When two major tasks can be performed in parallel, which factor most influences the total project duration?

When two major tasks can be performed in parallel, which factor most influences the total project duration?

• A. The sum of all task durations
• B. The longest duration among parallel tasks
• C. The number of workers
• D. The cost of materials

Answer: (B)

When two tasks run at the same time, the total time to complete them is determined by the slower one. They start together, and the overall finish happens only after the longer task finishes, so the completion time equals the longer duration among the parallel tasks. The sum of durations would apply if they were done one after another, not in parallel. Having more workers can help with throughput in general, but if these two tasks are already parallel and resources are sufficient, the extra workers don’t shorten the total time beyond the longest task. Materials cost doesn’t directly set how long the tasks take, unless procurement delays occur.

When two tasks run at the same time, the total time to complete them is determined by the slower one. They start together, and the overall finish happens only after the longer task finishes, so the completion time equals the longer duration among the parallel tasks. The sum of durations would apply if they were done one after another, not in parallel. Having more workers can help with throughput in general, but if these two tasks are already parallel and resources are sufficient, the extra workers don’t shorten the total time beyond the longest task. Materials cost doesn’t directly set how long the tasks take, unless procurement delays occur.