Question

A float (or slack) in a critical path method (CPM) is amount of time that a task can be delayed without causing any delay to
1. Subsequent tasks and project completion date
2. Interdependent tasks
3. Subsequent tasks only
4. Preceding tasks
5. Project completion date only

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Subsequent tasks and project completion date

Explanation:

Float

• It is associated with activity times.
• It is analogous to the slack of events in PERT.
• It is the range with which start or finish activity may fluctuate without affecting the project completion time.
• Floats are of following types:
  • Total float: The time span by which starting or finishing of an activity can be delayed without delaying the completion of the project. It is the maximum available time over the activity completion time.
  • Free float: The delay which can be made without delaying succeeding activities. It affects only preceding activities.
  • Independent float: It is the minimum excess available time that exists without affecting any of the succeeding or preceding activities.
  • Interfering float: It is similar to head event slack.

So, 

A float (or slack) in a critical path method (CPM) is the amount of time that a task can be delayed without causing any delay to Subsequent tasks and project completion date.