Using the Critical Path Method, if Activity A has an Early Start of day 5, a duration of 8 days, and the Late Finish is day 18, what is the total float for this activity?
Correct Answer
C) 5 days
Total float = Late Finish - Early Start - Duration = 18 - 5 - 8 = 5 days. This means Activity A can be delayed by up to 5 days without affecting the project completion date.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CORRECT_ANSWER - Total float represents the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project's completion date. The formula is Total Float = Late Finish - Early Start - Duration. Substituting the given values: 18 - 5 - 8 = 5 days. This means Activity A has 5 days of scheduling flexibility before it impacts the critical path.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 0 days
0 days would indicate this activity is on the critical path with no scheduling flexibility, but the calculation shows 5 days of float available.
Option B: 3 days
3 days results from an incorrect calculation, possibly confusing Late Finish minus Late Start minus Duration, or making an arithmetic error in the formula.
Option D: 8 days
8 days incorrectly uses just the duration value, ignoring the relationship between Early Start and Late Finish times in the float calculation.
Memory Technique
Remember 'LES-D' (Less-D): Late finish minus Early Start minus Duration = Total Float. Think 'How much LESS time Do I need?' to remember the subtraction sequence.
Reference Hint
Look up 'Critical Path Method' or 'CPM Scheduling' in project management chapters, specifically sections on float calculations and activity scheduling.
More Business & Finance Questions
A contractor's license expires on March 31st. If they submit a renewal application on April 15th, what additional requirement must be met under Florida regulations?
A general contractor purchases equipment worth $45,000 with a useful life of 9 years and no salvage value. Using straight-line depreciation, what is the annual depreciation expense?
In Florida, what is the minimum workers' compensation insurance coverage required for construction companies with employees?
What is the typical recommended coverage amount for general liability insurance for a small to medium-sized general contracting business?
A contractor estimates startup costs of $75,000 for equipment, $25,000 for initial inventory, $15,000 for insurance premiums, and $10,000 for working capital. They can finance 70% of the total. How much cash do they need?
People Also Study
Previous Question
A contractor is planning to establish a business and needs to determine working capital requirements. If monthly operating expenses are $45,000 and the average collection period for receivables is 75 days, what minimum working capital should be maintained?
Next Question
A contractor's annual payroll is $1,200,000. The FUTA rate is 6.0% on the first $7,000 of each employee's wages, and there are 25 employees. What is the maximum annual FUTA liability?