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.

Project Management with AI: From Initiation to Closing

Build a practical project management process from initiation to closing with our Project Management: From Initiation to Closing with AI course. Learn how to move from informal project coordination to a structured, repeatable approach using PMBOK-aligned workflows, real examples, and professional templates.

This hands-on course follows a complete project lifecycle. You will learn how to write a project charter, define scope, build a work breakdown structure, develop a schedule, estimate costs, manage risks, engage stakeholders, execute the work, monitor performance, and close the project properly.

You will also learn how to use AI tools to accelerate project management work. The course includes reusable prompts, downloadable templates, assignments, and worked examples that show how project documents connect from one stage to the next.

The course is designed for professionals, team leads, coordinators, analysts, and new project managers who need practical skills they can apply at work. Enroll now and build the confidence to manage projects with structure, clarity, and control.



Lead with clarity, influence, and outcomes.

HK School of Management brings you a practical, no-fluff Leadership for Project Managers course—built for real projects, tight deadlines, and cross-functional teams. Learn to set direction, align stakeholders, and drive commitment without relying on title. For the price of a lunch, get proven playbooks, and downloadable templates. Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee—zero risk, high impact.

Learn More