Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines “crashing” in project management?

1. Decreasing project scope to save time

2. Reducing the number of activities in the project

3. Adding resources to shorten the duration of activities

4. Postponing activities to manage costs

The correct answer is: Adding resources to shorten the duration of activities

"Crashing" in project management specifically refers to the practice of adding resources to shorten the duration of certain tasks or activities on the critical path while keeping the project within its original scope. This technique is utilized when a project is behind schedule or when there is a need to meet a deadline without altering the project's objectives. By adding resources—such as hiring additional personnel, utilizing more equipment, or increasing working hours—project managers can accelerate the completion of tasks that are essential for maintaining the planned timeline. This approach can effectively reduce overall project duration, helping to achieve project deadlines without compromising on the quality of the deliverables. In contrast, decreasing project scope would not accurately describe "crashing," as it implies reducing the overall goals or objectives of the project. Reducing the number of activities refers to eliminating tasks, which is not a characteristic of crashing; instead, crashing focuses on expediting the completion of existing tasks. Postponing activities to manage costs represents a different strategy, often referred to as "fast-tracking," and does not align with the primary concept of crashing, which aims to shorten time frames rather than defer efforts.