PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlinePredictive, Plan-Based MethodologiesMedium
A project manager is developing the project schedule for a complex software upgrade. The team has identified all activities and their dependencies. To determine the earliest and latest possible start and finish dates for each activity, considering the network logic, which scheduling technique should the project manager use?
- AGantt Chart
- BResource Leveling
- CCrashing
- DCritical Path Method (CPM)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Critical Path Method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a scheduling technique used to determine the earliest and latest possible start and finish dates for project activities, as well as the critical path and any float. Resource leveling adjusts the schedule based on resource availability, a Gantt chart is a display tool, and crashing is a technique to shorten schedule duration.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A Gantt Chart is a bar chart that illustrates a project schedule.
- B. Resource Leveling is a technique used to adjust the schedule when resources are over-allocated or only available at certain times.
- C. Crashing is a schedule compression technique used to shorten the schedule duration for the least incremental cost by adding resources.
Critical Path Method (CPM)
A schedule network analysis technique that determines the earliest and latest possible start and finish dates for project activities, as well as the critical path without considering resource limitations.
- Calculates 'float' or 'slack' for activities.
- Identifies the longest path through the project network diagram.
- Helps identify activities that, if delayed, will delay the entire project.
Memory trick: CPM Critically Calculates Paths and Dates.