Critical Path Method (CPM)

Correct Answer: Analyzing activities with total float less than 10% of project duration

In CPM, analyzing activities with total float less than 10% of project duration is the most effective approach for identifying near-critical paths because: 1. It focuses on the most time-sensitive activities that could potentially become critical 2. The 10% threshold provides a practical buffer for identifying activities that require close monitoring 3. This method helps in proactive schedule management by highlighting activities that have minimal scheduling flexibility The other options are less effective because: - The number of activities in a path does not correlate with its criticality - Calculating variances between early and late finish dates alone does not provide sufficient context for near-critical path identification - Simply comparing path durations to the longest path lacks the nuanced approach needed to identify truly near-critical activities The 10% float analysis method is industry-standard practice and provides the most reliable way to identify paths that could impact the project schedule if their float is consumed.

Correct Answer: Calculate the total float for all paths and identify those with zero total float

The most accurate method for determining parallel critical paths in CPM is calculating the total float for all paths and identifying those with zero total float. This is the most precise approach because: 1. Total float is the key indicator of criticality in CPM 2. Any path with zero total float is, by definition, a critical path 3. Multiple paths can have zero total float, indicating parallel critical paths Why other options are inadequate: - Simply comparing path durations may miss critical paths that have different start points but same total duration - Using only forward and backward pass calculations may not identify all critical paths, especially in complex networks - Evaluating early start and finish dates alone is insufficient, as it does not consider the total float which is essential for critical path identification The zero total float method is the only approach that definitively identifies ALL critical paths, whether they are parallel or not, making it the most reliable method in CPM analysis.

Correct Answer: The difference between LS and ES represents the potential delay time before impacting project completion

In Critical Path Method (CPM), total float or slack time is calculated by finding the difference between Late Start (LS) and Early Start (ES) dates for an activity. This difference represents the maximum amount of time an activity can be delayed from its early start date before it affects the project completion date. This concept is fundamental in CPM analysis as it helps project managers understand schedule flexibility and prioritize activities. Activities with zero float (LS = ES) are on the critical path, while activities with positive float (LS > ES) have some scheduling flexibility. The other answers are incorrect because: - The sum of ES and LS is not related to project duration or float calculation - ES and LS relationship does not determine mandatory start dates for successors - this is determined by network logic and duration calculations - There is no rule about maintaining a specific gap between ES and LS - the difference varies based on network calculations and can be any duration