International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

In a network logic analysis, positive float exists when?

1. Early Start (ES) is equal to Late Start (LS)

2. Early Start (ES) is earlier than Late Start (LS)

3. Early Start (ES) is later than Late Start (LS)

4. Early Start (ES) is equal to Early Finish (EF)

The correct answer is: Early Start (ES) is earlier than Late Start (LS)

In network logic analysis, positive float, also known as total float, occurs when the Early Start (ES) of a task is earlier than its Late Start (LS). This indicates that there is flexibility in scheduling the task without impacting the overall project duration. When the Early Start is earlier than the Late Start, it means that the project schedule allows for a delay in starting that task without causing a delay in the project's completion. This provides the project manager with the opportunity to allocate resources elsewhere if needed, as the task has some leeway before it must begin to maintain the planned timeline. In contrast, if the Early Start were equal to the Late Start, there would be no float available, meaning the task must start on time to avoid delaying the project. If the Early Start were later than the Late Start, it would indicate that the project is already behind schedule and cannot afford any delays, leading to negative float or a critical situation for that task. The choice regarding the Early Finish (EF) being equal to Early Start (ES) focuses on a different aspect of task scheduling and does not relate to the float concept directly. Hence, the best answer, indicating the presence of positive float, is where Early Start is indeed earlier than Late Start.