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Project Duration

5 minutes 5 Questions

Project duration is the time between the start and the completion of the project. It is a crucial element of the Critical Path Method. This method aims at determining the shortest possible project duration by optimizing the sequence of tasks. It does so by highlighting activities that directly impact the project timeline (i.e., those on the critical path). This information can then be used to better manage project schedules and allocate resources more efficiently.

The Complete Guide to Project Duration

Importance: Understanding Project Duration is crucial as it pertains to the overall timeline needed to complete a project. Knowledge of Project Duration helps to inform better planning, scheduling and resource allocation decisions.

What is it: Project Duration refers to the total amount of time taken to complete a project from start to finish. It is typically measured in workdays, but may also be measured in weeks, months or years depending on the project complexity. Time estimation techniques like Critical Path Method (CPM) and PERT are often used to calculate Project Duration.

How it works: A project work breakdown structure (WBS) is first created, breaking down the entire project into smaller, manageable tasks. Then, the duration for each task is estimated. These task durations are used to create a project schedule. The Critical Path Method is then applied to this schedule to identify the longest sequence of tasks, which determines the Project Duration.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Project Duration:
1. Review the question carefully and highlight key details and figures.
2. Use structured methods such as CPM or PERT to calculate project durations wherever applicable.
3. Ensure that your answers include not only the calculated durations but also the assumptions made and the process used for calculation.
4. Always provide reasoning: Do not just write the final answer, explain how you arrived at it.
5. Practice with sample questions and exams to familiarize yourself with the kind of questions you may face.

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CAPM - Critical Path Method Example Questions

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Question 1

You are managing a project with a total duration of 12 months. However, your stakeholders express a sudden desire for the project to be completed in 10 months without expanding the budget or altering delivery standards. What should you do?

Correct Answer: Fast track the project, which may increase the risk

Fast tracking the project is the suitable option in this scenario. Fast tracking means tasks which were planned to be performed sequentially are performed in parallel or overlapped. It will increase the risks, as more tasks are being done simultaneously, but it's the only option that satisfies the stakeholders' request to finish the project in a shorter timeframe without increasing the budget or affecting quality. Increasing the budget is not an option according to the question. Decomposing the project into smaller tasks might make it easier to manage the activities, but doesn't necessarily shorten the completion time. Rejecting the stakeholders' request outright is also not a good strategy in maintaining stakeholder relationships and cooperation.

Question 2

Which project estimation technique uses optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates to calculate expected activity durations?

Correct Answer: Three-Point Estimating

Three-Point Estimating is the project estimation technique that uses optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates to calculate expected activity durations. It considers three scenarios: - Optimistic estimate (best-case) - Pessimistic estimate (worst-case) - Most likely estimate By taking these estimates into account, it provides a more accurate and realistic duration for activities, accounting for uncertainty and risks.

Question 3

Your project has a total duration of 9 months. Due to a business requirement, stakeholders are asking to complete the project in 7 months without any additional budget. What would be your approach?

Correct Answer: Conduct a critical path analysis and try to optimize the project schedule without additional cost.

In project management, it's essential to maintain balance among constraints like scope, time, cost and quality. When asked to accelerate the project without additional budget, the best approach would be to 'Conduct a critical path analysis and try to optimize the project schedule without additional cost'. This is because the critical path analysis helps identify the longest path of dependent activities and focus resources to those areas, potentially reducing the project duration. The other options were not considered as the best responses for the following reasons: 'Ignoring stakeholder's request as it falls outside of the originally agreed project scope' is not a good approach as this ignores valuable stakeholder input which might have a significant impact on the success of the project by possibly failing to deliver what is truly needed. 'Reducing the project scope to meet the new timeline' might help to finish the project earlier, but it is not necessarily the optimal solution. It could result in a product that does not meet the required standards or the needs of the stakeholders. 'Request additional budget to expedite task completion' was not considered optimal, because the question specifically mentions that no additional budget is available.

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