According to the PMBOKGuide, specifically within the Develop Schedule process, Fast Tracking is a schedule compression technique used to shorten the project duration without reducing the project scope.
* Mechanism: Fast tracking involves performing activities in parallel that would normally be done in sequence. For example, starting the construction of a building ' s foundation before the final architectural drawings are 100% complete.
* Impact on Risk and Rework: Because activities are performed out of their natural or logical sequence, fast tracking often results in increased risk and a higher probability of rework. If the drawings change after the foundation is poured, the work may need to be corrected.
* Comparison with Crashing: Unlike Crashing (which adds resources and increases costs), Fast Tracking primarily impacts the risk profile and does not necessarily increase costs, though the potential for rework can lead to indirect cost increases later.
Analysis of Other Options:
* B. The critical path will have positive total float: Incorrect. The critical path, by definition, has zero or negative total float. Compressing the schedule aims to meet a target date, but it does not create " slack " or positive float on the critical path itself.
* C. Contingency reserves are released: Incorrect. Since fast tracking increases project risk, the project manager would likely need to maintain or even increase contingency reserves rather than release them.
* D. Duration buffers are added: This describes Critical Chain Method, not fast tracking. In fast tracking, the focus is on overlapping existing activities rather than adding specific buffers to the schedule.