Question 1

Which of the following is a type of bar chart that graphically presents the project schedule, milestone dates, and deliverables?

Accepted Answer

A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that graphically presents the project schedule milestone dates and deliverables. A Gantt chart is a popular method used to report the scheduled progress of a project throughout its life cycle. Simple Gantt charts can be generated using computer programs such as Macintosh Numbers and Microsoft Excel. More advanced computerized project tracking systems such as Primavera™, Project™, and Open Project software are available for more complex projects.

Question 2

What critical path project management tool is used to define the steps needed to complete a project, the personnel to work on each task, and the cost of each task?

Accepted Answer

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management tool used to define the steps needed to complete a project, the personnel to work on each task, and the cost of each task. A WBS can be developed using spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Macintosh Numbers. A WBS is often used to develop an overall project plan at the beginning of a project. Unless it is used as part of a larger project tracking system, such as Microsoft Project or Primavera, it may be limited in providing the functionality for in-depth tracking of deliverables and resource management.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the scheduling term critical path?

Accepted Answer

The critical path of a project is the sequence of activities that determines the earliest possible completion date for a project. You can follow these simple steps to determine the critical path for a relatively simple project:
• List the project tasks (include the duration and outcome of the task)
• Draw the events on a piece of paper, and join the relevant tasks by arrows
• Label the arrows with the duration
• Add up the path lengths on each linked event chain - the longest is the critical path
For more complex projects, the computerized project management tools can be used to establish critical paths.

Question 4

Which of the following project management tools is used to present a snapshot of the progress of the project?

Accepted Answer

A milestone chart is used to present a snapshot of the progress of a project. Project milestones are important events in the project, as they represent critical points in the project, such as the submission of a design report or the date by which a wastewater treatment plant must be commissioned. Milestone dates are usually defined in the project contract or are established during the project kick-off meeting with the client.

Question 5

Which of the following project management tools is used to identify the tasks that can be delayed for a certain amount of time without having an effect on the overall schedule?

Accepted Answer

A Program and Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) Chart is used to identify the tasks that can be delayed for a certain amount of time without having an effect on the overall schedule. A PERT Chart is a tool used to analyze the tasks involved in the completion of a given project, as related to the durations and interdependencies of tasks needing to be completed within the total project. PERT Charts are outputs of the PERT network scheduling model that allows for randomness in activities and completion times.

Question 6

Using the three-point estimate technique, what is the estimated time to complete a project based on the following scenario?
Kyle has been appointed to draw up a cost estimate for a new project. He interviews one of the engineers, Steve, who tells Kyle his assigned task will take 3 weeks. Upon being questioned, Steve changes his estimated completion time to 7.5 weeks. Kyle thinks a realistic estimate is 4.5 weeks.

Accepted Answer

Based on the three-point estimate technique, the estimated time to complete the project is 4.75 weeks.
Solution: Use the three-point estimate (E) equation to determine how many weeks it will take to complete the project
E = (a + 4m + b)/6
Where a = the best-case estimate = Steve's first estimate = 3 weeks
m = the most likely estimate = 4.5 weeks
b = the worst case estimate = Steve's worst case estimate = 7.5 weeks
Therefore,
E = [(3 weeks) + 4 (4.5 weeks) + (7.5 weeks)] / 6
= (3 + 18 + 7.5) / 6
= 4.75 weeks

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the scheduling term scope creep?

Accepted Answer

Scope creep can be described as what happens when the work done on a project grows out of proportion to the contractually defined requirements. Scope creep can drain a project's budget and resources. Scope creep may be a result of the following:
• Goals and objectives of the project weren't clearly defined.
• Tasks defined for the project weren't broken down into manageable size or weren't coordinated.
• No one compared the progress of the project to the project a management plan and made mid-stream corrections to team, resources, or budget when needed.

Question 8

Which of the following terms is used to describe a project's progress when the required product, service, or system is not produced, provided, or constructed by a specific project milestone date?

Accepted Answer

The term slipping is used to describe a project's progress when the required product, service, or system is not produced, provided, or constructed by a specific project milestone date. Adequate steps must be taken to bring a project under control so that the overall project schedule and budget are not negatively impacted due to slippage. It is also important to monitor the progress toward milestones in order to ensure the work is not being completed too quickly, which may result in poor quality products, and/or an under-utilized workforce.

Question 9

Which of the following project management tools is used to evaluate a project's performance and progress by integrating the project scope, schedule and cost?

Accepted Answer

Earned Value Management is a project management tool used to evaluate a project's performance and progress by integrating the project scope, schedule and cost. The EVM method is used determine the true value of a project's performance by comparing the "planned value" of the work to be done with the "earned value" of the work actually completed and the "actual costs" spent to complete the work. In 2005, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget issued a government-wide mandate that requires all agencies to use EVM on all major information technology (IT) and other projects.

Question 10

Which of the following is a basic support structure that needs to be created, defined, and/or modified for a complex construction project?

Accepted Answer

Work, organizational, and resource breakdown structures need to be created, defined and/or modified for a complex construction project. These support structures are used to identify and track work, assigned personnel, and the organizational entity that is responsible for each task and resource involved with the project. Each structure is needed so that the progress of a project can be tracked, reported, and evaluated.

Question 11

Using the three-point estimate technique, what is the estimated time to complete a project based on the following scenario?
Debbie is preparing a statement of qualifications for a client who needs to hire an engineering firm to design a new outfall structure. Debbie needs an overall estimate of the time it may take to complete the project, even though many critical design issues are unknown. Debbie asks three engineers for their best guess. Steve thinks it will take only 1 year. Jenny estimates 3 years. Kyle, who has designed similar structures, thinks a realistic estimate is 2.5 years.

Accepted Answer

Based on the three-point estimate technique, the estimated time to develop the new outfall structure design is 2.3 years.
Solution: Use the three-point estimate (E) equation to determine how many weeks it will take to complete the project
E = (a + 4m + b)/6
Where a = the best-case estimate = Steve's first estimate = 1 year
m = the most likely estimate = Kyle's estimate = 2.5 years
b = the worst case estimate = Jenny's worst case estimate = 4 weeks
Therefore,
E = [(1 year) + 4 (2.5 years) + (3 years)] / 6
= (1 + 10 + 3) / 6
= 2.3 years

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the scheduling term float?

Accepted Answer

Float can be described as the amount of time a task can be delayed without impacting a subsequent task or project completion date. Projects typically include tasks that can be performed concurrently and/or consecutively. When tracking a project using the critical path method, the total float of a project can be calculated by subtracting early completion dates from the late dates of the critical path.

Quiz 12: Scheduling