Allocating more resources to critical path tasks typically results in what?

• A. Longer project duration
• B. Increased risk
• C. Shorter project duration
• D. No effect

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that the project duration is set by the critical path—the longest sequence of dependent tasks in the schedule. When you allocate more resources to tasks on that path, you can complete those tasks faster, which reduces the total time required for the critical path and thus shortens the overall project duration. This approach is often called schedule compression or crashing, and it works best when the tasks on the path can genuinely be sped up with additional resources. If you pour resources into non-critical tasks, you usually won’t shave the finish date unless those tasks become critical due to changes elsewhere. Keep in mind that adding resources can raise costs and may introduce coordination or multitasking challenges, but the direct effect described is a shorter project duration.