1.
Slack is
Correct Answer
A. The amount of time a non-critical task can be delayed without making the project late.
Explanation
Slack refers to the amount of time that a non-critical task can be delayed without causing a delay in the overall project. It is the flexibility or buffer time available for non-critical tasks. This means that if a non-critical task takes longer than initially planned, it will not impact the project's completion date as long as it is completed within the slack time. Therefore, the correct answer is "The amount of time a non-critical task can be delayed without making the project late."
2.
Which of the following is NOT one of the basic rules to follow when developing project networks?
Correct Answer
E. Complete backward pass first and then forward pass to calculate slack
Explanation
The correct answer is "Complete backward pass first and then forward pass to calculate slack". This is not one of the basic rules to follow when developing project networks. The basic rules include ensuring that an activity cannot begin until all preceding activities have been completed, assigning activity identification numbers in a way that they are larger than any preceding activities, and ensuring that each activity has a unique identification number. Additionally, project networks flow from left to right, which is another basic rule to follow.
3.
A Term NOT used in the discussion of PERT/CPM analysis is
Correct Answer
E. Feasibility
Explanation
This question asks for a term that is not used in the discussion of PERT/CPM analysis. PERT/CPM analysis is a project management technique used to plan and control the scheduling of tasks in a project. The terms activity, critical path, networks, and slack are all commonly used in the discussion of PERT/CPM analysis as they are key concepts in this methodology. However, feasibility is not directly related to PERT/CPM analysis. Feasibility refers to the assessment of whether a project is technically and economically viable. While feasibility may be considered in the overall project management process, it is not a specific term used in the discussion of PERT/CPM analysis.
4.
It is possible for a project network to have more than one critical path?
Correct Answer
A. Yes
Explanation
A critical path is the longest path in a project network that determines the minimum time required to complete the project. It consists of a series of dependent activities that must be completed in a specific order. In some cases, there may be multiple paths in the network that have the same duration and are equally critical. This means that if any activity on any of these paths is delayed, it will directly impact the project's overall completion time. Therefore, it is possible for a project network to have more than one critical path.
5.
When it was originally developed, PERT used certain (deterministic) methods to estimate activity duration.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) was developed to handle uncertain and unpredictable activity durations. It uses probabilistic methods, such as the three-point estimation technique, which takes into account optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates for activity durations. This allows for a more realistic and flexible approach in estimating project timelines. Therefore, the statement that PERT used deterministic methods to estimate activity duration is false.
6.
AON and AOA networks can both be used to depict any project network
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Both AON (Activity on Node) and AOA (Activity on Arrow) networks are commonly used in project management to depict project networks. AON uses nodes to represent activities and arrows to represent dependencies between activities. AOA, on the other hand, uses arrows to represent activities and nodes to represent events. Both types of networks can effectively illustrate the sequence of activities and their relationships, making them suitable for representing any project network. Therefore, the statement that AON and AOA networks can both be used to depict any project network is true.
7.
The shortest time to complete a network is equal to the duration of the longest path through the network
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the longest path through a network represents the critical path, which is the sequence of activities that takes the longest time to complete. The duration of this critical path determines the shortest time required to complete the entire network. Therefore, the shortest time to complete a network is indeed equal to the duration of the longest path through the network.
8.
Critical path tasks always have zero slack
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because critical path tasks are the tasks that must be completed in order to complete a project on time. These tasks have no flexibility in terms of time and any delay in their completion will directly impact the overall project timeline. Therefore, critical path tasks always have zero slack, meaning there is no room for delay or slack in their scheduling.
9.
Reducing project duration
Correct Answer
C. Is always more expensive
Explanation
Reducing project duration is always more expensive because it usually requires additional resources, such as overtime pay, hiring extra staff, or utilizing expensive equipment to complete the project in a shorter time frame. This increased cost is necessary to speed up the project and meet the desired deadline. However, it is not the only factor to consider when deciding whether to reduce project duration, as other factors such as the project's importance, available resources, and potential risks should also be taken into account.
10.
The delaying of any activity on the critical path will delay the completion of the project by the same amount
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
If an activity is on the critical path of a project, it means that it has zero float or slack time and any delay in its completion will directly impact the project's overall timeline. Therefore, if any activity on the critical path is delayed, the project's completion will be delayed by the same amount. This is because the critical path determines the minimum time required to complete the project, and any delay in the critical path activities will extend the project's duration.