Alternative Analysis

Correct Answer: A scheduling method that applies resource leveling and buffer management to account for resource constraints

The Critical Chain Method is best described as a scheduling method that applies resource leveling and buffer management to account for resource constraints. This method focuses on managing resources and uncertainties in project scheduling. It addresses the limitations of traditional critical path scheduling by considering resource availability and adding buffers to protect against potential delays. Key aspects of the Critical Chain Method include: 1. Resource leveling to ensure that resources are not overallocated 2. Buffer management to protect the project schedule from uncertainties 3. Focusing on the critical chain of tasks, which considers both task dependencies and resource constraints The other options are incorrect for the following reasons: Extending project duration by adding contingency reserves at the end of all parallel paths is not a characteristic of the Critical Chain Method. This approach would unnecessarily lengthen the project schedule. Eliminating all float from predecessor activities is not an accurate description of the Critical Chain Method. While it does focus on reducing certain types of slack, it does not eliminate all float. Maximizing resource utilization by assigning multiple critical paths based on resource availability is not a feature of the Critical Chain Method. The method focuses on a single critical chain, not multiple critical paths.

Correct Answer: Adjusting start and finish dates based on resource constraints to balance demand with availability

Resource leveling is a technique used to optimize resource allocation by adjusting the start and finish dates of project activities to balance resource demand with available supply. This technique aims to address resource constraints and overallocation by redistributing activities within their available float, helping to create a more realistic and achievable schedule. The other options are incorrect because: Executing activities in parallel sequence refers to fast tracking, which is a different schedule compression technique that may actually increase resource demands. Modifying activity durations and relationships to achieve the shortest schedule describes critical path analysis, not resource leveling. Applying additional resources to critical path activities describes crashing, which is another schedule compression technique that involves adding more resources to reduce duration, rather than balancing existing resources.

Correct Answer: To compress the project schedule by performing activities in parallel

Fast tracking is a schedule compression technique that aims to shorten the project schedule by performing activities in parallel that would normally be done in sequence. The correct answer accurately describes the primary purpose of fast tracking, which is to compress the schedule by running activities simultaneously that would traditionally be performed sequentially. The other options are incorrect because: - Adding more resources to activities describes 'crashing', not fast tracking - Implementing sequential dependencies would actually lengthen the schedule, which is opposite to fast tracking's purpose - Optimizing resource allocation by adjusting non-critical activities describes resource leveling, which is a different scheduling technique Fast tracking may increase risks due to parallel execution and requires careful analysis of dependencies, but its main purpose remains schedule compression through parallel activity execution.