Project Planning & Scheduling Flashcards

A field builder discovers that a subcontractor's task has a total float of zero days. What does this indicate?

Answer: The task is on the critical path

Zero total float means any delay to that task will directly delay the project completion date, placing it on the critical path.

When preparing a resource-loaded schedule, what is the PRIMARY purpose of resource leveling?

Answer: To smooth resource demand and avoid over-allocation peaks

Resource leveling redistributes work to eliminate over-allocation by shifting non-critical tasks within their float, smoothing the demand curve.

A project schedule baseline is BEST described as:

Answer: The approved version of the schedule used to measure performance

The schedule baseline is the formally approved plan against which actual performance is measured throughout project execution.

Which scheduling technique uses three time estimates—optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely—to account for uncertainty?

Answer: Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

PERT uses three-point estimates and weighted averages to calculate expected activity durations under uncertainty.

In a field construction project, a 'look-ahead schedule' typically covers what time horizon?

Answer: The next 3 to 6 weeks of planned work

Look-ahead schedules (typically 3–6 weeks) focus near-term crews, materials, and equipment needs to keep field work on track.

What does the term 'lag' represent in a project schedule network diagram?

Answer: A mandatory waiting period between the start of a predecessor and successor

Lag is a directed delay applied to a dependency, requiring a specific amount of time to pass before the successor activity can begin.

A field builder is asked to 'fast-track' a project. Which action best describes this strategy?

Answer: Overlapping phases that were originally planned in sequence

Fast-tracking overlaps sequential project phases or activities in parallel, compressing the schedule at the cost of increased risk.