Schedule Compression & Acceleration Techniques Flashcards

When fast-tracking introduces a start-to-start relationship with a lag, what does the lag represent?

Answer: The minimum required delay before the successor activity can begin after its predecessor starts

A lag in a start-to-start relationship defines the minimum waiting period after the predecessor starts before the successor is permitted to begin.

When initiating schedule compression, the scheduler should first focus on:

Answer: Critical path activities that directly drive the project completion date

Only compressing activities on the critical path reduces the overall project end date; compressing non-critical activities has no effect on project duration.

Which metric best indicates that schedule compression efforts are achieving the desired recovery?

Answer: A Schedule Performance Index (SPI) trending toward or above 1.0

An SPI trending toward or above 1.0 indicates earned progress is catching up to or exceeding planned progress, confirming recovery.

A contractor is 3 weeks behind on a 20-week construction project. Which combination of techniques is most effective for schedule recovery?

Answer: Fast-tracking with additional resources (crashing) applied to critical path activities

Combining fast-tracking with crashing on critical path activities addresses both sequencing inefficiencies and resource shortfalls, providing the greatest recovery potential.

In a contract environment, when an owner directs a contractor to accelerate the schedule beyond the original contract baseline, the contractor may be entitled to:

Answer: Additional compensation for the increased costs associated with directed acceleration

Directed acceleration—where the owner requires the contractor to work faster than contractually planned—may entitle the contractor to additional compensation for incremental costs incurred.

Which scheduling software feature is most valuable when performing schedule compression analysis?

Answer: What-if scenario modeling or project copy functionality for testing alternatives safely

What-if scenario modeling or working on a project copy lets schedulers test compression alternatives without altering the approved baseline or current schedule.

What is the primary distinction between a recovery schedule and a revised baseline?

Answer: A recovery schedule shows planned actions to get back on track, while a revised baseline formally replaces the approved baseline through change control

A recovery schedule is a forward-looking action plan showing how the project will return to its targets, while a revised baseline formally supersedes the original approved baseline via the change control process.