CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Project Life Cycle PhasesMedium
A project manager reviews the schedule and finds that a single developer is assigned to two tasks at the same time, exceeding available capacity. Without changing the project's scope, the PM adjusts task start dates so the developer is not overallocated. Which technique did the PM use?
- AScope decomposition
- BResource leveling
- CCrashing
- DFast tracking
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Resource leveling
Resource leveling adjusts the schedule to resolve resource overallocation, often extending the timeline, without adding scope or cost. Fast tracking overlaps activities to shorten duration, crashing adds resources to compress schedule, and scope decomposition breaks down deliverables into work packages.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Scope decomposition breaks deliverables into work packages, unrelated to resource conflicts.
- C. Crashing adds resources/cost to shorten the schedule, not resolve overallocation.
- D. Fast tracking overlaps sequential activities to save time, unrelated to overallocation.
Resource Leveling
A scheduling technique that adjusts start/finish dates to resolve resource overallocation, often extending the schedule.
- Used when a resource is overallocated
- May extend the project timeline
- Does not change scope or add resources
Memory trick: Leveling = leveling out one worker's overloaded plate