Critical Path Identification

Correct Answer: A critical path consists of activities with zero total float

The critical path in a project network diagram is defined as the sequence of activities that determines the minimum project duration. This path is characterized by activities that have zero total float, meaning any delay in these activities will delay the entire project completion. The correct answer is that a critical path consists of activities with zero total float. This is a fundamental principle in project scheduling and network analysis. The other options are incorrect because: - Resource allocation does not determine the critical path. A critical path is based on activity durations and dependencies, not resource assignments. - While dependencies are important, the critical path is not determined by simply counting the number of dependencies or parallel paths. - Project costs do not determine the critical path. While critical activities may have high costs, the path is determined by time dependencies and durations, not by financial impact.

Correct Answer: The activity has zero total float and influences the project completion date

An activity is on the critical path when it has zero total float and any delay in this activity will impact the project completion date. A critical path consists of activities that determine the earliest completion date for the project. These activities have no scheduling flexibility (zero total float). The incorrect options contain misconceptions: Positive total float indicates schedule flexibility, which is not a characteristic of critical path activities. While activities on the critical path often have significant dependencies, the duration alone does not determine critical path status. Negative float indicates a scheduling problem that needs resolution - it's not a characteristic of a properly scheduled critical path activity.

Correct Answer: A path with total float less than or equal to 10% of the critical path duration

A near-critical path is defined by its total float in relation to the critical path duration. The correct path definition states it has total float less than or equal to 10% of the critical path duration. This is the industry-standard definition used in project scheduling to identify paths that could potentially become critical if small delays occur. The other options are incorrect because: - Sharing activities with the main sequence does not determine near-critical status; it's about float values - Having a fixed range of float days (5-15) is not accurate as this varies based on project size - Resource constraints alone do not define near-critical paths; the definition relies on float calculations