CompTIA Project+: Task Scheduling and Dependencies

Determining Task Start Time for a Project Team Member

Question

A team member learns that an assigned task is not due until the very end of the project.

Moreover, the team member is not aware of any predecessor tasks dependent on completing the assigned task.

Which of the following does the project manager use to decide if the team member can start the task later or earlier?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

B.

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The project manager would review the PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) chart to evaluate whether the task in question is a critical dependency, a discretionary dependency, a real dependency, or an external dependency.

A critical dependency is a task that must be completed on time in order to keep the project on track. If the task in question is a critical dependency, then the team member should start the task as soon as possible to ensure that it is completed on time. Delaying a critical task can cause delays in the entire project.

A discretionary dependency is a task that can be delayed without impacting the project timeline. If the task in question is a discretionary dependency, then the team member can start the task later if they have other more urgent tasks to complete.

A real dependency is a task that is dependent on the completion of another task. If the team member is not aware of any predecessor tasks that are dependent on completing the assigned task, then it may be a standalone task that can be completed later.

An external dependency is a task that is dependent on factors outside of the project team's control, such as weather conditions or the availability of external resources. If the task in question is an external dependency, then the team member may need to wait until the external factors are resolved before starting the task.

Therefore, in this situation, the project manager should review the PERT chart and evaluate if the task is a critical dependency, discretionary dependency, real dependency, or external dependency to decide if the team member can start the task later or earlier.