Abstract:
This is the Fourth Edition of Construction Project Scheduling and Control. I am very
pleased with its continuous success. The book continues to be one of the most, if
not the most, popular references in its field throughout the world, both in paper and
digital forms. I keep receiving correspondence—comments, suggestions, requests
for instructional materials (instructor support materials including an Instructor’s
Manual and PowerPoints can be accessed by visiting http://www.wiley.com/buy/
9781119499831 and clicking on the “More Information About this Book” link).
The most praised traits of the book are its simplicity, comprehensiveness, and practical
examples. I was so happy and proud when the language editor (of the first edition)
corrected me regarding an activity’s total float in an example in the book. She had
no technical background but had learned the critical path method while reviewing
my book!
During the past fifteen years, I have been using my book in professional seminars
and college classes as well as discussing it with my friends, colleagues, and students.
I have always kept a log of all suggestions and corrections I discover or receive. I started
thinking about the second edition just after the first edition was published in 2004
and about the third edition just after the second edition was published in 2010,
and about this edition right after the third edition came out in 2015. I added two
new chapters: A chapter on project scheduling and control from the owner’s perspective. This chapter, in my opinion, is important since all books that I am aware
of, were written from the contractor’s perspective. The second chapter is dedicated
to the definition of the critical path since I see many holes in existing definitions.
I purposely placed this chapter near the end of the book and after we dealt with all
topics impacting the critical path definition, so we can be able to discuss all possible
related scenarios. At the end of the chapter, I wrote my own definition, which will
be subject to discussion and debate. I threw a stone into a still pond; provoking the
