Project Planning & Scheduling Flashcards

What is the primary distinction between 'float' owned by the contractor and 'project float' in construction scheduling disputes?

Answer: Contractor float provides scheduling buffer for the contractor's own efficiency gains, while project float is shared and can absorb owner-caused delays

Contractor float represents efficiency gains earned by the contractor, while project float is a shared resource that can absorb delays from either party, depending on contract language.

When developing a construction schedule, what is 'predecessor' and 'successor' logic referring to?

Answer: The sequence relationship between activities, where one activity must precede another

Predecessor-successor logic defines the dependency relationships between activities that determine their required sequence in the schedule.

A specification section requires a 'construction phasing exhibit.' Which project condition most commonly necessitates this document?

Answer: Renovation or addition projects requiring continuous owner occupancy during construction

Phasing exhibits are most critical when construction must occur around active building occupants, requiring clear sequencing to minimize disruption.

In the Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM), what does a 'Start-to-Start (SS)' relationship mean?

Answer: The successor activity cannot start until the predecessor activity starts

A Start-to-Start relationship means the successor activity can begin only after the predecessor activity has started, allowing parallel progress.

What is the purpose of including a 'schedule narrative' as part of a contractor's schedule submittal?

Answer: To explain the scheduling logic, key assumptions, constraints, and major milestones in the schedule

A schedule narrative explains the reasoning and assumptions behind the schedule, helping reviewers understand the contractor's planned approach.

Which type of contract delivery method typically requires the most detailed pre-construction scheduling collaboration between the owner, designer, and builder?

Answer: Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

IPD brings all key parties into collaborative planning from the earliest project stages, requiring the most integrated pre-construction scheduling coordination.

A contractor submits a schedule update showing that a previously non-critical activity has become critical. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: Delays on other activities consumed the float on that activity's path

When delays consume float on activities that feed a particular path, those activities lose their buffer and become critical.