Six Sigma Global Institute (SSGI) Project Management Professional Certification Practice Exam

How is "Late Start" determined for an activity?

1. By adding late finish to activity duration

2. By subtracting activity duration from late finish

3. By analyzing all predecessor activities

4. By calculating total project slack

The correct answer is: By subtracting activity duration from late finish

The determination of a "Late Start" for an activity is based on the concept of project scheduling, specifically within the framework of the Critical Path Method (CPM). The correct approach involves calculating the Late Start by subtracting the activity's duration from its Late Finish. When scheduling activities, the Late Finish represents the latest time an activity can start without delaying the project. Therefore, to find the Late Start, you need to consider how long the activity will take (its duration). By subtracting this duration from the Late Finish, you determine the latest point in time that the activity can begin, ensuring that all subsequent activities can still be completed on time. This calculation is crucial in project management as it helps to identify potential scheduling issues and manage resources effectively, especially in complex projects with multiple interdependent activities. Understanding this concept enables project managers to optimize timelines and allocate resources according to the project's critical needs.