CCS Project Planning & Scheduling 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scheduling technique is best suited for projects with high uncertainty in activity durations, as it uses three-point estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic)?
- Critical Path Method (CPM)
- Gantt chart method
- Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) (Correct answer)
- Linear scheduling method
Correct answer: Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
PERT uses three-point estimates to account for activity duration uncertainty and calculates expected durations using a weighted average formula.
Question 2: A construction project specification requires that the contractor submit a 'recovery schedule' when work falls behind. What triggers this requirement?
- Any cost overrun exceeding 5% of the contract sum
- When the project schedule slips beyond a specified threshold, often 10 days behind (Correct answer)
- When the architect issues more than five RFIs in a week
- When a subcontractor files a claim for additional compensation
Correct answer: When the project schedule slips beyond a specified threshold, often 10 days behind
A recovery schedule is typically required when the project falls behind by a specified number of days or a percentage threshold, as defined in the contract documents.
Question 3: What is 'resource leveling' in construction project scheduling?
- Equalizing labor rates across all subcontractors on a project
- Adjusting the schedule to smooth resource demands over time while respecting project constraints (Correct answer)
- Distributing the contract sum equally across all schedule activities
- Balancing the number of specifications sections across CSI divisions
Correct answer: Adjusting the schedule to smooth resource demands over time while respecting project constraints
Resource leveling adjusts activity start and finish dates to optimize resource utilization and avoid peaks or shortages throughout the schedule.
Question 4: In the context of construction specifications, what does a 'phasing plan' typically address?
- The sequence of specification section submissions to the architect
- The staged sequence of construction activities to minimize disruption, especially for occupied facilities (Correct answer)
- The division of the project budget into funding phases
- The order in which design disciplines complete their drawings
Correct answer: The staged sequence of construction activities to minimize disruption, especially for occupied facilities
A phasing plan defines the sequence of construction stages, often to maintain building occupancy, meet operational needs, or comply with permit requirements.
Question 5: Which CSI MasterFormat division typically addresses project management and coordination requirements, including scheduling submittals?
- Division 00 – Procurement and Contracting Requirements
- Division 01 – General Requirements (Correct answer)
- Division 02 – Existing Conditions
- Division 03 – Concrete
Correct answer: Division 01 – General Requirements
Division 01 – General Requirements contains project-wide administrative and procedural requirements, including scheduling, submittals, and coordination.
Question 6: What is the significance of 'Substantial Completion' in relation to project scheduling?
- It marks the point when 50% of the contract value has been earned
- It is the date when the work is sufficiently complete for the owner to occupy or use the facility for its intended purpose (Correct answer)
- It signals the start of the contractor's defect liability period only
- It is the date the final payment is released to the contractor
Correct answer: It is the date when the work is sufficiently complete for the owner to occupy or use the facility for its intended purpose
Substantial Completion is the point where the work is complete enough for the owner to use it for its intended purpose, triggering key contractual milestones.
Question 7: A specifier includes a 'Time is of the Essence' clause in Division 01. What effect does this have on the contractor?
- It eliminates the contractor's right to request time extensions for any reason
- It establishes that project deadlines are contractually binding and delay constitutes a material breach (Correct answer)
- It requires the contractor to work double shifts for the entire project duration
- It gives the owner the right to take over work from any subcontractor at any time
Correct answer: It establishes that project deadlines are contractually binding and delay constitutes a material breach
'Time is of the Essence' makes all schedule deadlines material contract terms, meaning delay constitutes a breach of contract.
CCS Project Planning & Scheduling 3
Which scheduling technique is best suited for projects with high uncertainty in activity durations, as it uses three-point estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic)?