APM - Understand resource, scheduling and optimisation in a project

Question 1

State the purpose of scheduling

Answer 1

Scheduling is the process used to determine the overall project duration. This includes identification of activities and their logical dependencies, and estimating activity durations, taking into account requirements and availability of resource.

Question 2

State the purpose of critical path analysis

Answer 2

Critical path analysis is an activity-based scheduling technique that determines the overall duration of the identified work based on estimates and logical dependencies. The method of determining the critical path.

Question 3

State the purpose of milestones

Answer 3

Milestone is a key event selected for its importance in the schedule commonly associated with tangible acceptance of deliverables.

Question 4

Define the term ‘time boxing’

Answer 4

Timebox is a generic term used in iterative life cycle approaches to refer to an iteration with a fixed end date that is not allowed to change, thereby adjusting the scope and quality to deliver on time and to cost.

Question 5

Outline options for resource optimisation - resource levelling

Answer 5

In the Resource levelling approach the critical path may change, this is used during resource optimisation can delay activities such that resource usage is kept below specified limits.

Also known as resource limited scheduling.

You CAN extend the time when resource is not available.

Question 6

Outline options for resource optimisation - resource smoothing

Answer 6

Resource smoothing is an approach with no change to critical path. This is used as part of resource optimisation that involves utilising float, or increasing or decreasing the resources required for specific activities, such that any peaks and troughs of resource usage are smoothed out avoiding extension of the duration where possible.

Also known as Time limited resource scheduling.

NO change to critical path.

Question 7

Define the term ‘procurement strategy’

Answer 7

Procurement strategy is the high-level approach for securing the goods and services required from external suppliers to satisfy project, programme and portfolio needs. See also Strategic sourcing.