Managing Time and Resources Flashcards
Define Time Scheduling
Time scheduling is a collection of techniques used to develop and present schedules that show when work will be performed
Can you draw a precedence diagram method? What does a node look like in these?
A node looks like so
ES | D | EF
— description —
LS | F | LF
Where ES = Earliest Start D = Duration EF = Earliest Finish LS = Latest Start F = Float LF = Latest Finish
Define the “critical path” for a schedule
Sequence of activities in a project from start to finish, the sum of whose durations determines the overall project duration
Can there be multiple critical paths? Y/N
Yes, there may be multiple parallel paths with the maximal time duration
Define a Milestone
Significant events in a project associated with the completion of a key deliverable.
They are useful for planning a schedule or displaying progress as they focus on what is being delivered, not how
Define Resource Scheduling
Resource scheduling is a collection of techniques used to calculate the resources required to deliver the work and when they will be required
Define procurement
Process by which products and services are acquired from an external provider for incorporation into the project
Which of the following statements about Critical Path Analysis (CPA) is true?
a. The critical path is the path with the longest duration in a network
b. The critical path is the path with the least risk in a network
c. Tasks with float will never become critical
d. The network will remain constant throughout the project
A
Rationale: The critical path is the chain of dependant activities that take the longest to complete. This is not affected by the level of associated risk. The critical path can change as the paths on the network do not remain constant: they can be affected by risk and changes.
Total float is:
a. The cost of all activities within a network diagram
b. The time by which an activity can be delayed or extended without affecting the next
activity
c. Also known as free float
d. The time by which an activity can be delayed or extended without affecting the project
end date
D
Rationale: Total float is calculated using the forward and backward pass on the network diagram. It shows the amount of additional time, shared along that path, that is available before the end date is impacted. This is over and above what has been estimated to complete the activity.
The time by which an activity can be delayed or extended without affecting the next activity's start date is called: a. Total Float b. Float c. Free Float d. Slack
C
Rationale: Total float, float and slack synonymous and relate to the impact on the projects end date. Free Float specifically refers to the amount of time an activity could be delayed before it impacts the next activity.
In the diagram below which is the critical path
a. ABCD
b. AEFG
c. ACDG
d. ABDG
B
Rationale: AEFG. This is the longest chain of activities in the network.
The total float of activity F in the diagram below is:
a. 2
b. 3
c. 0
d. 16
C
Rationale: 0. it is on the critical path
Rearranging the schedule so that the number of resources used does not
exceed a certain level at any point is called:
a. Resource smoothing
b. Resource levelling
c. Critical path analysis
d. Total float
B
Rationale: Resource levelling is also known as resource limited scheduling. The schedule is arranged to ensure predetermined resource levels are applied.
People, materials, equipment, knowledge and time are examples of what?
a. Project resources
b. Success factors
c. Success criteria
d. Project requirements
A
Rationale: Resources are the different elements that are required to deliver a project: we need time, money and people for example.
One of the key objectives of procurement is to:
a. Ensure the users are satisfied with the choice of supplier
b. Offload as much risk as possible
c. Get the cheapest price
d. Obtain a fair and reasonable price
D
Rationale: The best strategy for success is to ensure that all parties have a fair and
equitable deal.
