CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Project Management ConceptsMedium
A project manager is leading a large infrastructure project. A critical path activity, 'Install Main Power Grid,' has an estimated duration of 10 days. Due to unforeseen material delays, this activity is now projected to take 15 days. Assuming no other changes, what will be the impact on the project's overall completion date?
- AThe project completion date will be delayed by 15 days.
- BThe project completion date will be advanced by 5 days if resources are reallocated.
- CThe project completion date will be delayed by 5 days.
- DThe project completion date will remain unchanged due to float in other activities.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The project completion date will be delayed by 5 days.
Activities on the critical path have zero float, meaning any delay to a critical path activity will directly extend the project's overall completion date by the same amount. A 5-day delay to a critical path activity results in a 5-day project delay.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The delay is the *difference* in duration, not the new duration itself.
- B. Reallocating resources might mitigate future delays, but doesn't retroactively fix the current 5-day delay without further action.
- D. Critical path activities have zero float; delays directly impact the end date.
Critical Path
The longest sequence of activities in a project schedule that determines the shortest possible duration for the project. Any delay to activities on the critical path will delay the entire project.
- Has zero float or slack.
- Determines the project's earliest completion date.
- Must be closely monitored for potential delays.
Memory trick: Critical means no wiggle room; delay it, delay all.