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PK0-004 · Question #144
PK0-004 Question #144: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation
The correct answer is B: Review the PERT chart and evaluate if the task is a discretionary dependency.. Discretionary dependencies (soft logic) represent preferred or best-practice sequencing that is not technically required. Reviewing these tells the PM whether a task's timing is flexible.
Question
A team member learns that an assigned task is not due until the very end of the project. Moreover, the team member is not aware of any predecessor tasks dependent on completing the assigned task. Which of the following does the project manager use to decide if the team member can start the task later or earlier?
Options
- AReview the PERT chart and evaluate if the task is a critical dependency.
- BReview the PERT chart and evaluate if the task is a discretionary dependency.
- CReview the PERT chart and evaluate if the task is a real dependency.
- DReview the PERT chart and evaluate if the task is an external dependency.
Explanation
Discretionary dependencies (soft logic) represent preferred or best-practice sequencing that is not technically required. Reviewing these tells the PM whether a task's timing is flexible.
Common mistakes.
- A. A critical dependency identifies tasks on the critical path where any delay impacts the project end date, which does not address whether the task's start time is flexible.
- C. A 'real dependency' (mandatory dependency) is a hard, unavoidable constraint - the opposite of what describes a task with no predecessor requirements.
- D. An external dependency involves a relationship to work outside the project's control, which is unrelated to the team member's scheduling flexibility.
Concept tested. Discretionary dependencies and schedule flexibility in PERT
Reference. https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok
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