What should be done if project tasks do not adhere to the planned schedule?

When project tasks do not adhere to the planned schedule, assessing the impact on the critical path is the most appropriate course of action. The critical path is a key concept in project management that demonstrates the longest sequence of dependent tasks, determining the shortest possible duration to complete the entire project.

By evaluating the impact on the critical path, the project manager can identify which delayed tasks are crucial for project completion and whether these delays will affect the overall timeline. This assessment allows for informed decision-making regarding potential adjustments to resources, re-prioritization of tasks, or finding ways to recover lost time.

In contrast, ignoring the tasks or continuing without changes could lead to further delays or complications down the line, as unresolved issues may compound. Reassigning team members to different tasks may not address the root cause of the delay or the tasks that are critical to project completion, potentially misallocating resources and causing additional friction. Thus, understanding and analyzing the critical path is essential to effectively manage project schedules and mitigates any risks associated with delays.