In Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling, what is the float or slack time for activities on the critical path?
Correct Answer
A) Zero
Activities on the critical path have zero float or slack time, meaning any delay in these activities will directly delay the project completion date. This is the defining characteristic of the critical path.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Activities on the critical path have zero float or slack time by definition. The critical path represents the longest sequence of activities through a project network, and any delay in these activities will directly extend the project completion date. Float time is calculated as Late Start - Early Start (or Late Finish - Early Finish), and for critical path activities, these values are equal, resulting in zero float. This zero float characteristic is what makes the critical path 'critical' to project timing.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Calculated as late start minus early start
One day is incorrect because float time is not a fixed value but depends on the specific activity and project schedule. Non-critical activities may have varying amounts of float time (could be days, weeks, or months), but critical path activities specifically have zero float, not one day.
Option C: Equal to the project duration
While the formula 'late start minus early start' is correct for calculating float time, this option doesn't answer what the float actually IS for critical path activities. The calculation method is right, but when applied to critical path activities, late start equals early start, making the result zero.
Option D: One day
Float time being equal to project duration is incorrect because this would mean an activity could be delayed by the entire project length without affecting completion, which is impossible. Float represents available delay time for individual activities, not the total project timeframe.
Memory Technique
CRITICAL PATH = ZERO SLACK. Think 'Critical means no wiggle room' - just like a critical patient has zero time to waste, critical path activities have zero float time.
Reference Hint
Project Management/Scheduling chapter, specifically CPM (Critical Path Method) section covering float calculations and critical path characteristics
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