CPA can stand for multiple terms including Certified Public Accountant, Critical-Path Analysis, and Customer Profitability Analysis. Each of these has specific implications in fields ranging from accounting to project management and customer relations.
Critical Path Analysis (CPA), also known as Critical Path Method (CPM), is a decision-making technique used to determine the minimum time necessary to complete a project by identifying the longest sequence of dependent activities from initiation to completion.
The act of deciding between alternative courses of action. In the running of a business, accounting information and techniques are used to facilitate decision making, employing models like discounted cash flow, critical-path analysis, marginal costing, and breakeven analysis.
Programme Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a project management tool used to plan and coordinate complex tasks within a project. It helps in identifying the minimum time required to complete a project by analyzing the tasks involved and their sequences.
Software designed to facilitate and integrate key tasks in the management of a large project. These typically include scheduling, critical-path analysis, budget control, and administrative support. A good system is integrated and dynamic, allowing assessment of total knock-on effects of any departures from the original plan in key areas such as budgeting and scheduling as the project evolves.
