AACE International PSP - Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) Exam

 Each crane can perform 30 lifts per day with a 1.75 cubic yard bucket. For 3 cranes over 5 days: Concrete volume per day=3 cranes×30 lifts/crane/day×1.75 CY/lift.\text{Concrete volume per day} = 3 \text{ cranes} \times 30 \text{ lifts/crane/day} \times 1.75 \text{ CY/lift}.Concrete volume per day=3 cranes×30 lifts/crane/day×1.75 CY/lift. Daily volume=157.5 CY/day.\text{Daily volume} = 157.5 \text{ CY/day}.Daily volume=157.5 CY/day. Over 5 days: Total volume=157.5×5=306 CY.\text{Total volume} = 157.5 \times 5 = 306 \text{ CY}.Total volume=157.5×5=306 CY.

 References: PSP Study Guide, Section 1.3.7 – Resource Calculations, demonstrates how crane capacity and lift productivity are incorporated into project planning.

Estimate to Complete (ETC) is the forecast of additional costs required to complete the remaining project work.

Option B refers to actual costs incurred (AC).

Option C refers to Estimate at Completion (EAC), which includes both actual costs and ETC.

Option D refers to Budgeted Cost of Work Performed (BCWP).

ETC is a critical concept for forecasting and project control as described in the PSP Study Guide​​.

 Hammock Activities (2001–2004):

Activity 2001 ("River Diversion Stage 1"): Duration = 92 days.

Activity 2002: Starts immediately after 2001, duration = 38 days.

Activity 2003: Starts immediately after 2002, duration = 15 days.

Activity 2004: Starts immediately after 2003, duration = 38 days.

ï‚· Calculate the Duration:

Total duration = 92 + 38 + 15 + 38 = 183 days.

ï‚· Cross-Verification with Answer Options:

Option A: Incorrect. Underestimates.

Option C: Incorrect. Overestimates.

Option D: Incorrect. Overestimates.

Option B: Correct. Matches the calculated duration.

ï‚· Calculation of Productivity Loss:

Subtracting productivity during an impacted period from unimpacted productivity quantifies the reduction in efficiency or loss in productivity.

ï‚· PSP Study Guide References:

Productivity analysis includes evaluating impacted vs. unimpacted periods to assess losses​.

ï‚· Conclusion: The correct answer is C, as the difference represents productivity loss.

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​​.

ï‚· Impact of Scope Definition on Cost Overruns:

Poor scope definition leads to unrealistic budgets and unforeseen changes, which significantly contribute to cost overruns.

Other factors like change management and WBS definitions are secondary contributors compared to scope inadequacy.

ï‚· PSP Study Guide References:

The guide emphasizes scope definition as a critical factor for accurate budgeting and planning​.

ï‚· Conclusion: The correct answer is D, as scope definition at the estimate stage has the most frequent and significant impact on cost overruns.

ï‚· Crashing is a technique to reduce project duration by allocating additional resources to critical path activities. The most critical factor when crashing a schedule often pertains to external constraints that could severely disrupt progress.

ï‚· Avoiding adverse weather conditions, such as the 2023-2024 winter/wet season, is paramount since such conditions can render activities impossible or highly inefficient.

ï‚· The PSP Study Guide emphasizes that constraints, such as environmental conditions, play a pivotal role in project planning and execution. Managing these constraints effectively through schedule adjustments like crashing is critical to project success.

 Financial incentives (bonus or penalties) and cost minimization, while important, typically take secondary priority when natural constraints risk derailing the project timeline entirely (PSP Guide, Section 1.2.4 – Project Variables and Constraints).

Driving Activity Concept:

The driving activity in a backward pass is the one that determines the late start or finish of the dependent activity.

Activity 10001 (Valve House - Complete) is directly dependent on its successor, Activity 11001 (Spillway - Concrete).

Backward Pass Logic:

In backward pass calculations, the late start of Activity 11001 establishes the late finish of Activity 10001 due to their finish-to-start (FS) relationship.

This makes Activity 11001 the driving activity.

Verification:

According to the PSP Study Guide, driving activities are identified based on their logical ties and the critical path's constraints (Ref: PSP Study Guide, Chapter 2A: Activity Relationships and Critical Path Analysis).

Thus, the driving activity for Activity 10001 is A. Activity 11001.

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​​.

ï‚· Activity Duration Estimation Techniques:

Accurate estimation methods include detailed breakdowns, using experienced personnel, and analyzing specific factors for individual activities.

Relying on gross estimates or averages (as in A) introduces significant inaccuracies.

ï‚· PSP Study Guide References:

The PSP Study Guide emphasizes the importance of detailed and specific input to improve estimation accuracy​.

ï‚· Analysis for Selection:

Option A: Incorrect method, as averages do not provide accurate results for individual activities.

Option B: Misguided suggestion; focusing independently on activities without logic paths introduces potential errors.

Option C: Correct. Dividing activities enhances detail and estimation precision.

Option D: Correct. Involving the executors ensures realistic and experienced-based durations.

ï‚· Conclusion: The correct answer is A, as using gross estimates is not an effective method for improving accuracy.