What does the term "crashing" refer to in project management?

• A. Reducing project scope
• B. Adding resources to meet deadlines
• C. Increasing project costs
• D. Extending project timelines

Answer: (B)

In project management, "crashing" specifically refers to the practice of adding additional resources to a project in order to shorten its duration or meet specific deadlines without changing the project scope. This might involve allocating more personnel, utilizing overtime, or employing more equipment to accelerate progress on critical tasks.

The effectiveness of crashing is evaluated by weighing the additional costs incurred against the overall benefits of completing the project sooner, which can include improved cash flow, increased customer satisfaction, or aligning with strategic business objectives.

When implementing crashing, it's essential to identify the tasks on the critical path—those tasks that directly influence the project completion date—as improving other tasks won't affect the project timeline. This strategic approach allows project managers to make timely decisions to mitigate delays and keep the project on track.