Fast-Tracking is a schedule compression technique, not a budget compression method. It involves performing activities in parallel that were originally planned to be done sequentially, which can help to shorten the project schedule but does not directly compress the budget. Budget compression methods are focused on reducing the costs of a project without adversely affecting the scope. Descoping and Crashing are both methods that can be used to compress the budget; Descoping by reducing project scope and Crashing by adding resources to critical path activities to finish them faster, often at increased costs.

References: The distinction between schedule and budget compression methods is outlined in project management standards and literature, including the PMBOK® Guide, which serves as a foundational reference for project management practices12. The concept of Fast-Tracking as a schedule compression technique is also supported by the Professional in Project Management (PPM) certification materials3.