In CPM scheduling, if an activity has an early start of day 10, early finish of day 15, late start of day 14, and late finish of day 19, what is the total float?
Correct Answer
D) 4 days
Total float is calculated as Late Start - Early Start = 14 - 10 = 4 days, or alternatively Late Finish - Early Finish = 19 - 15 = 4 days.
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 either Late Start minus Early Start or Late Finish minus Early Finish. Both formulas give the same result because the activity duration remains constant. In this case, 14 - 10 = 4 days and 19 - 15 = 4 days, confirming the total float is 4 days.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 9 days
9 days is incorrect and appears to be a calculation error, possibly adding unrelated numbers or misunderstanding the float formula. This value doesn't correspond to any meaningful CPM calculation for this activity.
Option B: 0 days
0 days would indicate the activity is on the critical path with no scheduling flexibility. However, since there is a 4-day difference between early and late dates, this activity has float and is not critical.
Memory Technique
Remember 'FLOAT = LATE minus EARLY' - you can use either the start dates or finish dates, but always subtract early from late to find how much the activity can 'float' or be delayed.
Reference Hint
Look up CPM (Critical Path Method) scheduling in the project management or scheduling chapter, specifically the section on float calculations and critical path analysis.
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