CM 2113 Wang Test 2 – 50 Exam Questions & Verified
Answers (Updated 2026)
Exam Questions & 100% Verified Revised Answers (Updated)
Course: CM 2113 – Construction Project Management & Controls
Instructor: Professor Wang
Test: 2 (Mid-term coverage: Scheduling, Cost Control, Resource Management, Risk)
Section I – Multiple Choice (30 points)
1. In a Critical Path Method (CPM) network, the activity that has zero total float is called a:
A) Dummy activity
B) Critical activity
C) Slack activity
D) Free-float activity
Answer: B) Critical activity
Revised explanation: Critical activities have zero total float; any delay extends the project
duration.
2. Which of the following is a direct cost in a construction project?
A) Office rent for the home office
B) Project manager’s salary allocated to the job site
C) Depreciation of company-wide equipment
D) Advertising for new projects
Answer: B) Project manager’s salary allocated to the job site
Revised explanation: Direct costs are specifically attributable to a project (labor, materials,
equipment, site supervision). Home office overhead is indirect.
3. If an activity has an Early Start (ES) of day 5, Late Start (LS) of day 8, and duration of 3
days, the Total Float is:
A) 0
B) 3
C) 5
D) 8
Answer: B) 3
*Calculation: Total Float = LS – ES = 8 – 5 = 3 days.*
, 4. In resource leveling, the primary goal is to:
A) Minimize project duration
B) Reduce the critical path
C) Smooth resource demand within available limits
D) Increase the number of activities in parallel
Answer: C) Smooth resource demand within available limits
Revised explanation: Resource leveling shifts non-critical activities to avoid peaks and
valleys, keeping usage within capacity.
5. Which contract type places the greatest risk on the owner?
A) Lump Sum
B) Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)
C) Cost Plus Fixed Fee
D) Unit Price
Answer: C) Cost Plus Fixed Fee
Revised explanation: Owner pays all actual costs plus a fee; cost overruns are borne by the
owner.
Section II – Short Answer (40 points)
6. Define the term “Total Float” and explain why it is important for schedule compression.
Answer:
Total Float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project
completion date. It is calculated as LS – ES or LF – EF.
Importance for schedule compression: Activities with float can be delayed or used to shift
resources to critical activities. When compressing (crashing) a schedule, you focus on critical
activities (zero float) first because reducing their duration directly shortens the project.
7. List four typical components of an Earned Value Management (EVM) report and give the
formula for Cost Performance Index (CPI).
Answer:
Components:
• Planned Value (PV)
• Earned Value (EV)
• Actual Cost (AC)
• Budget at Completion (BAC)
CPI formula:
CPI=EVACCPI=ACEV
CPI > 1 indicates under budget; CPI < 1 indicates over budget.
Answers (Updated 2026)
Exam Questions & 100% Verified Revised Answers (Updated)
Course: CM 2113 – Construction Project Management & Controls
Instructor: Professor Wang
Test: 2 (Mid-term coverage: Scheduling, Cost Control, Resource Management, Risk)
Section I – Multiple Choice (30 points)
1. In a Critical Path Method (CPM) network, the activity that has zero total float is called a:
A) Dummy activity
B) Critical activity
C) Slack activity
D) Free-float activity
Answer: B) Critical activity
Revised explanation: Critical activities have zero total float; any delay extends the project
duration.
2. Which of the following is a direct cost in a construction project?
A) Office rent for the home office
B) Project manager’s salary allocated to the job site
C) Depreciation of company-wide equipment
D) Advertising for new projects
Answer: B) Project manager’s salary allocated to the job site
Revised explanation: Direct costs are specifically attributable to a project (labor, materials,
equipment, site supervision). Home office overhead is indirect.
3. If an activity has an Early Start (ES) of day 5, Late Start (LS) of day 8, and duration of 3
days, the Total Float is:
A) 0
B) 3
C) 5
D) 8
Answer: B) 3
*Calculation: Total Float = LS – ES = 8 – 5 = 3 days.*
, 4. In resource leveling, the primary goal is to:
A) Minimize project duration
B) Reduce the critical path
C) Smooth resource demand within available limits
D) Increase the number of activities in parallel
Answer: C) Smooth resource demand within available limits
Revised explanation: Resource leveling shifts non-critical activities to avoid peaks and
valleys, keeping usage within capacity.
5. Which contract type places the greatest risk on the owner?
A) Lump Sum
B) Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)
C) Cost Plus Fixed Fee
D) Unit Price
Answer: C) Cost Plus Fixed Fee
Revised explanation: Owner pays all actual costs plus a fee; cost overruns are borne by the
owner.
Section II – Short Answer (40 points)
6. Define the term “Total Float” and explain why it is important for schedule compression.
Answer:
Total Float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project
completion date. It is calculated as LS – ES or LF – EF.
Importance for schedule compression: Activities with float can be delayed or used to shift
resources to critical activities. When compressing (crashing) a schedule, you focus on critical
activities (zero float) first because reducing their duration directly shortens the project.
7. List four typical components of an Earned Value Management (EVM) report and give the
formula for Cost Performance Index (CPI).
Answer:
Components:
• Planned Value (PV)
• Earned Value (EV)
• Actual Cost (AC)
• Budget at Completion (BAC)
CPI formula:
CPI=EVACCPI=ACEV
CPI > 1 indicates under budget; CPI < 1 indicates over budget.
