Time Management & Resource Allocation Flashcards
7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Time Management & Resource Allocation flashcards as text
In a precedence diagramming method (PDM) schedule, a finish-to-start relationship with a lag of 5 days means:
Answer: The successor cannot start until 5 days after the predecessor finishes
An FS lag introduces a waiting period; the successor activity must wait the specified lag duration after its predecessor completes.
Which scheduling concept refers to the maximum amount of time a project can be delayed beyond its planned end date before it impacts a contractual or external deadline?
Answer: Project float
Project float (or schedule float) measures slack between the calculated project end and an imposed finish constraint or contract deadline.
A CST is building a resource-loaded schedule and notices that a key engineer is allocated to three simultaneous critical-path tasks. The BEST immediate action is to:
Answer: Analyze which tasks can use alternate resources or be re-sequenced
The best practice is to evaluate resource substitution or re-sequencing before accepting schedule extension or unrealistic overtime.
What does a Gantt chart's baseline bar compared to the current schedule bar indicate when the current bar extends beyond the baseline?
Answer: The activity is behind schedule
When the current schedule bar extends past the baseline bar, the activity is taking longer than originally planned, indicating a delay.
The Parkinson's Law principle, relevant to time management in scheduling, states that:
Answer: Work expands to fill the time available for its completion
Parkinson's Law warns schedulers that overly generous time allowances tend to be fully consumed regardless of actual work content.
When using the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), which formula calculates the expected duration of an activity?
Answer: (O + 4M + P) / 6
The PERT formula (Optimistic + 4×Most Likely + Pessimistic) / 6 weights the most likely estimate four times to give a weighted average.
Which type of schedule reserve is allocated within individual activity durations and controlled by the project team?
Answer: Contingency reserve
Contingency reserve is included in the project baseline and managed by the project team to address identified schedule risks.