Accelerating Projects (L16)

Question 1

Common approaches for reducing the critical path (8)

Answer 1

1. Eliminate tasks on the critical path
2. Re-plan serial paths to be in parallel
3. Overlap sequential tasks i.e. laddering
4. Shorten the duration of critical path tasks
5. Shorten early tasks
6. Shorten the longest tasks
7. Shorten the easiest tasks
8. Shorten tasks that cost the least to speed up

Question 2

Define “crashing” a project

Answer 2

The process of accelerating a project
Directly relates to resource commitment

Question 3

Potential reasons to crash a project (4)

Answer 3

1. An initially too aggressive schedule (crashing is inevitable)
2. Demand for earlier completion due to changing market needs
3. The project has slipped behind schedule
4. Contractual situation provides an incentive not to slip delivery

Question 4

Options for accelerating projects (6)

Answer 4

1. Improve the productivity of existing project resources
2. Changing the working method
3. Compromise quality and/or reduce project scope
4. Fast-track the project
5. Use of overtime
6. Add resources to the project team

Question 5

Brooks’s Law

Answer 5

Adding resources to ongoing activities only delays them further. The additional time/training needed to bring someone new up to speed can negate any potential benefit. Resources should instead be added to activities which are yet to start.