CSI’s project delivery and scheduling discussions describe network scheduling techniques such as the Critical Path Method (CPM) as tools for planning, sequencing, and controlling project time. CPM scheduling can be done either:

Forward, starting from a known start date and computing early and late completion dates, or

Backward, starting from a required completion/occupancy date and working backward to determine the latest allowable dates for preceding activities and milestones so that the final completion date is achieved.

This “working backward from a target completion or occupancy date to set milestone dates” is a classic application of the backward pass within the Critical Path Method. CSI’s project management materials emphasize that CPM is used to:

Establish logic relationships and durations,

Calculate early and late start/finish dates,

Identify the critical path, and

Adjust the schedule to meet a required completion or occupancy date by compressing or resequencing activities where possible.

Why the other options are not correct:

A. Methods technique – This is not a standard CSI or mainstream term for a recognized scheduling method.

C. Front end loading – In project management and cost engineering usage, this refers to investing significant effort early in project definition and planning; it is not specifically defined as the technique of back-scheduling from an occupancy date.

D. Schedule of values – This is a cost-allocation and payment document that breaks the contract sum into portions for progress payments. It is not a scheduling technique.

Because CPM scheduling explicitly supports setting a required completion date and then working backward to develop realistic milestone dates and activity sequencing, Option B – Critical path method is the best and CSI-consistent answer.