- and cloud-based app marketed as AutoCAD 360. Developed and marketed by
Autodesk, Inc. ,[1] AutoCAD was first released in December 1982, running on
microcomputers with internal graphics controllers .[2] Prior to the introduction of AutoCAD,
most commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each
CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal . [3] AutoCAD is used across a
wide range of industries, by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, and
other professionals. It is supported by 750 training centers worldwide as of 1994.

6. Management
Project management is the process and activity of planning, organizing, motivating, and
controlling resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals in scientific or daily
problems. A project is a temporary endeavor designed to produce a unique product, service or
result with a defined beginning and end (usually time-constrained, and often constrained by
funding or deliverables ) undertaken to meet unique goals and objectives, typically to bring
about beneficial change or added value. [1][2] The temporary nature of projects stands in
contrast with business as usual (or operations) ,[3] which are repetitive, permanent, or semipermanent functional activities to produce products or services. In practice, the management
of these two systems is often quite different, and as such requires the development of distinct
technical skills and management strategies.

REVISION

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_management
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work_breakdown_structure
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gantt_chart
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/AutoCAD
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/critical-path-method-CPM