In CPM scheduling, an activity has an Early Start of day 10, Early Finish of day 15, Late Start of day 12, and Late Finish of day 17. What is the total float for this activity?
Correct Answer
C) 2 days
Total float is calculated as Late Start minus Early Start (or Late Finish minus Early Finish). In this case: 12 - 10 = 2 days of total float.
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 the formula: Total Float = Late Start - Early Start (or equivalently, Late Finish - Early Finish). In this problem, the Late Start is day 12 and the Early Start is day 10, so the total float is 12 - 10 = 2 days. This means the activity can be delayed by up to 2 days without impacting the critical path.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 0 days
5 days appears to be the activity duration (15 - 10 = 5), which is not the same as total float.
Option D: 5 days
7 days appears to be the span from Early Start to Late Finish (17 - 10 = 7), which is not the correct total float calculation.
Memory Technique
Remember 'LSES' - Late Start minus Early Start = total float. Think 'How much LATER can I start?' The difference between late and early start times is your cushion.
Reference Hint
Look up CPM (Critical Path Method) scheduling in project management chapters, specifically sections on float calculations and network analysis.
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