CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
A project manager notices that the project is behind schedule. Which of the following actions is most appropriate to bring the project back on track?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add more resources to critical path tasks.
Adding resources to critical path tasks is a schedule compression technique known as crashing, which can help bring the project back on track. Option A is incorrect because reducing scope without stakeholder approval violates change control and is unethical. Option B is incorrect because asking for overtime without compensation can cause burnout, poor quality, and is often against labor policies. Option C is incorrect because ignoring the delay is not proactive and will likely worsen the situation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reduce the project scope without stakeholder approval.
Why it's wrong here
Scope changes require stakeholder approval.
- ✗
Ask team members to work overtime without compensation.
Why it's wrong here
This can lead to burnout and quality issues, and may violate policies.
- ✗
Ignore the delay as it will recover later.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring delays typically leads to further slippage.
- ✓
Add more resources to critical path tasks.
Why this is correct
Crashing the schedule by adding resources can help recover time.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CAPM
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A project is behind schedule. Which schedule compression technique involves adding additional resources to critical path activities?
medium- A.Resource leveling
- B.Monte Carlo simulation
- C.Rolling wave planning
- ✓ D.Crashing
Why D: Crashing is a schedule compression technique that involves adding additional resources to critical path activities to reduce project duration. Option D is correct. Resource leveling (A) adjusts start and finish dates based on resource constraints. Monte Carlo simulation (B) is a risk analysis technique. Rolling wave planning (C) is a progressive elaboration technique.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.