PM Test Center

Dwight’s project is behind schedule. As a result, he is looking to reduce the duration of his project to bring it back on track. If cost is not a factor, what tactic should he use?

A. Fast-track
B. Critical path
C. PERT
D. Crash

Answer: D. Crash
Crashing is one method to reduce the project duration. This is done by adding resources which leads to an increase in costs.

Dwight’s project is behind schedule. As a result, he is looking to reduce the duration of his project to bring it back on track. Dwight is also tasked with keeping costs as low as possible to reduce the risk of an overrun. What tactic should he use?

A. Fast-track
B. Critical path
C. PERT
D. Crash

Answer: A. Fast-track
Fast-tracking is one method to reduce the project duration. This is done by overlapping tasks (i.e. adding lead time). Although this does not typically increase cost, it does increase risk.

If a project has a Cost Variance (CV) of 1000 and a Schedule Variance (SV) of -1000, what does it mean?

A. The project is under budget and behind schedule.
B. The project is over budget and ahead of schedule.
C. It is impossible to have a negative SV.
D. The Overall Variance (OV) is 0.

Answer: A. The project is under budget and behind schedule.
For both Cost Variance (CV) and Schedule Variance (SV), if the number is positive, then it is good. Conversely, if the number is negative, then it is bad. So CV of 1000 is good (under budget), while SV of -1000 is bad (behind schedule). There is no such thing as Overall Variance (OV).

Gold plating:

A. Is only appropriate when dealing with clients
B. Is discouraged in almost all cases
C. Should always be considered as an alternative
D. Should be used when the project is behind schedule

Answer: B. Is discouraged in almost all cases
Gold plating is providing extra functionality or service without updating the contract. It is a practice that is generally discouraged since changes to the project scope should affect cost, time, or quality in some way.