AACE-PSP Certification Exam Questions with AI Explanations

QUESTION: 33

Each of the following accurately describes total float in a schedule EXCEPT:

The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the overall project completion time.
Can be positive or negative.
The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the start or occurrence of any other activity or event in the network.
Computed for an activity by subtracting its early finish from its late finish, or its early start from its late start.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Total float measures the flexibility in an activity’s timing within a schedule. It is defined as the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project’s overall completion date or the completion date of any of its successors.
Option A, B, and D accurately describe total float: it is calculated as the difference between early and late start/finish dates, can be positive or negative, and is associated with project completion.
Option C describes free float, not total float, and thus is incorrect.

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QUESTION: 34

The amount of time that an activity can be delayed from its early start date without delaying project completion is called:

Negative float.
Free float.
Total float.
Interfering float.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The time an activity can be delayed from its early start without impacting the overall project completion date is called total float.
Option A (negative float) refers to delays beyond permissible limits.
Option B (free float) refers to delays without affecting the early start of any successor.
Option D (interfering float) is a lesser-used term denoting the time available without delaying the project completion but affecting a successor’s float.

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QUESTION: 35

In its simplest form, what is the main drawback of critical path method scheduling?

It requires a backward pass to calculate late dates.
It assumes that resources are unlimited.
It doesn't account for interdependent between activities.
It allows for Precedence Diagramming Method to be used in place of Arrow Diagramming Method.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

A fundamental limitation of Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling is its assumption of unlimited resources, meaning it does not account for resource constraints when calculating schedules.
Option A (backward pass) is a standard part of the CPM process.
Option C is incorrect as CPM considers activity dependencies.
Option D refers to flexibility in diagramming methods, not a drawback.
The PSP Study Guide highlights resource constraints as a significant challenge in CPM application.

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QUESTION: 36

If after calculating a schedule an activity exhibits negative total float, which of the following is certain? The activity

Is a milestone.
It is on the critical path.
Was completed in the past.
Has yet to be completed.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Negative total float occurs when an activity’s scheduled completion date extends beyond the project deadline due to constraints. This condition indicates that the activity is still pending and needs immediate attention to avoid further delays.
Option A (milestone) is unrelated.
Option B (critical path) is not necessarily true, as activities with negative float can exist off the critical path under certain constraints.
Option C (completed in the past) is incorrect as negative float applies only to future or ongoing activities.

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QUESTION: 37

Which of the following will NOT affect the total float calculation of a non-resource leveled schedule?

Multiple calendars.
Start and finish constraints.
Preferential logic.
Front end loading.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Total float is influenced by factors like multiple calendars, start/finish constraints, and preferential logic because these directly affect the calculation of early and late dates.
Option D (front end loading), which involves distributing work to earlier project phases, does not inherently affect float calculations as it primarily pertains to resource or phase management strategies.

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QUESTION: 38

You are retained by a contractor who asks you to perform a simple as-planned versus as-built analysis (APAB) of a large hydro-electric dam project that took more than five years to complete. Your analysis will form the basis of a change order that requests a time extension. You suggest using a different methodology for quantifying the delay.
Which of the following reasons for recommending a different analysis does NOT apply to a simple APAB analysis?

Not suitable for complicated projects with multiple planned critical paths.
Accuracy is increased by inserting delaying events into the as-planned schedule.
Not suitable for projects with long durations.
Less accurate as the analysis advances through the project.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

As-Planned vs. As-Built (APAB) Analysis:
A simple APAB compares the planned schedule to the actual schedule to identify deviations.
It does not involve inserting delaying events or re-forecasting the schedule, which makes it unsuitable for detailed analysis.
Limitations of APAB:
Unsuitable for complex projects (A).
Inserting delays is not part of APAB (B).
Accuracy diminishes for long projects (C) or those requiring granular mid-project analyses (D).
Conclusion: The correct answer is B, as inserting delays into the as-planned schedule is not a feature of simple APAB analysis.

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QUESTION: 39

Which statement is true?

Where compensability cannot be established, excusability is assumed.
Where compensability can be established, excusabltity cannot be assumed.
Where compensability cannot be established, excusability is a given.
Where compensability can be established, excusability is assumed.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Compensability and Excusability:
Excusable delays are those beyond the contractor’s control, while compensable delays are excusable delays for which the owner bears responsibility.
If a delay is compensable, it inherently qualifies as excusable.
PSP Study Guide Reference:
The relationship between excusability and compensability is clarified in delay analysis discussions.
Conclusion: The correct answer is D, as compensability implies excusability.

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QUESTION: 40

Which of the following phases does NOT describe the commonly accepted construction life cycle?

Claims and disputes phase.
Installation phase.
Planning and design phase.
Turnover and start-up phase.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Construction Life Cycle Phases:
Common phases: planning and design, installation (execution), and turnover/start-up.
Claims and disputes may arise during the project but are not a defined phase of the construction life cycle.
PSP Study Guide Reference:
The study guide outlines standard phases without including claims and disputes as a formal phase.
Conclusion: The correct answer is A, as claims and disputes are not an inherent phase of the construction life cycle.

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AACE International Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) AACE-PSP Dumps in PDF

Free AACE International AACE-PSP Real Questions (page: 22)

QUESTION: 33

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QUESTION: 40

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