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CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule

Question 5 of 85 in Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule

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Which of the following is the FIRST step in developing a project schedule?

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Correct answer: Defining the activities that need to be performed

Explanation

Schedule development begins with activity definition — breaking down work packages from the WBS into the specific activities needed to produce deliverables. Activities are the lowest-level scheduling units. After activities are defined, they are sequenced, durations are estimated, resources are assigned, and then the schedule is developed.

**Why not A:** Identifying schedule constraints is important but occurs alongside or after activity definition. You cannot identify constraints on activities that have not yet been defined. Activity definition is the foundational first step that establishes what work needs to be done.

**Why not B:** Assigning resources to activities cannot happen until activities are defined and sequenced. Resource assignment requires knowing what activities exist and their dependencies before determining who or what will perform them.

**Why not C:** Estimating activity durations requires knowing what activities need to be performed. Duration estimates depend on the nature and scope of each activity, which must be defined first. You cannot estimate how long something takes until you know what "something" is.

Key Concept

This question covers Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule under Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule (Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies).

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