If the steps in the CPM are delayed, what is likely to happen?

When the steps in the Critical Path Method (CPM) are delayed, the most likely outcome is that the job will be completed later than expected. The critical path represents the sequence of tasks that determine the shortest possible duration for the project. If any activities on this critical path experience delays, it impacts the overall timeline, extending the project completion date.

This is because each task is interdependent, and a delay in one critical task prevents subsequent tasks from starting on time. Therefore, the cumulative effect of these delays means the entire project timeline is shifted, resulting in a later completion date.

In contrast, completing a job ahead of schedule or experiencing no change in the completion date would be contrary to the nature of project management principles where delays directly affect the time frame. Similarly, while labor costs may fluctuate based on resource allocation or project adjustments, they do not have a direct correlation to the delays resulting from the CPM steps; hence, the statement about no change in labor costs also does not apply directly to the impact of delays on project completion.