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

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ï‚· 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.

ï‚· PSP Study Guide References:

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

ï‚· 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.

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

ï‚· Understanding Stakeholders:

A stakeholder is any individual, group, or entity that has an interest or is affected by the project's outcome, whether directly or indirectly.

Stakeholders typically include the owner, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, designers, public agencies, and other entities directly involved in or impacted by the project.

ï‚· Analysis of the Options:

A. ALPHA:

ALPHA appears to be one of the stakeholders involved in the Spring Highway project, likely as a contractor, subcontractor, or project participant.

B. GOUGE:

GOUGE does not appear to be directly associated with the Spring Highway project based on the provided context. It may be a separate entity unrelated to the stakeholders participating in or impacted by the project.

GOUGE is NOT a stakeholder in this project.

C. BILCO:

BILCO is likely involved as a contractor, subcontractor, or another project-related entity with direct involvement in delivering the Spring Highway project.

D. DEVCO:

DEVCO could be the project developer or a significant stakeholder involved in managing, funding, or overseeing the Spring Highway project.

ï‚· Stakeholder Determination:

Based on the definitions and principles of stakeholder analysis in project management, GOUGE is not identified as a party involved in or affected by the project.

Therefore, GOUGE is NOT a stakeholder.

ï‚· Final Answer and Justification:

The correct answer is B. GOUGE, as it is the only option that does not align with the definition of a stakeholder based on involvement in the Spring Highway project.

ï‚· Study Guide Reference:

Refer to the PSP Certification Study Guide, Chapter 1 – Planning, Subchapter 1.1.2: Identification of Stakeholders (p. 23-26), which outlines the roles and impacts of stakeholders in project planning.

Also, refer to AACE Recommended Practice 119R-21: Stakeholder Management in Project Controls, which discusses stakeholder identification and roles.