Exam 8: Resourcing Projects

Critical Chain method was developed to address several problems that are common in organizations that use traditional project scheduling.Which of the following describes a common problem addressed by the critical chain method?

Crashing almost always accelerates the schedule while increasing project risk,whereas fast tracking almost always accelerates the schedule while increasing project cost.

When resource overloads are extreme,project managers may need to consider the acquisition of additional resources,reductions in scope or extensions to the project schedule.

One approach to identify which activities contribute to work overload for a particular resource is to compare the resource histogram to the Gantt chart schedule.

Figure 8-3 Programmers Resource Histogram -Consider the programmers resource histogram presented in Figure 8-3.If only six programmers are available to support this project,which of the following conclusions is valid?

Fast Tracking is a project schedule compression technique in which activities or phases normally done in sequence are performed in parallel for at least a portion of their duration.

When estimating resource needs,project teams should consider all the following EXCEPT:

When constructing a responsibility matrix or "RACI" chart,it is important to ensure that only one person has primary accountability for any activity.

The project resource allocation plan is a component of the human resource management plan that describes when and how project team members will be acquired and how long they will be needed.

Figure 8-2 Software Programmer Loading Chart -Consider the software programmer loading chart presented in Figure 8-2.What percent of available time is the software programmer assigned to work activities on Thursday?

If a project resource is excessively overloaded,it may be necessary to reduce the project scope.

Figure 8-4 Project Crashing Information -Consider the project crashing information presented in Figure 8-4.What is the total cost to complete this project in 7 days if crashed in the most cost efficient manner?

The components (principles)of Critical Chain Project Management include which of the following?

Estimate Activity Resources focuses exclusively upon the identification of the number of human resources required to perform each scheduled activity.

Figure 8-4 Project Crashing Information -Consider the project crashing information presented in Figure 8-4.Which activity should you crash to reduce this project by one day with the least incremental cost?

While a "RACI" chart may be very useful for assigning activities to core team members and project managers,the sheer number of subject matter experts on many projects renders the RACI chart impractical for large projects.

In order to avoid project delays,project managers confronted with resource overloads will naturally seek to exploit the slack associated with non-critical activities.

Figure 8-1 RACI Chart -Consider the RACI chart presented in Figure 8-1.What responsibility should the contract officer assume with respect to the statement of work?

What methods could a project manager use to resolve resource overloads?

Figure 8-1 RACI Chart -Consider the RACI chart presented in Figure 8-1 (RACI stands for Responsible,Approve,Consult,Inform).Who is responsible for development of the specification?