AFE AFE Project Management & Capital Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scheduling technique identifies the longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the minimum project duration?
- Gantt chart
- Critical Path Method (CPM) (Correct answer)
- Resource leveling
- Monte Carlo simulation
Correct answer: Critical Path Method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method identifies the sequence of tasks with zero float whose total duration determines the earliest possible project completion date.
Question 2: In facilities lifecycle cost analysis, which cost category typically represents the largest portion of total costs over a building's lifespan?
- Initial construction cost
- Operations and maintenance costs (Correct answer)
- Design and engineering fees
- Demolition and disposal costs
Correct answer: Operations and maintenance costs
Operations and maintenance costs over a building's 30–50 year lifespan typically far exceed initial construction costs, often by a factor of three or more.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a Facilities Condition Index (FCI)?
- To rank buildings by square footage
- To provide a standardized metric for comparing the relative condition of facilities (Correct answer)
- To calculate energy use intensity
- To measure occupant satisfaction scores
Correct answer: To provide a standardized metric for comparing the relative condition of facilities
The FCI is calculated as deferred maintenance costs divided by current replacement value, providing a normalized measure of facility condition across a portfolio.
Question 4: A facilities project manager uses 'earned value management' (EVM). What does the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) measure?
- The ratio of actual cost to budgeted cost
- The ratio of earned value to planned value, indicating schedule efficiency (Correct answer)
- The total float remaining in the schedule
- The number of completed milestones versus planned milestones
Correct answer: The ratio of earned value to planned value, indicating schedule efficiency
SPI equals earned value divided by planned value; a value below 1.0 indicates the project is behind schedule relative to the work accomplished.
Question 5: When planning a major renovation to an occupied facility, which strategy best minimizes disruption to building occupants?
- Completing all work simultaneously to shorten project duration
- Phasing work by area or floor and coordinating shutdowns during off-hours (Correct answer)
- Relocating all staff to temporary trailers for the duration
- Conducting work only on weekdays during business hours
Correct answer: Phasing work by area or floor and coordinating shutdowns during off-hours
Phasing renovation work and scheduling noisy or disruptive activities during off-hours or weekends minimizes impact on occupants while maintaining productivity.
Question 6: Which document formally establishes the agreed-upon scope, schedule, and budget baseline against which project performance is measured?
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Project Management Plan (PMP) (Correct answer)
- Punch list
- Submittal register
Correct answer: Project Management Plan (PMP)
The Project Management Plan documents the approved baseline for scope, schedule, and cost and serves as the reference point for measuring and managing performance.
AFE AFE Project Management & Capital Planning 2
Which scheduling technique identifies the longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the minimum project duration?