What is the minimum a project schedule must include?

Question

Options

• AVariance analysis
• BA planned start date and a planned finish date for each schedule activity
• CA critical path diagram
• DCritical chain analysis

• A
  2% (1)
• B
  84% (37)
• C
  5% (2)
• D
  9% (4)

Explanation

Option B is correct because a project schedule, at its most basic level, must define when each activity starts and when it ends - without planned start and finish dates, you don't have a schedule at all, just a list of tasks. The PMBOK Guide defines the schedule as a model that presents planned dates for completing activities, making start/finish dates the irreducible minimum.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (Variance analysis) is a monitoring and controlling technique used to compare actual vs. planned performance - it requires an existing schedule to exist, but is not part of the schedule itself.
• C (Critical path diagram) is a useful scheduling tool, but it's a method of analysis, not a required component of the schedule output. Small projects may not use CPM at all.
• D (Critical chain analysis) is an advanced scheduling technique focused on resource constraints and buffers - valuable, but optional and certainly not a minimum requirement.

Memory tip: Think of a schedule as a calendar appointment. The bare minimum for any appointment is a start time and an end time - everything else (reminders, attendees, notes) is optional enhancement. The same logic applies to schedule activities.

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