Float, also known as 'slack,' is a scheduling concept used to determine the flexibility and availability of time for a specific activity or task in a project. Float calculation involves the evaluation of the total amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project's overall com…Float, also known as 'slack,' is a scheduling concept used to determine the flexibility and availability of time for a specific activity or task in a project. Float calculation involves the evaluation of the total amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project's overall completion date. In project management, there are two types of float: free float and total float. Free float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without impacting the start of any subsequent activities, while total float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project's overall completion date. By calculating float, project managers can proactively manage the project schedule, allocate resources efficiently, and identify potential risks that may impact the project's timeline.
Complete Guide on Float Calculation in PMP Exam
Float calculation is an essential concept in project scheduling development. Why it is important: The computation of 'float' or 'slack' helps to understand the flexibility in scheduling activities without affecting the project completion date. Determining the float helps in managing project risks, re-allocating resources, and optimising project schedules. What it is: Float calculation refers to the amount of time that a project activity can be delayed, without causing a delay to subsequent activities or the project's overall completion. How it works: This is calculated by using the earliest and latest start and finish times. There are two types of floats - total float and free float. Total float refers to the total time that you can delay a task without delaying the project. Free float is the total time that you can delay a task without delaying the next task. How to answer questions: While encountering questions on float calculation in an exam, it's crucial to understand the difference between total float and free float. Knowing how to calculate both is essential, and diagrams can be helpful in understanding the relationship between different tasks and their floats. Exam Tips:Answering Questions on Float Calculation: Remember that the float or slack is usually zero for activities on the critical path. Think through the implications of delaying tasks on your project schedule to answer questions around this. Practice calculation-based questions, as this is fundamental to mastering the concept of float calculation.
A project manager discovered that activity D has a Free Float of 4 days but wanted to verify the calculation. With the given data, determine if the Free Float was correctly calculated: Activity D - Early Start (ES) = 6, Early Finish (EF) = 15; Activity F (successor of Activity D) - Early Start (ES) = 19.
Question 2
In a project, the project manager has provided the new data for Activity Z which shows Early Start (ES) = 12, Early Finish (EF) = 20; Activity Y - Early Start (ES) = 23, and the manager wants to confirm the Free Float of Activity Z. What should be the correct Free Float of the activity?
Question 3
In an engineering project, Activity K has an ES of 15 and an EF of 23, Activity L has an ES of 30 and EF of 40. What is the Total Float of Activity K in this case?
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