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

Question 10 of 85 in Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule

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A project network diagram shows five paths through the project. Path durations are: 45, 38, 51, 47, and 39 days. What is the project's critical path duration and when can the project be completed earliest?

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Correct answer: 51 days — Path 3 is critical

Explanation

The critical path is the LONGEST path through the network — 51 days (Path 3). This is the earliest possible project completion date. The project cannot finish in fewer than 51 days because the critical path defines the minimum time needed. All other paths have float equal to (51 - their duration).

**Why not A:** Path 4 at 47 days is not the longest path through the network. The critical path is the longest path, which is Path 3 at 51 days. Path 4 has 4 days of float (51 - 47 = 4).

**Why not B:** Path 5 at 39 days is the shortest path and has the most float (51 - 39 = 12 days). The critical path is the longest path, not the shortest. Activities on this path have the most scheduling flexibility.

**Why not D:** Path 1 at 45 days is not the longest path. It has 6 days of float (51 - 45 = 6). While longer than some paths, it is not the critical path because Path 3 at 51 days is longer.

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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