CSLB C-33 Painting & DecoratingBusiness and Project ManagementMedium
A painting contractor is reviewing their project schedule and identifies a task with 'float' or 'slack'. What does this indicate about the task?
- AIt is a milestone and marks a significant project achievement.
- BIt is on the critical path and cannot be delayed.
- CIt has extra time and can be delayed without affecting the project end date.
- DIt requires additional resources to be completed on time.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It has extra time and can be delayed without affecting the project end date.
Float (also known as slack) refers to the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project's overall completion date or violating a schedule constraint. Tasks with float are not on the critical path.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A milestone is a point in time, not a task with inherent float, although the path leading to it might have float.
- B. Tasks on the critical path have zero float and cannot be delayed without delaying the project.
- D. Float relates to time flexibility, not directly to resource requirements.
Float (Slack)
The amount of time an activity can be delayed from its early start date without delaying the project finish date or violating a schedule constraint.
- Indicates flexibility in the project schedule.
- Tasks with zero float are critical path activities.
- Can be used to optimize resource allocation.
Memory trick: Float means Flexible Time.