Gantt Chart

Definitions of:
Float - Slack - Critical Path - Crashing Critical Path - Fast Tracking

float or slack - a measure of the excess time and resources available to complete a task or activity. Float or slack is the amount of time that a project task or activity can be delayed without causing a delay in any subsequent task or activity (free float or free slack) or the whole project (total float or total slack). Positive float or positive slack would indicate ahead of schedule; negative float or negative slack would indicate behind schedule; and zero float or zero slack would indicate on schedule.

critical path - the longest possible continuous pathway taken from the initial event or milestone to the terminal event or milestone. Critical path determines the total calendar time required for the project; and, therefore, any time delays along the critical path will delay the reaching of the terminal event or milestone by at least the same amount.

crashing critical path - Shortening duration of critical tasks or activities

fast tracking - performing more critical tasks or activities in parallel