Pass the AACE International Professional Level Certifications PSP Questions and answers with CertsForce

A

 Critical Path Characteristics:

The critical path is the sequence of activities that determines the overall project duration.

It represents the longest duration path through the network and typically has zero float unless delays or constraints introduce negative float.

 PSP Study Guide References:

Critical path analysis is a foundational concept in schedule management, as covered extensively in the PSP guide​.

 Analysis of Options:

Option A: Correct. The critical path always has the longest duration.

Option B: Zero float is common but not universal due to constraints or delays.

Option C and D: Negative float describes specific scenarios but does not define the critical path universally.

 Conclusion: The correct answer is A, as the critical path is the longest-duration path through the network.

 Key to Duration Accuracy:

A specialized industry handbook offers standardized and validated task durations tailored to the specific context of petrochemical plants.

 Analysis of Options:

Option A: General industry publications may lack specificity.

Option B: Past project schedules provide insight but may not reflect the specific context or updated methodologies.

Option C: The handbook is most relevant as it is tailored to the specific project type.

Option D: Cost estimates are useful for budget alignment but not as precise for duration calculation.

 PSP Study Guide References:

The guide advises leveraging validated industry resources for project-specific accuracy in duration estimation​.

 Conclusion: The correct answer is C, as a specialized industry handbook provides the most reliable and context-specific data for duration estimation.

Scheduling Professional Study Guide and Documents References:

The Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled (BCWS) is the planned value of all tasks scheduled during a specific period. It is a measure used in earned value management to assess schedule adherence.

Option A defines Budgeted Cost of Work Performed (BCWP).

Option B defines the total project budget (BAC).

Option C defines the expected total cost, which is Estimate at Completion (EAC).

This answer is consistent with earned value methodologies and their application in project controls​​.