Competing Critical Path Tasks On Time

Solving Time Constraints with Minimal Budget

Question

A project manager does not have enough time to complete several tasks on a critical path.

The budget is a low concern.

Which of the following should be used to complete the tasks on time?

Answers

Explanations

Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer

A. B. C. D.

A.

In this scenario, the project manager needs to find a way to complete the tasks on time despite the time constraint. This is a classic scenario in project management where a project manager needs to make trade-offs between time, cost, and scope.

Option A: Fast-tracking the tasks involves performing activities in parallel that were originally planned to be done in sequence. However, fast-tracking increases the risk of rework, communication issues, and can lead to a decrease in the quality of work. Therefore, this option may not be appropriate in this situation.

Option B: Positive float is the amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the overall project schedule. This means that some tasks can be delayed without affecting the completion date of the project. However, since the project manager does not have enough time to complete several tasks on the critical path, this option may not be suitable.

Option C: Crashing the schedule involves reducing the duration of critical path activities by adding more resources, working overtime, or using more efficient methods. This can help to shorten the project schedule but may increase the cost of the project. In this scenario, since the budget is a low concern, this option may be suitable.

Option D: Removing the critical path is not a valid option since the critical path represents the sequence of tasks that determines the project's completion date. Removing the critical path means that the project manager is not managing the project effectively.

In conclusion, option C, which is to crash the schedule, may be the best solution for the project manager in this scenario. However, the project manager needs to consider the cost implications of this decision before implementing it.