Project Management: Estimating Activity Durations

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor that determines the method used to establish the duration of an activity?

The complexity of the activity

The availability of resources and budget

The size of the activity in terms of time consumption and required accuracy (correct)

The experience of the scheduler in similar projects

How can a scheduler estimate the duration of an activity without detailed analysis?

By relying on intuition

By consulting with experts in the field

By analyzing past project performances (correct)

By using a complex mathematical model

What is the effect of increasing the crew size on the duration of an activity?

It has no effect on the duration

It results in longer durations

It results in shorter durations (correct)

It depends on the type of activity

What is a significant portion of time devoted to in short duration activities?

Mobilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of analyzing the S-curve in project management?

To compare actual cost data with predicted cost data Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration in determining the duration of a hand excavation task?

The volume of material to be excavated Signup and view all the answers

What factor should be considered when determining the material inflow rate?

Available storage space and installation rate Signup and view all the answers

How can a scheduler determine the duration of a drywall installation task?

By analyzing past project performances Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when scheduling certain activities in a construction project?

Anticipating the need for precautionary measures Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of reducing the crew size on the duration of an activity?

It results in longer durations Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of selecting scheduled dates in a construction project?

To consider the likelihood that the assumptions of the network model may not hold true Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using past project performances to estimate the duration of an activity?

It allows for minimal computations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of developing a realistic schedule in a construction project?

To anticipate and prepare for potential problems Signup and view all the answers

What should be examined when scheduling major activities in a construction project?

Time of year in which they are scheduled to occur Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the S-curve in project management?

It shows the total project expenditures Signup and view all the answers

What should be reflected in the initial schedule of a construction project?

Significant concerns related to materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reliance of developing and using schedules in project management?

Activity durations Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to accurately determine activity durations in project planning?

To ensure the usefulness and accuracy of the schedule Signup and view all the answers

What type of estimates are prepared by architects, engineers, or consultants to approximate project costs?

Conceptual estimates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for preparing conceptual estimates in project planning?

To determine project feasibility Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in preparing accurate conceptual estimates?

Clear understanding of owner's requirements Signup and view all the answers

Why do private owners require an estimate of project costs?

To know the extent of financing required Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between activity durations and schedule accuracy?

Activity durations directly impact schedule accuracy Signup and view all the answers

When is conceptual estimating typically done in a project?

During project planning Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Estimating Durations

Estimating durations depends on the size and accuracy required for the activity.
A significant activity, such as excavating 375,000 cubic yards of material, warrants considerable investigation.
Past project performances can be used to make duration estimates without detailed analysis.
A rough estimate can be made by visualizing the work being done at a given pace, such as installing drywall at a rate of four rooms per day.

Factors Affecting Durations

Crew size can affect durations, with increases resulting in shorter durations and reductions resulting in longer durations.
Mobilization allowances can take up a significant percentage of time for short-duration activities.
The "lazy S-curve" presents the full range of options open to the project manager, including actual cost data compared to predicted.

Scheduling Considerations

The schedule should reflect significant concerns related to materials, such as storage space and installation rates.
Material inflow rates should be based on available storage space and installation rates.
The schedule should anticipate the need for precautionary measures, such as guarding against rain, snow, and temperature extremes.
Major activities should be examined to determine the time of year they are scheduled to occur.

Importance of Scheduling

A realistic schedule is desirable despite the relative uncertainties inherent in construction projects.
Arrangements made for materials' deliveries, subcontractor start dates, and contract-specified milestone dates suggest the initial schedule is important.
Selecting scheduled dates may include considering the likelihood that the assumptions of the network model will not hold true.

Determining Activity Durations

Activity durations must be developed with a certain amount of accuracy for the schedules to be valuable.
The accuracy and usefulness of the schedule are directly related to the accuracy of individual activity durations.
Conceptual estimates are rough approximations of anticipated costs, prepared by architects, engineers, or consultants.
Conceptual estimates require a clear understanding of the owner's wants and a good "feel" for probable costs.

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Description

This quiz covers the methods used to establish the duration of an activity in project management, including using past project performances and detailed analysis.