Question
In project management, the critical path is best described as a series of activities that: Select one: a. is scheduled for the next current phase of the process. b. includes the path with the most slack or float. c. indicates the earliest possible time a project can be complete d. shows the shortest path through the network diagram.
Answer
4.2
(341 Votes)
Sioned
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Answer
C
Explanation
In project management, the critical path is a sequence of activities or tasks that must be completed within the established schedule such that any delay in the tasks in the critical path would cause a delay in completing the project on schedule. The critical path method (CPM) helps in identifying and prioritizing these tasks. Each response to the question presents different understandings of the critical path, and the one that most accurately represents the definition of the critical path in project management needs to be determined.Option a can be ruled out, as the sequential order of phases does not affect the fact that the activities on the critical path are crucial.Option b is also incorrect, as it incorrectly suggests that the critical path houses the most slack; however, tasks on the critical path have zero slack—that is, they can't be postponed without impacting the prorject timeline.Option d is incorrect as it can be misleading; though the "shortest path" may, intuitively, suggest the most immediate way to accomplish tasks, it's not always aligned with the critical path that represents the chain of jobs of greatest duration.Therefore, by process of elimination, option C—and by definition—is exact. The critical path showcases the group of chores that represent the "longest" timeline. Since you can't delay any task found within this line of deliverables and continue to complete the project on time, the critical path graphically illustrates the earliest moment of project completion.