SMSTS Project Planning and Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under CDM 2015, who is responsible for preparing the Construction Phase Plan before work begins on site?
- The Principal Designer
- The Principal Contractor (Correct answer)
- The Client
- The Site Manager
Correct answer: The Principal Contractor
The Principal Contractor must prepare the Construction Phase Plan before the construction phase begins.
Question 2: A Gantt chart is primarily used in project management to:
- Calculate project costs
- Display task schedules and timelines visually (Correct answer)
- Assess site hazards
- Record near-miss incidents
Correct answer: Display task schedules and timelines visually
A Gantt chart is a bar chart that visually represents a project schedule, showing start and end dates for tasks.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'look-ahead programme' on a construction project?
- To review completed work for quality
- To plan work activities for the next 2–6 weeks in detail (Correct answer)
- To document accidents retrospectively
- To set the project's final completion date
Correct answer: To plan work activities for the next 2–6 weeks in detail
A look-ahead programme plans near-term work in detail, typically covering the next 2–6 weeks to coordinate resources and activities.
Question 4: When planning site logistics, which factor most directly affects the sequencing of construction activities?
- The client's preferred colour scheme
- Lead times for material delivery (Correct answer)
- The number of site offices
- Staff holiday schedules only
Correct answer: Lead times for material delivery
Material delivery lead times can create critical constraints on when activities can start, directly affecting sequencing.
Question 5: A 'critical path' in project scheduling represents:
- The safest route through a site
- The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines project duration (Correct answer)
- The route taken by emergency vehicles
- The most expensive work package
Correct answer: The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines project duration
The critical path is the longest chain of dependent activities; any delay to a task on it delays the whole project.
Question 6: Which document sets out the environmental management requirements and site rules that contractors must follow?
- The Pre-Construction Information Pack
- The Site-specific Environmental Management Plan (Correct answer)
- The F10 notification form
- The health surveillance register
Correct answer: The Site-specific Environmental Management Plan
A Site Environmental Management Plan documents site-specific controls, procedures, and responsibilities for environmental compliance.
Question 7: When is it most appropriate to revise a project programme?
- Only at project completion
- When unforeseen events significantly impact planned progress (Correct answer)
- Whenever a subcontractor requests it
- Only if the client insists in writing
Correct answer: When unforeseen events significantly impact planned progress
Programmes should be updated when significant events such as scope changes, delays, or design changes materially affect planned activities.
