CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Tools and DocumentationHard
A project manager is facing a situation where several critical tasks are frequently delayed, impacting subsequent activities and potentially extending the overall project duration. The project manager needs a tool to identify which specific tasks, if delayed, will directly affect the project's earliest completion date. Which technique should be applied?
- AResource Leveling
- BCritical Path Analysis (CPA)
- CEarned Value Management (EVM)
- DDependency Structure Matrix (DSM)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Critical Path Analysis (CPA)
Critical Path Analysis (CPA) is a technique used to identify the sequence of project activities that determines the shortest possible duration to complete the project. Tasks on the critical path have zero float, meaning any delay to them will directly delay the entire project.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Resource leveling adjusts task schedules to resolve resource over-allocation, not to identify critical tasks for project duration.
- C. EVM is used for measuring project performance (cost and schedule variance), not for identifying critical tasks impacting duration.
- D. A DSM shows dependencies between system components or tasks but doesn't specifically identify tasks that impact the earliest completion date.
Critical Path Analysis (CPA)
A scheduling technique that identifies the longest sequence of dependent activities in a project, determining the minimum project duration.
- Identifies critical tasks with zero float.
- Any delay on critical path delays the project.
- Used to optimize project schedules.
Memory trick: Critical Path: find the longest road to finish, and watch for potholes!