PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
A project manager is developing the project schedule. After defining activities and sequencing them, what is the next step in the schedule development process?
⚠ Common exam trap
PMI often tests the order of processes in the schedule development sequence, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think duration estimation comes immediately after sequencing, overlooking the prerequisite resource estimation step.
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
✓
Estimate activity resources
In the schedule development process, after defining activities and sequencing them, the next step is to estimate the resources required for each activity (option A). This is because resource availability and constraints directly impact activity durations, and you must know what resources are available before you can estimate how long each activity will take. The PMBOK Guide's schedule management process follows the order: Plan Schedule Management → Define Activities → Sequence Activities → Estimate Activity Resources → Estimate Activity Durations → Develop Schedule.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Estimate activity resources
Why this is correct
Estimating activity resources is the correct next step after sequencing activities within the project schedule. This process involves identifying the types and quantities of resources (e.g., people, equipment, materials) required for each activity. Knowing the available resources and their characteristics is a fundamental prerequisite for accurately determining how long each activity will take, making it a logical progression in the Project Schedule Management knowledge area.
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Estimate activity durations
Why it's wrong here
Estimating activity durations at this stage is premature because it critically depends on the prior estimation of activity resources. Without understanding the specific types, quantities, and availability of resources assigned to each task, any duration estimate would be speculative and lack a solid basis. The PMBOK Guide's logical flow dictates that resource estimation must precede duration estimation to ensure realistic and achievable schedule development.
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Estimate costs
Why it's wrong here
Estimating costs is typically performed much later in the project planning phase, specifically after activity durations have been established and resources have been assigned and costed. The overall cost of an activity or the project is often a direct function of the resources consumed over a specific duration. Therefore, attempting to estimate costs before having a clear understanding of activity durations and resource requirements would result in highly inaccurate financial projections.
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Develop the schedule baseline
Why it's wrong here
Developing the schedule baseline is a final step within the 'Develop Schedule' process, occurring after all preceding schedule development activities, including resource and duration estimation, have been completed and analyzed. The baseline represents the approved version of the schedule model, which is then used for monitoring and controlling project execution. It cannot be established until the schedule has been fully defined, optimized, and formally accepted by stakeholders.
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