CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Project Management ConceptsHard
A project manager is developing a schedule for a construction project. Task X (Pour Foundation) has a duration of 5 days. Task Y (Erect Walls) cannot start until Task X is 100% complete. Task Z (Install Roof) cannot start until Task Y is 100% complete. What is the total float (slack) for Task Y if the project's critical path is 15 days and Task Y is on the critical path?
- A3 days
- B5 days
- CVariable, depending on other tasks
- D0 days
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 0 days
If a task is on the critical path, by definition, it has zero total float. Any delay in a critical path activity will directly delay the project's completion date.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. This would imply Task Y is not on the critical path or has some buffer.
- B. Incorrect. This would imply Task Y is not on the critical path or has significant buffer.
- C. Incorrect. While float can be complex, for a critical path activity, it is always zero by definition.
Total Float (Slack)
The amount of time that a schedule activity can be delayed or extended from its early start date without delaying the project finish date or violating a schedule constraint.
- Calculated as Late Finish - Early Finish (LF - EF) or Late Start - Early Start (LS - ES).
- Critical path activities have zero total float.
- Positive float indicates flexibility; negative float indicates a schedule problem.
Memory trick: Schedule terms help manage time: ES, EF, LS, LF, Float.