Project Planning & Execution Flashcards

In a packaging project timeline, 'float' (or slack) refers to:

Answer: The amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the project end date

Float is the scheduling flexibility available on non-critical tasks before they would delay the overall project.

Which project management methodology uses short iterative development cycles called sprints?

Answer: Agile/Scrum

Agile/Scrum breaks work into time-boxed sprints, enabling frequent reassessment and adaptation.

A packaging project manager is calculating Earned Value. If EV = $80,000 and AC = $95,000, the project is:

Answer: Over budget

A Cost Performance Index less than 1.0 (EV < AC) indicates the project is spending more than the value earned.

During packaging project execution, a RACI matrix defines which team members are:

Answer: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task

A RACI matrix clarifies roles and responsibilities by categorizing team members' involvement in each project activity.

Which type of project dependency means Task B cannot start until Task A is complete?

Answer: Finish-to-Start (FS)

Finish-to-Start is the most common dependency type, where the successor task begins only after the predecessor finishes.

A packaging project has a Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 0.85. This means the project is:

Answer: 15% behind schedule

An SPI below 1.0 indicates the project is progressing slower than planned relative to the schedule baseline.

When a packaging supplier fails to deliver materials on time, the most appropriate first response from the project manager is to:

Answer: Assess impact on project schedule and activate the contingency plan

Evaluating schedule impact and implementing pre-planned contingencies is the standard project management response to supply disruptions.