Ideal Days

Correct Answer: Educate the team member on ideal days and adjust estimations accordingly

The team should educate the team member about using ideal days as an estimation technique and adjust the estimations accordingly to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understanding.

Correct Answer: The task will now take 9 calendar days to complete, assuming both members work at the same rate.

The original timeline of the task was based on ideal days, which means that all efforts are going into this one task with no interruptions or other tasks. Two team members were assigned to this task making it possible to be completed in 7 ideal days. If one team member is ill and not able to contribute for 3 days, this means that during these days, the task will take twice as long because it relies on only one person instead of two. Hence, these 3 days will really equate to 6 ideal days. If three ideal days were already completed by both team members before the illness, this means that only 1 ideal day is left. So, after the ill team member takes 3 calendar days off (which equates to 6 ideal days), the remaining calendar day will be worked on by both members. Therefore, the task will actually take 9 calendar days in total (3 days with both members, 3 days with one member, and 1 with both). The other answers are incorrect as they do not account for the decrease in productivity when one team member is unable to work on the task.

Correct Answer: Re-assign the task to another team member if possible, else re-estimate the time considering the availability of team members

Let's consider each option. First, 'Re-assign the task to another team member if possible, else re-estimate the time considering the availability of team members'. This addresses the problem directly and provides two sound solutions - reassignment or re-estimation. Both of these tactics can help to keep the project on track in spite of unforeseen circumstances. Second, 'Wait for the team member to return and then start the task'. This could delay the project and is not an efficient use of resources. It should be avoided if possible. Third, 'Insist on completing it in 3 ideal days with the remaining team members'. This could result in undue stress and poor quality of work. It's not advisable to insist on sticking to the original plan when circumstances have changed. Lastly, 'Extend the task to 5 ideal days without any changes in assigning the task'. This is essentially ignoring the problem and allowing the schedule to slip without trying to mitigate the issue. It's not a proactive approach to project management. In conclusion, the best answer is to re-assign the task or re-estimate the time needed.