Project Schedule Management

Correct Answer: Fast-tracking

The correct answer is 'Fast-tracking'. When behind schedule on a critical path of a project, fast-tracking is a common technique used to catch up. This involves doing multiple activities simultaneously that were initially planned to be done in sequence, thus saving time. On the other hand, 'Scope reduction' would compromise the project's initial goals, making it an undesirable option. 'Cost budgeting' relates to the control of expenses in a project and not to the schedule management, hence it's not an appropriate response for this question. 'Resource leveling' manages the project timeline by adjusting the start and end times of tasks to match resources availability, but it doesn't necessarily speed up processes. It focuses on the fair and efficient allocation of resources rather than on catching up with the schedule.

Correct Answer: Total Float

Total Float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the overall project completion date. It represents the scheduling flexibility within the project network while ensuring that the project's end date remains unaffected. Free Float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start of its successor activities, but it doesn't consider the project's end date. Negative Float indicates that the project schedule is behind and the activities must be accelerated to meet the deadline. Schedule Variance measures the difference between the planned progress and the actual progress in terms of time, but doesn't directly relate to activity delay without affecting the project completion date. Therefore, Total Float is the correct term that describes the required scheduling flexibility.

Correct Answer: It delays the start of the next activity.

Introducing a lag in the project schedule creates a delay between two activities. This means that after the first activity is completed, there is a waiting period before the next activity begins. Therefore, adding a lag delays the start of the next activity. It does not allow activities to overlap (which would be a lead), accelerate the previous activity, or shorten the total project time.