In CPM scheduling, if an activity has an Early Start of day 10, duration of 5 days, and Late Finish of day 18, what is the total float?
Correct Answer
D) 3 days
Total float = Late Finish - Early Start - Duration = 18 - 10 - 5 = 3 days. This activity can be delayed up to 3 days without affecting the project completion date.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Total float represents the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project's critical path. The formula is Total Float = Late Finish - Early Start - Duration. Using the given values: 18 - 10 - 5 = 3 days. This means the activity has 3 days of flexibility before it impacts the overall project schedule.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 8 days
5 days incorrectly assumes the duration equals the float, but float is the difference between available time window and required duration.
Option B: 5 days
Zero days would indicate this is a critical path activity with no float, but the calculation shows 3 days of available delay time.
Memory Technique
Remember 'LF-ES-D' as 'Late Finish minus Early Start minus Duration' or think 'time window minus work time equals free time.'
Reference Hint
Project Management chapter covering Critical Path Method (CPM) and scheduling calculations, typically found in construction management or project scheduling sections.
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