Project Activities: Definition, Attributes, and Schedule Compression
PMBOK v8 Definition
An activity is a distinct, scheduled portion of work performed during the course of a project. The activity list is a documented tabulation of schedule activities that shows the activity description, activity identifier, and a sufficiently detailed scope of work description so project team members understand what work is to be performed. Activity attributes are used for schedule development and for selecting, ordering, and sorting the planned schedule activities in various ways within reports.
Fast tracking is a schedule compression technique in which activities or phases normally done in sequence are performed in parallel for at least a portion of their duration. External dependencies are relationships between project activities and non-project activities.
Why It Matters for the Exam
Activity-related concepts appear in 15-20% of PMI exam questions, particularly in Schedule Management, Cost Management, and Risk Management domains. Questions frequently test your ability to distinguish between activity types, schedule compression techniques, and the correct application of activity attributes in real-world scenarios. Expect scenario-based questions where you must identify which schedule compression technique to apply.
Key Points to Remember (for the exam)
- Activity List Components: Activity description + activity identifier + sufficiently detailed scope of work description
- Activity Attributes Purpose: Identify where work should be performed, the project calendar the activity is assigned to, and the type of effort involved
- Fast Tracking vs. Crashing: Fast tracking = parallel execution of sequential activities (increases risk); Crashing = adding resources (increases cost)
- External Dependencies: Relationships between project activities and non-project activities (often outside project team's control)
- Schedule Compression Techniques: Fast tracking and crashing are the two primary techniques tested
- Feature Definition: A set of related requirements or functionalities that provides value to an organization (distinct from activities)
- Fixed-Price Contract: An agreement that sets the fee for a defined scope of work regardless of cost or effort to deliver it (impacts activity planning)
Typical PMI Exam Example
A software development project is behind schedule. The project manager decides to start coding activities while design activities are still 50% complete. The project manager has applied which schedule compression technique?
Answer: Fast tracking, because activities normally done in sequence are being performed in parallel for a portion of their duration.
PMI Exam Traps
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Trap: Confusing fast tracking with crashing Reality: Fast tracking = parallel work (higher risk); Crashing = more resources (higher cost)
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Trap: Thinking activity attributes are optional Reality: Activity attributes are essential for schedule development and report sorting/ordering
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Trap: Assuming external dependencies only apply to other project activities Reality: External dependencies involve relationships between project activities AND non-project activities
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Trap: Confusing features with activities Reality: Features are sets of related requirements/functions providing value; activities are scheduled work portions
Important PMI Connections
| Related Concept | Relationship Type | Exam Attention Point |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Development | Uses activity attributes | Activity attributes are key inputs for selecting, ordering, and sorting activities |
| Project Calendar | Assigned to activities | Activity attributes identify which calendar the activity is assigned to |
| Fast Tracking | Schedule compression technique | Performed in parallel for at least a portion of duration; increases risk |
| Crashing | Alternative compression technique | Adds resources; increases cost; compared with fast tracking |
Quick Review Questions
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What are the three components that must appear in an activity list according to PMBOK v8?
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A project manager decides to overlap design and development phases to recover schedule delays. Which schedule compression technique is being applied?
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What is the difference between an activity attribute and an activity list element?
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A vendor contract specifies a fixed fee regardless of actual effort. What type of contract is this, and how does it affect activity planning?
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Your project has dependencies on a regulatory approval process managed by an external agency. What type of dependency is this?
PMBOK v8 Reference
Section 5.17 (Activity List, Activity Attributes, Schedule Compression Techniques, External Dependencies, Feature, Fixed-Price Contract, Flow, Forecast)