PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
Your construction project is halfway through the schedule. The earned value analysis shows: EV = $500,000, PV = $600,000, AC = $550,000. The sponsor is concerned about the schedule delay. You need to present recovery options. Which THREE actions should you recommend?
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 remaining tasks by performing some activities in parallel
Options B, C, and E are correct. Fast-tracking (B) involves performing activities in parallel to shorten the schedule. Evaluating cost impact (C) is essential before applying schedule compression techniques like crashing or fast-tracking, as they often increase costs. Crashing (E) adds resources to critical path tasks to compress the schedule. Option A is incorrect because reducing scope requires formal change control and stakeholder approval, not a direct recovery action. Option D is incorrect because revising the cost performance baseline does not address schedule delay; it only updates budget expectations.
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 to meet the original schedule
Why it's wrong here
Reducing project scope is a significant change that fundamentally alters the project's deliverables and objectives. This action requires a formal change request, thorough impact analysis, and approval from the change control board and project sponsor, making it an inappropriate immediate response solely for schedule recovery without broader strategic justification. Furthermore, it often leads to stakeholder dissatisfaction if not carefully managed and communicated.
- ✓
Fast-track remaining tasks by performing some activities in parallel
Why this is correct
Fast-tracking is a schedule compression technique where activities or phases that would normally be performed sequentially are performed in parallel or with some overlap. This approach can significantly shorten the project duration by reducing the overall critical path length. However, it inherently increases project risk due to potential rework, communication challenges, and increased complexity, requiring careful monitoring and risk management.
- ✓
Evaluate the cost impact of schedule compression techniques
Why this is correct
Before implementing any schedule compression technique, it is crucial to evaluate its potential cost impact thoroughly. Both crashing and fast-tracking typically incur additional costs, such as overtime, expediting fees, or increased resource allocation. Understanding these financial trade-offs allows the project manager to make informed decisions, ensuring that the chosen compression method provides the best value and remains within the project's budgetary constraints.
- ✗
Revise the cost performance baseline to reflect current efficiency
Why it's wrong here
The cost performance baseline represents the approved budget and schedule against which project performance is measured. Revising this baseline solely to reflect current inefficiencies or poor performance would invalidate its purpose as a stable reference point for earned value management. Baselines should only be formally changed through an approved change request process, typically for significant scope changes, not to mask performance variances.
- ✓
Crash the schedule by adding resources to critical path activities
Why this is correct
Crashing is a schedule compression technique that involves adding or allocating additional resources to critical path activities to shorten their duration. This often includes authorizing overtime, bringing in more personnel, or using more efficient equipment. While effective for reducing project duration, crashing almost always results in increased project costs due to the additional resources and potential premium payments.
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