PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes resource smoothing?

1. A method that shortens the project schedule

2. A technique that affects the critical path

3. A technique using float without affecting the critical path

4. A method to extend the project duration

The correct answer is: A technique using float without affecting the critical path

Resource smoothing is a technique used in project management to adjust the allocation of resources while ensuring that the overall project timeline remains unaffected. This method aims to optimize resource utilization by redistributing tasks to eliminate peaks and valleys in resource usage, effectively leveling the workload. By using float—also known as slack—project managers can rearrange or reschedule activities that are not on the critical path, allowing for a more balanced distribution of tasks. This ensures that the project resources are used more efficiently without delaying the completion date. Since the critical path determines the shortest possible duration of the project, any adjustments that do not impact this path maintain the overall project timeline while enhancing resource utilization. The other options imply outcomes that are not aligned with the fundamental purpose of resource smoothing. Shortening the project schedule or extending the project duration suggests changes to the overall timeline, which contradicts the technique's goal of respecting the existing deadlines. Similarly, affecting the critical path would negate the key feature of resource smoothing, which aims to maintain project duration while optimizing resource use.