A contractor is managing a project where steel deliveries are consistently 3 days late. Using CPM analysis, the steel installation activity has a total float of 2 days. What should be the contractor's immediate action?
Correct Answer
A) Expedite steel deliveries or find alternative suppliers immediately
Since steel deliveries are 3 days late but the activity only has 2 days of float, this will delay the project by 1 day. Immediate action to expedite deliveries or secure alternative suppliers is necessary to minimize project impact.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because when an activity's delay exceeds its available float, it becomes critical and will impact the project completion date. Since steel deliveries are 3 days late but only have 2 days of float, this creates a 1-day delay to the overall project. The contractor must take immediate corrective action to expedite deliveries or secure alternative suppliers to minimize further project delays. Waiting or accepting the delay would compound the problem and potentially lead to additional costs and schedule impacts.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Reschedule other activities to create more float
Option D is wrong because rescheduling other activities cannot create more float for the steel installation activity that is already delayed. Float is determined by the critical path, and moving other activities won't help if steel installation becomes the new critical path constraint.
Option D: Continue with the current schedule since the delay is manageable
Option C is wrong because simply adjusting the completion date is a reactive approach that accepts the delay without attempting to mitigate it. The contractor should first try to recover the schedule through expediting or alternative suppliers before accepting a delayed completion.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Float vs. Fate': When delays exceed float, you control the project's fate by taking immediate action rather than accepting the delay.
Reference Hint
Project Management chapter, specifically sections on Critical Path Method (CPM), float calculations, and schedule recovery techniques
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