AIC Construction Scheduling & Time Management Flashcards

Which scheduling method uses a network diagram to identify the longest path through a project?

Answer: Critical Path Method (CPM)

CPM identifies the critical path — the longest sequence of dependent tasks — to determine the minimum project duration.

In CPM scheduling, 'float' (or slack) refers to:

Answer: The amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project finish date

Float is the amount of time a non-critical activity can be delayed without delaying the overall project completion.

A project has a Planned Value (PV) of $500,000 and an Earned Value (EV) of $450,000. What does this indicate?

Answer: The project is behind schedule

When EV is less than PV, the Schedule Variance is negative, indicating the project is behind schedule.

Which scheduling technique is best suited for repetitive construction tasks such as highway paving?

Answer: Line of Balance

Line of Balance is designed for repetitive work, showing production rates and crew continuity across multiple identical units.

What is the primary purpose of a look-ahead schedule in construction project management?

Answer: To provide a detailed 3–6 week rolling plan for near-term work execution

Look-ahead schedules focus on the near-term work window, helping superintendents coordinate resources, materials, and subcontractors for upcoming tasks.

In PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), the expected duration of an activity is calculated as:

Answer: (Optimistic + 4×Most Likely + Pessimistic) / 6

PERT uses a weighted average formula — (O + 4M + P) / 6 — giving the most weight to the most likely estimate.