PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
A project manager is developing the schedule for a new product development project. Which TWO techniques can be used to compress the schedule?
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
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Fast tracking
Fast tracking and crashing are schedule compression techniques. Resource leveling adjusts resources but does not compress the schedule. Monte Carlo analysis is a simulation technique. Critical chain method adds buffers.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Fast tracking
Why this is correct
Fast tracking is a schedule compression technique where activities or phases that would normally be performed in sequence are instead performed in parallel or with some overlap. This approach reduces the overall project duration by starting subsequent activities before their predecessors are fully completed, accepting increased risk due to potential rework if early results are incorrect. It is a viable strategy when the project timeline is critical and the associated risks are manageable.
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Monte Carlo analysis
Why it's wrong here
Monte Carlo analysis is a quantitative risk analysis and simulation technique used to model the probability of different outcomes in a process that cannot easily be predicted due to random variables. It helps in understanding the range of possible project durations and costs, along with their probabilities, but it does not inherently compress the schedule. Instead, it provides insights for better decision-making regarding schedule realism and risk.
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Critical chain method
Why it's wrong here
The Critical Chain Method (CCM) is a schedule network analysis technique that focuses on managing project buffers to account for limited resources and project uncertainties. While it aims to improve project performance by protecting the critical chain with feeding and project buffers, its primary goal is to optimize resource utilization and reduce multitasking, rather than directly compressing the schedule by shortening activity durations. The addition of buffers inherently extends the theoretical shortest path to protect against delays.
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Crashing
Why this is correct
Crashing is a schedule compression technique that involves adding or allocating additional resources to critical path activities to shorten their durations, thereby reducing the overall project schedule. This often entails increasing costs, such as paying for overtime, additional equipment, or more personnel, and may also increase risk. It is typically considered when the cost-benefit analysis justifies the additional expenditure for an earlier completion date.
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Resource leveling
Why it's wrong here
Resource leveling is a schedule optimization technique used to adjust the start and finish dates of activities based on resource availability and constraints, aiming to balance resource demand with supply. While it prevents resource overallocation and ensures a more stable workload, it frequently results in extending the project's overall duration. Its primary purpose is resource optimization and smoothing, not schedule compression.
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