In CPM scheduling, if an activity has an Early Start of day 10, duration of 5 days, and Late Finish of day 20, what is the activity's total float?
Correct Answer
B) 5 days
Total float = Late Finish - Early Start - Duration = 20 - 10 - 5 = 5 days. This represents how many days the activity can be delayed without affecting the project completion date.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because total float is calculated using the formula: Late Finish - Early Start - Duration. With the given values (LF=20, ES=10, Duration=5), the calculation yields 20 - 10 - 5 = 5 days. This means the activity can be delayed up to 5 days without impacting the project's critical path or overall completion date. Total float represents the scheduling flexibility available for non-critical activities.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option C: 0 days
Option D is incorrect because 15 days seems to be adding the duration to the Early Start (10 + 5) rather than properly applying the total float formula.
Option D: 15 days
Option C is incorrect because 10 days appears to be confusing the Early Start date with the actual float calculation, ignoring the duration component of the formula.
Memory Technique
Remember 'LED' for the total float formula: Late finish minus Early start minus Duration (LF - ES - D = Total Float)
Reference Hint
Look up CPM scheduling and float calculations in the project management or scheduling chapter of your contractor reference manual, typically found under 'Critical Path Method' or 'Network Analysis'.
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