A project has activities A (5 days), B (8 days), C (6 days), and D (4 days). Activity B can start after A is complete, C can start after A is complete, and D can start after both B and C are complete. What is the critical path duration?
Correct Answer
A) 17 days
The critical path is A-B-D (5+8+4=17 days). Path A-C-D takes 15 days (5+6+4), making A-B-D the longest path and therefore the critical path.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The critical path is the longest sequence of activities from start to finish. To find it, we must calculate all possible paths through the network. Path A-B-D takes 5+8+4=17 days, while path A-C-D takes 5+6+4=15 days. Since A-B-D is longer at 17 days, it becomes the critical path that determines the minimum project duration.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 23 days
15 days represents the duration of path A-C-D (5+6+4=15), which is the shorter path and therefore not the critical path.
Option D: 19 days
23 days would only be possible if activities were done sequentially (5+8+6+4=23), but the network shows B and C can run in parallel after A, so this ignores the parallel scheduling advantage.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Longest = Critical' - the critical path is always the LONGEST path through the network, not the shortest or most activities.
Reference Hint
Project Management chapter, specifically Critical Path Method (CPM) and network scheduling sections
More Business & Finance Questions
A general contractor purchases equipment worth $45,000 with a useful life of 9 years and no salvage value. Using straight-line depreciation, what is the annual depreciation expense?
What is the typical recommended coverage amount for general liability insurance for a small to medium-sized general contracting business?
A contractor estimates startup costs of $75,000 for equipment, $25,000 for initial inventory, $15,000 for insurance premiums, and $10,000 for working capital. They can finance 70% of the total. How much cash do they need?
When establishing professional relationships with architects and engineers, what is the most important factor for a general contractor to consider?
A partnership agreement for a construction company should address all of the following EXCEPT:
A contractor purchases a truck for $60,000. After 5 years, it has accumulated depreciation of $35,000. What is the truck's book value?
A contractor's business plan projects first-year revenue of $500,000 with a 15% net profit margin. If actual revenue is $450,000 with the same profit margin, what is the variance in net profit?
Using the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), construction equipment is typically depreciated over how many years?
A contractor is comparing financing options for equipment purchase. Option A: $80,000 cash purchase. Option B: $20,000 down, $65,000 financed at 6% for 4 years. What is the total cost of Option B?
A contractor purchases equipment using a capital lease with a present value of $120,000. How should this be recorded on the balance sheet?