Fast Tracking

A schedule shortening technique where work that would normally occur one after another is overlapped, running some activities or phases in parallel for part of their duration.

Key Points

  • Used to compress the schedule without changing project scope.
  • Increases risk of rework and coordination issues due to overlapping dependent tasks.
  • Best applied to discretionary (soft) dependencies where logic can be adjusted safely.
  • Different from crashing: fast tracking overlaps work; crashing adds resources to shorten critical tasks.

Example

A construction project overlaps foundation completion with the start of framing on completed sections, allowing framing to begin before the entire foundation is finished.

PMP Example Question

A project manager wants to reduce the timeline without increasing resource costs. They propose starting system testing while development of later modules is still in progress. What technique are they using?

  1. Crashing
  2. Resource leveling
  3. Rolling wave planning
  4. Fast tracking

Correct Answer: D — Fast tracking

Explanation: Overlapping testing with ongoing development runs activities in parallel to shorten the schedule, which is fast tracking; it does not inherently add resources like crashing.

Advanced Project Management — Measuring Project Performance

Move beyond guesswork and status reporting. This course helps you measure real progress, spot problems early, and make confident decisions using proven project performance techniques. If you manage complex projects and want clearer visibility and control, this course is built for you.

This is not abstract theory. You’ll work step by step through Earned Value Management (EVM), learning how cost, schedule, and scope come together to show true performance. You’ll build a solid foundation in EVM concepts, understand why formulas work, and learn how performance data actually supports leadership decisions.

You’ll master Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), control accounts, and budget baselines, then apply core EVM metrics like EAC, TCPI, and variance analysis. Through a detailed real-world example, you’ll forecast outcomes, analyze trends, and understand contingencies and management reserves with confidence.

Learn how experienced project managers monitor performance, communicate results clearly, and take corrective action before projects slip. With practical exercises and hands-on analysis, you’ll be ready to apply EVM immediately. Enroll now and start managing performance with clarity and control.



Advance your Lean Six Sigma expertise!

HK School of Management helps you take Lean Six Sigma to the next level—without the overwhelm. Master advanced statistical tools, Excel-based analysis, and real-world improvement techniques to solve complex problems with confidence. For the price of lunch, you get practical templates, guided examples, and hands-on project experience you can use immediately at work. Backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee—zero risk, real impact.

Learn More