Fast Tracking
Fast tracking is a schedule compression technique in which activities or phases normally done in sequence are performed in parallel for at least a portion of their duration.
Explanation
Fast tracking accelerates the project schedule by overlapping activities that were originally planned to be performed sequentially. This is achieved by modifying discretionary dependencies to allow parallel execution or by starting successor activities before predecessors are fully complete. Fast tracking does not require additional resources, so it does not directly increase project cost.
Fast tracking is only effective when applied to activities on the critical path that can logically overlap. For example, if a project plan shows design followed by development in a strict sequence, fast tracking might allow development to begin on completed portions of the design while other design work continues. This requires that the activities be divisible and that partial outputs from the predecessor can feed the successor.
The primary drawback of fast tracking is increased risk. When activities overlap, the successor begins with incomplete information from the predecessor. If the predecessor's output changes after the successor has started, rework may be required. Fast tracking also increases complexity because the team must manage concurrent work streams with interdependencies. Only discretionary dependencies can be fast tracked; mandatory dependencies cannot be changed.
Key Points
- •Performs sequential activities in parallel to compress the schedule
- •Does not directly increase cost but increases risk
- •Only works with discretionary dependencies on the critical path
- •May result in rework if predecessor outputs change after successor starts
Exam Tip
Fast tracking increases risk (especially rework risk) but not necessarily cost. Crashing increases cost. Know which is which for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Schedule Compression
Schedule compression is a technique used to shorten or accelerate the project schedule duration without reducing the project scope.
Crashing
Crashing is a schedule compression technique in which additional resources are added to critical path activities to reduce their duration at the least additional cost.
Discretionary Dependencies
Discretionary dependencies are established by the project team based on knowledge of best practices, preferred sequencing, or past experience, even though other sequences are possible.
Critical Path
The critical path is the longest sequence of activities in a project schedule network diagram that determines the shortest possible project duration.
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