Fast tracking is a schedule compression technique used to shorten the project schedule without changing project scope. Which of the following can result from fast tracking?

Question

Options

• AThe risk of achieving the shortened project time is increased.
• BThe critical path will have positive total float.
• CContingency reserves are released for redeployment by the project manager.
• DDuration buffers are added to maintain a focus on planned activity durations.

• A
  83% (30)
• B
  8% (3)
• C
  6% (2)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

Fast tracking means overlapping activities that were originally planned sequentially - for example, starting construction while design is still being finalized. This inherently introduces increased risk (A) because activities being done in parallel may require rework if earlier work changes, dependencies are harder to manage, and there is less buffer for errors. The compressed timeline trades schedule duration for higher uncertainty.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• B is incorrect because fast tracking activities are on the critical path (that's why you're compressing them), and the critical path always has zero total float by definition - overlapping tasks doesn't create positive float, it just shifts when activities happen.
• C is incorrect because releasing contingency reserves is a financial/risk management decision unrelated to schedule compression techniques; fast tracking typically consumes or demands more contingency, not less.
• D describes buffering, which is a technique from Critical Chain Project Management - it's essentially the opposite philosophy of fast tracking, which removes buffer by overlapping work.

Memory tip: Think of fast tracking like merging two lanes of highway traffic - cars move faster overall, but the chance of a collision (risk) goes way up. Speed gained = risk gained.

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