Programming & Planning

Question 1

What are the benefits of the critical path method?

Answer 1

Idenifitcation of the critical items in a project
Reduction in delays
Improve organisation
Optimise efficiency
Visualise dependencies
Float calculation (how much a task can be delayed without impacting the project)

Question 2

What is the critical path on a construction programme?

Answer 2

• The critical path is the longest sequence of activities from project start to finish that must be completed to ensure the project is finished by a certain time.
• Activities on the critical path are known as critical activities because if they are delayed the whole project will be delayed.

Question 3

What is concurrent delay?

Answer 3

• Where one or more events occur at the same time that is caused by different parties involved in a project.
• These events will typically occur independently of each other
  Both events have an effect on the completion date of the project.
  -City Inn v Shepherd

Question 4

How would you compile a programme for a new project?

Answer 4

• I would first understand the purpose of the programme and the level of detail.
• I would refer to the RIBA plan of works in relation to each stage
• All activities would be identified using previous experience including project deliverable, key mileston and contractual requirements.
• I would request assistance from the design consultants to feed in their various elements.

Question 5

If a project is running behind programme what methods would you consider adopting?

Answer 5

I would review if Acceleration is an option if it was agreed on pre-contract and look at ways to improve the programme such as weekend working hours or increase labourers.

Question 6

How would you assess a concurrent delay?

Answer 6

You must determine the root
cause, true concurrent delay is
actually very rare.
Once you determine the root
cause, you should really discard
any other delays.
Use the Malmaison approach.

This is where if it is considered
that one of the delays is the clients
risks, then the contractor should
be entitled to a Extension of Time
without loss and expense.
o It will have to claim for loss and
expense separately.

Question 7

What is Free Float?

Answer 7

The amount of time an activity
can be delayed, before it impacts
on the start date of another
activity.

Question 8

What is Total Float?

Answer 8

The amount of time an activity
can be delayed, before it impacts
on the overall completion date.

Question 9

What is Float?

Answer 9

The amount of time an activity
can be delayed, before it impacts
on the completion of the works.

Question 10

What is Critical Path Analysis?

Answer 10

A way of analysing the
programme, to see if the critical
path duration can be shortened or
activities on it altered.

Question 11

What are the advantages of a

Gantt chart?

Answer 11

• Suitable for smaller projects.
• It is suitable for construction as it offers a high level of detail.
• To detailed for cost planning and estimates.
• It shows the times to scale.

Question 12

What is a Gantt chart?

Answer 12

A way of displaying a
programme, through a
combination of bars, each relating
to an activity and having a
specified duration.

Question 13

What is acceleration?

Answer 13

Whereby the completion dated
is brought forward, requiring the
works to be completed quicker.

Question 14

What’s required undertaking a delay analysis?

Answer 14

• Contract programme
• An As-built Programme
• The Use if Critical Path Analysis
• Records of site visit or photograph of progress