Civil Engineering PE Project Planning and Estimating 3

Question 1

Which scheduling technique is most appropriate when activity durations are uncertain and probabilistic estimates are needed?

Accepted Answer

PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)

Answer

PERT uses three-point estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic) to account for uncertainty and compute probabilistic project durations.

Question 2

A project manager wants to compress a schedule by adding resources to critical path activities. This technique is called:

Accepted Answer

Crashing

Answer

Crashing involves adding resources (labor, equipment) to critical path activities to reduce duration, typically at an increased cost.

Question 3

In a PERT analysis, an activity has an optimistic duration of 4 days, a most likely duration of 7 days, and a pessimistic duration of 16 days. What is the expected duration?

Accepted Answer

8.0 days

Answer

PERT expected duration = (O + 4M + P)/6 = (4 + 4×7 + 16)/6 = (4 + 28 + 16)/6 = 48/6 = 8 days.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a construction contingency allowance in a project estimate?

Accepted Answer

To account for foreseeable but uncertain scope items

Answer

Contingency allowances cover foreseeable but uncertain cost items within the defined scope, not scope changes or contractor profit.

Question 5

Which document formally authorizes a project and identifies the project manager's authority?

Accepted Answer

Project charter

Answer

The project charter is the formal document that authorizes the project and grants the project manager authority to apply resources.

Civil Engineering PE Practice Test

Civil Engineering PE Practice Test

Civil Engineering PE Project Planning and Estimating 3