Use of Leads and Lags

Correct Answer: When a successor activity can start before its predecessor is fully complete

Lead time is a scheduling technique where a successor activity can begin before the predecessor activity has been completed. This represents an overlap between activities and is commonly used to compress or accelerate project schedules where appropriate. For example, in construction, painting of the first floor could begin while the second floor is still being painted, assuming conditions allow for it. This optimization technique can significantly reduce the overall project duration. The other options are incorrect because: - Waiting for an extended period after predecessor completion describes lag time, not lead time - Maintaining specific time duration between parallel activities' start dates describes lag or constraint relationships - Adding buffer time for quality assurance describes padding or lag time, not lead time Lead time specifically enables the acceleration of the schedule through overlapping activities where feasible, making it a valuable technique for schedule compression.

Correct Answer: Use -5 days in the lag parameter of the relationship

In project scheduling, a lead represents an acceleration of the successor activity, allowing it to start earlier than it normally would in relation to its predecessor. The correct way to represent a lead in scheduling software is to use a negative lag value. Therefore, a 5-day lead is represented as -5 days in the lag parameter. This is the standard notation used in most project management software tools and follows PMI's scheduling guidelines. The other options are incorrect because: - Adding days to total float calculation would not create a lead relationship and would affect schedule calculations incorrectly - Using +5 days would create a lag (delay), not a lead - Using a finish-to-finish relationship with an overlap would not properly represent the lead time and could cause scheduling errors

Correct Answer: Apply a lead time of the required duration in the dependency relationship

In project scheduling, when a successor activity needs to start before its predecessor is fully complete in a Finish-to-Start relationship, the correct approach is to apply a lead time (negative lag) to the dependency relationship. This is a standard scheduling technique that maintains the fundamental Finish-to-Start relationship while allowing for the necessary overlap between activities. Lead time is specifically designed for this scenario and is widely recognized in project management practices. The other options are problematic because: Changing to a Start-to-Start relationship with a mandatory constraint would alter the fundamental relationship between the activities and add unnecessary complexity. Adjusting resource allocation does not address the timing relationship between activities and might create resource conflicts. Splitting the predecessor into multiple phases would unnecessarily complicate the project schedule and create additional dependencies to manage.