Controlling Schedule

Correct Answer: Re-evaluate the sequence and dependencies of activities to determine schedule optimization opportunities.

The best initial action when facing negative float in project activities is to re-evaluate the sequence and dependencies of activities to determine schedule optimization opportunities. Doing so allows you to identify potential inefficiencies or bottlenecks in the current plan and make adjustments to realign the schedule without overcommitting resources or altering the project baseline prematurely. This approach is often less disruptive and more cost-effective than the alternatives. Adjusting the project baseline should be a last resort once all other options for schedule recovery have been exhausted because it can affect the entire project performance measurement baseline. Implementing mandatory overtime can be an immediate but temporary solution; however, it may not address the root cause of the delays and can lead to burnout and reduced productivity. Seeking additional resources could help, but it may not be the most effective solution if the schedule issues are due to poor sequencing rather than resource constraints. It is critical to analyze the schedule thoroughly to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Correct Answer: The project is behind schedule

A negative total float on the critical path of a project implies that the project is running behind schedule. Total float in project management refers to the amount of time that you can delay a task without delaying the project more than its targeted finish date. Negative total float essentially means the project is forecasted to exceed its targeted finish date- hence, the project is behind schedule. Contrastingly, 'the project is ahead of schedule' is incorrect as a negative float suggests delay, not progress. 'The project has no dependencies' is incorrect as the critical path represents a sequence of tasks in a project that directly impacts the project’s finish date and would probably have dependencies. Lastly, 'the project has extra time available' is incorrect as negative float indicates a lack of time, not an excess.

Correct Answer: Look for ways to compress the schedule, such as crashing or fast tracking, without compromising cost performance

The best course of action when your project's Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is less than 1 (0.8 in this case), which indicates schedule stress or being behind schedule, is to look for ways to compress the schedule. This might involve strategies such as crashing (adding resources to critical path tasks) or fast tracking (doing tasks in parallel that were originally planned in series). These actions can help to get the project back on schedule without necessarily compromising cost performance. The Cost Performance Index (CPI) in this situation is more than 1 (1.3), which indicates a favorable cost performance, so there is not a need to increase the budget. Ignoring the problem would be unwise, because although the project is within cost performance, it is falling behind schedule, which can cause issues down the line. Immediately informing stakeholders without first taking action to correct the issue may cause unnecessary alarm and also does not address the schedule performance issue.