Back to Estimating Activity Durations

Alternative Analysis

5 minutes 5 Questions

Alternative Analysis is a technique used during Estimating Activity Durations to evaluate different options or approaches for executing project activities. This technique involves examining various methods, resources, or sequences to determine the most efficient and effective way to accomplish an activity. By considering multiple alternatives, project managers can identify the approach that best balances time, cost, quality, and resource availability. In the context of activity duration estimation, Alternative Analysis helps assess different scenarios that could affect the duration of activities. For instance, it might involve evaluating whether to use manual labor versus automation, outsourcing versus in-house development, or different types of equipment or technology. Each alternative may have different implications on the activity's duration, cost, and overall project risk. By systematically comparing the pros and cons of each alternative, project teams can make informed decisions that optimize the schedule. This process often involves quantitative analysis, such as cost-benefit analysis, as well as qualitative considerations like impact on quality or stakeholder satisfaction. Alternative Analysis supports proactive decision-making by highlighting potential efficiencies or risks associated with different approaches. It also encourages creative thinking and flexibility in planning. Incorporating this technique into duration estimating helps ensure that estimates are realistic and aligned with the project's objectives and constraints.

Alternative Analysis in Estimating Activity Durations

What is Alternative Analysis?

Alternative Analysis is a project management technique used in estimating activity durations. It involves evaluating multiple approaches to completing project activities and selecting the most efficient method. This technique compares different methods, resources, and approaches to find the optimal way to accomplish project tasks.

Why is Alternative Analysis Important?

Alternative Analysis is crucial because it:

- Helps identify the most efficient approach to completing activities
- Reduces project costs and timeframes
- Improves resource allocation
- Provides flexibility in project planning
- Minimizes risks by considering multiple scenarios
- Enhances decision-making with data-driven comparisons

How Alternative Analysis Works

1. Identify potential approaches: Brainstorm different methods to complete activities
2. Analyze each alternative: Evaluate each approach based on time, cost, resources, and risks
3. Compare alternatives: Use metrics and criteria to assess each option objectively
4. Select the optimal approach: Choose the method that best meets project constraints and objectives
5. Document the decision: Record the chosen approach and rationale for project documentation

Examples of Alternatives to Consider:

- Different sequencing of activities
- Varying resource allocation strategies
- Using internal vs. external resources
- Applying different technologies or methodologies
- Fast-tracking vs. standard scheduling
- Manual vs. automated approaches

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Alternative Analysis

1. Recognize the context: Identify when a question is asking about comparing approaches to complete activities.

2. Focus on efficiency: Remember that Alternative Analysis aims to find the most efficient approach. In exam questions, look for options that balance time, cost, and resources effectively.

3. Consider multiple factors: Good alternatives consider various constraints such as schedule, budget, resources, and quality requirements.

4. Look for trade-offs: Questions may ask you to identify the best alternative when facing competing constraints. Understand the priorities in the given scenario.

5. Remember documentation: Alternative Analysis should be documented as part of the project planning process. This documentation may be referenced in exam questions.

6. Connect to other knowledge areas: Alternative Analysis relates to cost management, schedule management, and risk management. Understand these connections for integrated questions.

7. Practice comparative analysis: Get comfortable evaluating multiple options against defined criteria, as exam questions may present scenarios requiring this skill.

8. Know when to apply: Understand that Alternative Analysis is particularly valuable when there are clearly different approaches available to complete a task.

Test mode:
Start practice test
PMI-SP - Estimating Activity Durations Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

In Alternative Analysis for project scheduling, what best describes the 'Critical Chain Method'?

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.

Question 2

During Alternative Analysis in project scheduling, which aspect most accurately describes resource leveling?

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.

Question 3

During Alternative Analysis in project scheduling, what is the primary purpose of performing fast tracking?

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.

Go Premium

PMI Scheduling Professional Preparation Package (2025)

  • 3429 Superior-grade PMI Scheduling Professional practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless PMI-SP preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Alternative Analysis questions
12 questions (total)
Start 12 question test