An activity has an Early Start of Day 10, Early Finish of Day 15, Late Start of Day 14, and Late Finish of Day 19. What is the total float for this activity?
Correct Answer
B) 4 days
Total float = Late Start - Early Start = 14 - 10 = 4 days. Alternatively, Total float = Late Finish - Early Finish = 19 - 15 = 4 days. Both calculations yield the same result.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Total float represents the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project completion date. It is calculated using either Late Start minus Early Start or Late Finish minus Early Finish. Both formulas must yield the same result because the activity duration remains constant. In this case, both calculations (14-10 and 19-15) equal 4 days, confirming this is the correct total float.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 2 days
2 days is incorrect because it doesn't match either float calculation formula. This might result from confusing float with activity duration or making an arithmetic error.
Option C: 6 days
6 days is incorrect and doesn't correspond to any standard CPM calculation. This might result from adding values instead of subtracting or confusing different scheduling parameters.
Option D: 9 days
9 days is incorrect and represents the difference between Late Finish and Early Start (19-10), which is not a valid float calculation and has no meaning in CPM scheduling.
Memory Technique
Remember 'LESE' - Late minus Early for Start or End gives you the same float. Both Late Start - Early Start and Late Finish - Early Finish must equal the same number.
Reference Hint
Look up Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling in construction management chapters, specifically sections on float calculations and project scheduling terminology.
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