In Project Time Management, which of the following combinations correctly identifies a typical input, a tool or technique, and a primary output of the Schedule Development process according to the PMBOK Guide?

Introduction / Context:
Schedule Development known as Develop Schedule in newer PMBOK editions is the Project Time Management process that integrates activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and constraints into a time phased project schedule. This schedule becomes the schedule baseline against which performance is measured. Recognising the key ITTOs for this process is essential for PMP exam success and for practical schedule planning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The knowledge area is Project Time Management.
• The process under discussion is Schedule Development or Develop Schedule.
• We need one representative input, one tool or technique, and one primary output.
• Activity list, network diagrams, and activity duration estimates are assumed to already exist.
• The objective is to create a realistic, approved schedule that can be used for execution and control.

Concept / Approach:
Schedule Development uses inputs such as activity list, activity attributes, project schedule network diagrams, activity resource requirements, resource calendars, and activity duration estimates. A central group of tools and techniques is schedule network analysis, which may include critical path method, critical chain, what if analysis, resource leveling, and schedule compression. The primary output is the project schedule, often represented as a Gantt chart, milestone chart, or network diagram with dates, along with a schedule baseline and schedule data.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify a key input. Activity duration estimates are essential because without them the schedule cannot be time phased. Step 2: Select an appropriate tool or technique. Schedule network analysis is specifically associated with this process and encompasses critical path method and related analytical techniques. Step 3: Determine the main output. The project schedule is the direct outcome, showing planned start and finish dates for activities and milestones. Step 4: Review answer options and choose the set that contains activity duration estimates, schedule network analysis, and project schedule. Step 5: Verify that the other options belong to cost, scope, quality, or human resource management instead of schedule development.

Verification / Alternative check:
PMBOK Guide content for Develop Schedule lists activity resource requirements, activity duration estimates, project schedule network diagrams, resource calendars, and constraints as inputs. Tools and techniques include schedule network analysis, critical path method, resource leveling, schedule compression, and modeling techniques. Outputs include the project schedule, schedule baseline, schedule data, and project document updates. This aligns with the combination used in the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is concerned with cost control and financial forecasting. Option C represents scope management activities. Option D is focused on quality control using control charts. Option E relates to acquiring team members rather than building the project schedule.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates mistakenly think that the WBS itself is an input or output of schedule development, forgetting that it belongs to scope management. Another pitfall is to equate the schedule network diagram with the final schedule; the network diagram shows logical relationships, whereas the project schedule includes dates and calendar information. For the exam, link Develop Schedule with duration estimates, schedule network analysis, and the project schedule as the primary output.

Final Answer:
The correct ITTO combination for Schedule Development is activity duration estimates; schedule network analysis; project schedule.