Effort
The total amount of labor needed to finish a scheduled activity or a WBS component, typically measured in person-hours, person-days, or person-weeks; it is not the same as duration, which is the elapsed calendar time.
Key Points
- Effort measures labor quantity, not calendar time.
- Common units are person-hours, person-days, or person-weeks.
- Duration is influenced by resource allocation; Duration ≈ Effort divided by effective resource hours available.
- Adding people may shorten duration, but total effort often stays the same (assuming similar productivity).
Example
An activity requires 80 person-hours. With one full-time resource at 8 hours per day, the duration is about 10 days. With two full-time resources, duration is about 5 days (if efficiency holds). The effort remains 80 hours in both cases.
PMP Example Question
Which term refers to the total labor required to complete a work package, typically expressed in person-hours, and should not be confused with elapsed calendar time?
- Effort
- Duration
- Work package
- Resource leveling
Correct Answer: A — Effort - the amount of labor required
Explanation: Effort quantifies labor input (person-hours/days/weeks), whereas duration is the elapsed time from start to finish.
