Schedule Compression Techniques

Correct Answer: Cost-slope analysis of each activity

Cost-slope analysis is the most appropriate indicator for prioritizing activity compression because: It provides a quantitative measure of the cost efficiency of compression for each activity by calculating the cost increase per unit time saved. This allows project managers to select the most cost-effective compression options first. The lower the cost slope, the more economical it is to compress that activity, making it a clear priority in the compression sequence. Why other options are less effective: Total float and resource usage patterns are important but don't specifically address the cost efficiency of compression. Sequential arrangement based on dependencies doesn't consider the cost implications of compression decisions. Resource leveling indices with duration variances focus on resource optimization rather than the cost-effectiveness of compression. In schedule compression, the goal is to reduce duration while minimizing the additional costs, making cost-slope analysis the most relevant decision-making tool.

Correct Answer: Using fast tracking for low-risk activities and crashing for high-priority tasks

The most efficient approach to schedule compression combines fast tracking and crashing strategically: Fast tracking for low-risk activities is safer because these activities have a lower probability of rework or errors. By applying it selectively to activities with minimal risk, we reduce the potential negative impacts. Crashing for high-priority tasks ensures critical path activities receive necessary resources to reduce duration where it matters most. This balanced approach is more cost-effective than the alternatives because: Resource leveling before fast tracking would delay completion and negate compression benefits. Applying crashing to all activities would be extremely expensive and potentially wasteful for non-critical activities. Using only fast tracking could increase risks significantly and may not achieve the desired compression in critical areas where additional resources are needed. The optimal solution combines both techniques, applying each where most appropriate based on risk levels and priority of tasks.

Correct Answer: Crashing increases resource demands while fast tracking maintains existing resource levels

Crashing increases resource demands while fast tracking maintains existing resource levels is the correct answer. Here's why: Crashing involves adding more resources (usually people, equipment, or materials) to specific activities to reduce their duration. This naturally increases resource demands and costs. Fast tracking involves performing activities in parallel that would normally be done in sequence. This technique typically maintains the same resource levels but rearranges when they are used. The other answers are incorrect because: Fast tracking does not inherently increase resource demands - it just changes the timing of resource usage. Crashing never reduces resource consumption - it always requires additional resources to compress the schedule. The techniques do not result in equal resource distribution - they have distinctly different impacts on resource allocation. Neither technique leads to decreased resource requirements - at best, fast tracking maintains existing levels while crashing increases them.