What is the impact of delaying tasks on a critical path?

The correct response indicates that delaying tasks on a critical path can result in a delay of the entire project. The critical path in project management represents the longest sequence of dependent tasks that must be completed on time for the project to finish by its deadline. If any task on the critical path is delayed, it will directly extend the project timeline because those delays accumulate and prevent subsequent tasks from starting or completing as scheduled.

Conversely, tasks not on the critical path have some flexibility in their scheduling and can often be delayed without affecting the overall project completion date. Given this context, the impact of a delay becomes significant when it involves core tasks along the critical path; thus, it will alter the project timeline, necessitating an adjustment in planning and resource allocation to meet new deadlines.