Scheduling projects chapter 7
Chapter 7 - Scheduling Projects
TRUE/FALSE
- In order for activities to be useful as schedule building blocks, they should have tangible output that can be verified.
ANS: T DIF: Average REF: Intro
- There is often terrific pressure to complete a project as quickly as possible. To confront this pressure, a project manager should quickly promise to meet the deadlines requested by the sponsor and then assemble a team to create the corresponding schedule.
ANS: F DIF: Average REF: 7.4
- The first process in developing a project schedule is to identify all the resources available to work on the project.
ANS: F DIF: Challenging REF: 7.5
- While the lowest level of decomposition in a Work Breakdown Structure is the work package, work packages can still be decomposed further into project activities.
ANS: T DIF: Average REF: 7.5
- Except in rare circumstances, project teams should not attempt to decompose work packages into project activities because work packages provide sufficient detail to develop a project schedule.
ANS: F DIF: Challenging REF: 7.5
- A successor activity follows a predecessor activity based on their logical relationship.
ANS: T DIF: Easy REF: 7.6
- The most common type of logical dependency to determine the sequence of project activities is “finish-to-finish”.
ANS: F DIF: Average REF: 7.6
- The “start-to-start” logical relationship used in activity sequencing applies to the case where initiation of the successor activity depends upon initiation of the predecessor activity.
ANS: T DIF: Average REF: 7.6
- The length of time to perform an activity is often dependent upon who will do that work.
ANS: T DIF: Easy REF: 7.7
- Prioritizing projects and carefully authorizing the start of non-critical activities can serve as remedies for multi-tasking.
ANS: T DIF: Challenging REF: 7.7
- The critical path is the sequence of activities that form the shortest path through the project network and determine the duration of the project.
ANS: F DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- If a project manager delays the start of an activity on the critical path, then the expected completion date of the project will occur at a later date than originally planned.
ANS: T DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- The enumeration method of determining the critical path relies upon identification of all paths through the project network.
ANS: T DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- When developing a project schedule, slack refers to the time between the start and the finish of a planned activity.
ANS: F DIF: Challenging REF: 7.8
- Even small delays on “near-critical” activities can change the critical path of a project.
ANS: T DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- PERT refers to the Program Evaluation and Review Technique which was developed to better understand how variability in the duration of individual activities impacts the expected project duration.
ANS: T DIF: Average REF: 7.9
- GANTT refers to the Generalized Activity Network Tracking Technique which was developed to better understand how variability in the duration of individual activities impacts the expected project duration.
ANS: F DIF: Easy REF: 7.9
- The primary advantage of PERT is that it removes uncertainty from the estimates of activity durations, thereby increasing confidence in the reliability of a project schedule.
ANS: F DIF: Challenging REF: 7.9
- Monte Carlo Analysis is a technique that computes activity durations based on three time estimates: one optimistic, one pessimistic and one most likely.
ANS: F DIF: Easy REF: 7.9
- A Gantt chart is a tool that can be used to communicate a project schedule.
ANS: T DIF: Easy REF: 7.10
MULTIPLE CHOICE
- Estimating the number of work periods that will be needed to complete individual schedule activities characterizes which of the following time management processes?
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a.
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activity definition
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b.
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activity sequencing
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c.
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activity duration estimating
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d.
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none of these
|
ANS: C DIF: Average REF: 7.1
- Creating a realistic schedule is often an iterative process because several factors can limit how fast a project can be completed. Which of the following factors can limit how fast a project can be scheduled and completed?
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a.
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logical order
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b.
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imposed dates
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c.
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resource availability
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d.
|
all of these
|
ANS: D DIF: Average REF: 7.4
- Faced with significant schedule challenges, the project manager has several responsibilities. Which of the following are among the project manager’s responsibilities?
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a.
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determine a feasible schedule
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b.
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persuade all stakeholders that the schedule makes sense
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c.
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deliver the project according to the agreed-upon schedule
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d.
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all of these
|
ANS: D DIF: Average REF: 7.4
- Which of the following items can provide useful assistance to a project team to define the activities of a project?
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a.
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the work packages from the Work Breakdown Structure
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b.
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schedules from similar projects that are already completed
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c.
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checklists for projects of the same type
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d.
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all of these
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ANS: D DIF: Easy REF: 7.5
- Milestones are important points in a project schedule that can serve as check points for project managers and sponsors. Which of the following reasons might justify the decision to establish a milestone?
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a.
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completion of a major deliverable
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b.
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a pending decision to commit a large amount of money
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|
c.
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a merging point where multiple activities must be completed before progress can continue
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d.
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all of these
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ANS: D DIF: Challenging REF: 7.5
- A scheduled activity that determines when a logical successor activity can begin and end is known as:
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a.
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a catalyst activity
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b.
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a predecessor activity
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c.
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a leader activity
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d.
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none of these
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ANS: B DIF: Average REF: 7.6
- The sequencing of activities is often based upon dependencies between the activities. The dependencies that should guide activity sequencing can be either:
|
a.
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mandatory or discretionary
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|
b.
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arbitrary or capricious
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|
c.
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logical or illogical
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d.
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none of these
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ANS: A DIF: Easy REF: 7.6
- Which of the following responses identifies a common type of logical dependency used to sequence project activities?
|
a.
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first-in; first-out
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|
b.
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last-in; last-out
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|
c.
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finish-to-start
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d.
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all of these
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ANS: C DIF: Average REF: 7.6
- The total number of work periods (not including holidays or other non-work time) required to complete a schedule activity is known as:
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a.
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effort
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b.
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elapsed time
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c.
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duration
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d.
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none of these
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ANS: C DIF: Easy REF: 7.7
- Which of the following strategies can help a project team to develop realistic time estimates for project activities?
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a.
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verify the time estimates with the people doing the work
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b.
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be sure to consider learning curves, interruptions and competing priorities
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c.
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adjust estimates from previous projects to account for differences
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d.
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all of these
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ANS: D DIF: Average REF: 7.7
- Which of the following problems contributes to difficulty in estimating activity durations accurately?
|
a.
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merging - the case of multiple predecessors
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b.
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omissions - leaving out key activities
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c.
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general uncertainty in the estimate
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d.
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all of these
|
ANS: D DIF: Average REF: 7.7
- Which of the following remedies may reduce the likelihood of omissions when developing activity duration estimates.
|
a.
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staggered project start dates
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b.
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resource buffers
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c.
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checklists, templates, WBS
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d.
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all of these
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ANS: C DIF: Average REF: 7.7
- Which of the following statements correctly describes the critical path?
|
a.
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It is the shortest sequence of activities through the project network.
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b.
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It determines the latest possible end date of the project.
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c.
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It consists only of activities with zero slack.
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d.
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all of these
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ANS: C DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- The total amount of time a schedule activity may be delayed from its early start date without delaying the project finish date is known as:
|
a.
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reserve
|
|
b.
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slack
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c.
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contingency
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d.
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none of these
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ANS: B DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- Despite the insights that PERT provides, there are still practical limitations that impact its usefulness. Which of the following difficulties are associated with the use of PERT?
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a.
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It often requires more effort to generate three estimates than one.
|
|
b.
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There is no assurance that three estimates are any more accurate than one.
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c.
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It does not accurately address the case when two activities both need to be accomplished before a third can begin.
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d.
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all of these
|
ANS: D DIF: Challenging REF: 7.9
- Which of the following statements correctly describes an advantage or disadvantage associated with the use of Monte Carlo Analysis?
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a.
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The flexibility of Monte Carlo Analysis allows for more realistic estimates.
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b.
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Monte Carlo simulation aids in the identification of near-critical paths.
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|
c.
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Monte Carlo simulations typically require the use of special software and skills.
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d.
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all of these
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ANS: D DIF: Average REF: 7.9
| |
Figure 7-1 Assembly Project
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- Consider the Assembly Project depicted in Figure 7-1. Based on the information provided, what is the early start date for activity D - “Attach Modules 1 & 2”?
|
a.
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Day 0
|
|
b.
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Day 3
|
|
c.
|
Day 4
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d.
|
Day 5
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ANS: D DIF: Average REF: 7.8
| |
Figure 7-2 Research Project
|
- Consider the Research Project depicted in Figure 7-2. Based on the information provided, what is the late start date for activity C - “Review Reports”?
|
a.
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Day 0
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|
b.
|
Day 2
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c.
|
Day 4
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d.
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Day 10
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ANS: C DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- Consider the Research Project depicted in Figure 7-2. Based on the information provided, what is the late start date for activity A - “Plan Research”?
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a.
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Day 0
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b.
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Day 2
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c.
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Day 4
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d.
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Day 10
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ANS: A DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- Consider the Research Project depicted in Figure 7-2. Based on the information provided, which activity can you delay by one day without impacting the expected completion date for the project?
|
a.
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Activity A
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|
b.
|
Activity B
|
|
c.
|
Activity C
|
|
d.
|
Activity D
|
ANS: C DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- Consider the Research Project depicted in Figure 7-2. Based on the information provided, what is the slack associated with activity C - “Review Reports”?
|
a.
|
0 days
|
|
b.
|
1 day
|
|
c.
|
2 days
|
|
d.
|
4 days
|
ANS: C DIF: Average REF: 7.8
| |
Figure 7-3 System Integration Project
|
- Consider the System Integration Project depicted in Figure 7-3. Based on the information provided, what is the expected duration of this project?
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a.
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15 days
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b.
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16 days
|
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c.
|
17 days
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d.
|
30 days
|
ANS: C DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- Consider the System Integration Project depicted in Figure 7-3. Based on the information provided, which activities constitute the critical path for this project?
|
a.
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A-B-E-F
|
|
b.
|
A-C-E-F
|
|
c.
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A-D-E-F
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|
d.
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A-D-F
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ANS: A DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- Consider the System Integration Project depicted in Figure 7-3. Based on the information provided, which activities can be delayed one day without impacting the expected project completion date?
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a.
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Activity E - Install Software and Activity F - Test System
|
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b.
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Activity C - Purchase Software and Activity E - Install Software
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|
c.
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Activity C - Purchase Software and Activity D - Prepare Test Plan
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d.
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none of these
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ANS: C DIF: Challenging REF: 7.8
- Consider the System Integration Project depicted in Figure 7-3. Based on the information provided, how many days can you delay the purchase of software (Activity C), without impacting the expected project completion date?
|
a.
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0 days
|
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b.
|
1 day
|
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c.
|
2 days
|
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d.
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4 days
|
ANS: B DIF: Challenging REF: 7.8
| |
Figure 7-4 Lab Experiment Project
|
- Consider the Lab Experiment Project depicted in Figure 7-4. Based on the information provided, what is the expected duration of this project?
|
a.
|
22 days
|
|
b.
|
24 days
|
|
c.
|
26 days
|
|
d.
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28 days
|
ANS: B DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- Consider the Lab Experiment Project depicted in Figure 7-4. Based on the information provided, identify the critical path(s) for this project?
|
a.
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A-C-F only
|
|
b.
|
A-B-D-F only
|
|
c.
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A-B-E-F only
|
|
d.
|
Both A-B-D-F and A-B-E-F are critical paths
|
ANS: D DIF: Challenging REF: 7.8
- Consider the Lab Experiment Project depicted in Figure 7-4. Based on the information provided, which activity can be delayed one day without impacting the expected project completion date?
|
a.
|
Activity B - Calibrate Instruments
|
|
b.
|
Activity C - Review Studies
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|
c.
|
Activity D - Monitor Instruments
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|
d.
|
Activity E - Test Samples
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ANS: B DIF: Average REF: 7.8
- Consider the Lab Experiment Project depicted in Figure 7-4. Based on the information provided, how many days can you delay the calibration of the instrumentation (Activity B), without impacting the expected project completion date?
|
a.
|
0 days
|
|
b.
|
1 day
|
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c.
|
2 days
|
|
d.
|
4 days
|
ANS: A DIF: Challenging REF: 7.8
|
Activity
|
Optimistic
Time (a)
|
Most Likely
Time (m)
|
Pessimistic
Time (b)
|
Expected
Duration
|
|
A - Review Design
|
18
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24
|
30
|
24
|
|
B - Assemble Item
|
14
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21
|
28
|
21
|
|
C - Inspect Item
|
4
|
6
|
8
|
6
|
|
D - Package Item
|
5
|
10
|
12
|
?
|
|
Figure 7-5 Duration Estimates
|
- Consider the activity duration estimates presented in Figure 7-5. Based on the information provided and adopting the PERT conventions to calculate expected activity durations, what is the expected duration of Activity D - “Package Item”?
|
a.
|
9 days
|
|
b.
|
9.5 days
|
|
c.
|
10 days
|
|
d.
|
12 days
|
ANS: B DIF: Challenging REF: 7.9
|
Activity
|
Predecessor(s)
|
Duration (days)
|
|
A
|
---
|
5
|
|
B
|
A
|
20
|
|
C
|
A
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15
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D
|
A
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5
|
|
E
|
B, C
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60
|
|
F
|
D
|
15
|
|
G
|
E
|
20
|
|
H
|
E
|
15
|
|
I
|
F, G, H
|
2
|
|
Figure 7-6 Network Scheduling Data
|
- Consider the network scheduling data provided in Figure 7-6. Which activities constitute the critical path for this project network?
|
a.
|
A-D-F-I
|
|
b.
|
A-C-E-H-I
|
|
c.
|
A-B-E-H-I
|
|
d.
|
A-B-E-G-I
|
ANS: D DIF: Challenging REF: 7.8
- Consider the network scheduling data provided in Figure 7-6. What is the expected duration of this project?
|
a.
|
97 days
|
|
b.
|
102 days
|
|
c.
|
107 days
|
|
d.
|
112 days
|
ANS: C DIF: Challenging REF: 7.8
- Consider the network scheduling data presented in Figure 7-6. How many days of slack are associated with activity F?
ANS: C DIF: Challenging REF: 7.8
ESSAY
- Projects are often completed late. Describe the techniques you would use as a project manager to improve the accuracy and reliability of your project schedule.
ANS: Answers will vary.
DIF: Challenging
- Describe “slack” and how you can use slack to your advantage in managing a project.
ANS: Answers will vary.
DIF: Challenging
- Describe how you would use the members of your project team to develop and execute a project schedule.
ANS: Answers will vary.
DIF: Challenging
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