CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
You are the project manager for a large infrastructure project using a predictive plan-based methodology. The project has a critical path duration of 200 days. After 50 days of execution, a major delay occurs on a critical path activity due to unforeseen ground conditions, adding 20 days to that activity. The project has no float on the critical path. The sponsor requests a recovery plan to bring the project back on schedule. The team proposes two options: (1) crash activity X on the critical path by adding overtime, costing $10,000 and saving 5 days; (2) fast-track activity Y and Z by starting Y earlier, saving 10 days but increasing risk. What is the BEST integrated approach?
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
✓
Fast-track activities Y and Z to gain 10 days, crash activity X to gain 5 days, then negotiate a schedule change for the remaining 5 days.
The project is delayed by 20 days on the critical path. The team proposes two recovery techniques: crashing (cost $10,000, saves 5 days) and fast-tracking (saves 10 days, increases risk). Option D combines both techniques to recover 15 days (10+5), then negotiates a schedule change for the remaining 5 days. This is the most effective integrated approach because it maximizes recovery while acknowledging the need for a baseline change for the remainder. Option A only crashes, saving only 5 days, leaving 15 days delay, and requires a baseline change; it does not utilize fast-tracking. Option B only fast-tracks, saving 10 days, leaving 10 days delay; it does not use crashing. Option C crashes but then uses management reserves, which are typically for unforeseen risks, not for recovery from known delays; management reserves should not be used to absorb planned recovery shortfall. Therefore, D is correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Crash activity X to gain 5 days, then accept the 15-day delay and request a schedule baseline change.
Why it's wrong here
Does not maximize recovery; better to attempt more compression first.
- ✗
Implement only the fast-tracking option to save 10 days, then accept the remaining 10-day delay.
Why it's wrong here
Sponsor likely wants full recovery; 10-day delay may be unacceptable.
- ✗
Implement only the crashing option to save 5 days, and then use management reserves to absorb the remaining 15 days.
Why it's wrong here
Insufficient recovery; using reserves without exhausting other options is not optimal.
- ✓
Fast-track activities Y and Z to gain 10 days, crash activity X to gain 5 days, then negotiate a schedule change for the remaining 5 days.
Why this is correct
Combines two compression techniques to recover most of the delay, then formally adjusts the schedule.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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