Tutorial A Pretest
Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding the definition of projects?
Explanation: Projects are unique and temporary initiatives, not operations. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2)
Answer: They terminate when they are determined to be a failure.
Explanation: Projects are closed under a variety of conditions, including when they are considered to be a failure.
Answer: They terminate when they are determined to be a success.
Explanation: Projects are closed when they accomplish their goal. Sometimes, this involves transitioning into operations.
Answer: They can involve repetitive elements.
Explanation: Projects can involve repetitive elements, though they do not always.
Which of the following is MOST likely to involve a project and affect on-going operations?
Explanation: Changing providers would classify as a project as it has many unique aspects (e.g. new plans, new procedures). It also affects existing operational procedures such as how employees receive benefits, the forms that are used for claims, etc. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2, 1.5)
Answer: Designing and installing new, enterprise-wide software that controls every aspect of the organization. One individual is leading the entire initiative, and one individual from each department will ensure that the new software accomplishes their respective department goals.
Explanation: With the scope of this initiative, one person in charge, and many individuals “assuming responsibility,” this work is more likely a program.
Answer: Planning a themed company party for 5000 employees held on a weekend evening.
Explanation: This is a certainly a project, but it's unlikely to have much effect on operations.
Answer: Determining that the organization requires a stronger focus on customer service for the organization to be more competitive.
Explanation: As stated, this is a high-level element of strategic planning. The identification of improving customer service will likely result in one or more programs or projects.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely activity, responsibility, or duty of the vendor’s Project Management Office (PMO)?
Explanation: These operational forms, templates, and procedures would more likely originate from the departments themselves, as opposed to originating from the PMO. This is certainly not to say that these types of forms are irrelevant to an office move, but the departments would be a more dependable source for these documents than the PMO. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.4)
Answer: Rewarding or disciplining the project managers of the office relocation project.
Explanation: PMOs typically have the authority to reward or discipline project managers.
Answer: Informing the project manager that historical information exists that's similar to several specific aspects of the office relocation project.
Explanation: PMOs house historical project management data.
Answer: Demanding that the project manager use a specific set of project management templates.
Explanation: PMOs often create and enforce the use of templates, as well as policies, procedures, and guidelines related to project management.
Which of the following potential projects is the LEAST likely to be approved by an organization?
Explanation: There is no indication in this answer that the extra space provides additional value, capitalizes on an opportunity, or solves a problem. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.3)
Answer: A construction project to expand the network of water delivery (e.g. pipes, filtration system) to 1,000 homes in a developing country.
Explanation: Though the answer doesn't specifically state the country does not have clean water, it's a reasonable assumption that “expanding” the network means that some users don't currently have access. Also, the question doesn't specify that the organization is a “for profit” organization.
Answer: A party for employees that is designed to improve employee satisfaction by 5%.
Explanation: Projects with a goal of employee satisfaction, though perhaps not the most common type of project, are valid types of projects. In general, human resource professionals often assert that satisfied employees are more productive, stay with the organization longer, etc.
Answer: Purchasing information technology equipment to meet the short-term quota of the operations department.
Explanation: Meeting a short-term quota is a valid business driver, assuming the gain outweighs the investment in this equipment.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following options is the MOST accurate definition of project stakeholders for this project?
Explanation: The most accurate definition of stakeholder is any individual, group, or organization that is affected by the project. For large projects, this can include thousands of stakeholders. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2)
Answer: Project stakeholders, like the owner and department managers who will use the new office facilities, who have minor to major influence over the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not influence the project.
Answer: Project stakeholders, such as the owner and the customer, who are the primary beneficiaries of the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not benefit. In some cases, some stakeholders might be affected negatively if the project is successfully implemented (e.g. competitors).
Answer: Project stakeholders are the individuals and groups, such as the project team and department subject matter experts, who perform small or large amounts of work on the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not perform any work on the project.
Which of the following options is the MOST accurate in relation to the types of organizational structures?
Explanation: Departments in projectized organizations can report directly to the project manager as described in this answer, though it's also possible that other departments just provide support services. (PMBOK® Guide 2.1.3)
Answer: A project management office is a functional organizational structure that standardizes project-related governance processes and facilitates the sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and techniques.
Explanation: A project management office is considered a “management structure” as opposed to an “organizational structure” (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.4). Additionally, “functional organizational structure” is not a phrase used in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: A decentralized matrix provides more power and authority to project managers and is more common in distributed (virtual) organizations.
Explanation: The term “decentralized matrix” doesn't exist in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Project managers in functional organizations typically work on projects that span all departments.
Explanation: Project managers in functional organizations typically work on projects only within their respective departments (e.g. finance, accounting, IT).
Which of the following options is the LEAST accurate definition of the project sponsor?
Explanation: This is the responsibility of the project manager. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2.1)
Answer: The sponsor provides financial resources and support.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor.
Answer: The sponsor can provide substantial input to the project charter and the definition of the project scope.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor. Briefly, the sponsor pays for the project. Thus, the sponsor should help craft much of the charter that authorizes the project, as well as define the key product, service, or result that the project should produce.
Answer: The sponsor leads the project through the initiating process group.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor. The project manager takes responsibility for the planning through closing process groups.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The vendor has performed this type of work for many organizations over the last 10 years. The vendor has a standard document that organizes this type of work by the major phases of architecture, construction, and the physical move. The construction phase itself is broken down into the sub-phases of demolition, rough, mechanical and finishing. What type of document is this?
Explanation: The project life cycle describes the major phases of work. (PMBOK® Guide 2.4)
Answer: The product life cycle
Explanation: The product life cycle describes the phases associated with the entire life of a particular product, service, or result from design to decommissioning.
Answer: The project management life cycle
Explanation: This life cycle is associated with the PMBOK® Guide process groups of initiating through closing.
Answer: The process life cycle
Explanation: There is no such phrase in the PMBOK® Guide.
The team is reviewing a document. The document specifies that the engineers will create the project scope statement using a standard organizational template. The document also specifies that the team will work with the customer and an external consultant to craft the WBS. The WBS must comply with the reporting standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The remaining sections of the document provide similar guidance on planning and controlling the work. What type of document are they MOST likely reviewing?
Explanation: This document defines the processes that guide the control, creation and validation of project work and deliverables. (PMBOK® Guide 5.1)
Answer: The requirements documentation
Explanation: The document in this question describes who will (eventually) create the requirements documentation and what tools they will use. Thus, they would not be creating the requirements documentation.
Answer: The project plan baselines
Explanation: Baselines would be created later in the project than the activities taking place in this question.
Answer: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Explanation: Though some organizations have SOPs related to project scoping activities, there's nothing in the question to suggest that the guidelines are standard for the organization. Additionally, the correct answer, “The scope management plan” is a more targeted answer.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The vendor has agreed to transport thousands of pounds of raw baking ingredients to the new location. Together, the bakery owner and the project manager for the vendor document several characteristics that the trucks must have to safely transport these ingredients, such as the ability to control temperature, moisture, and light. They document very specific numbers or ranges of numbers for each of these characteristics. In what PMBOK® Guide process would this information be recorded?
Explanation: This process produces the requirements documentation (and the requirements traceability matrix), which would list these requirements related to temperature, moisture, and light. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.3.1)
Answer: Create Work Breakdown Structure
Explanation: This process creates the WBS. The WBS would not list the measurable attributes related to temperature, moisture, and light.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: This process creates the activity resource requirements document. Though it would list the trucks, this document would not list the measurable attributes related to temperature, moisture, and light.
Answer: Create Resource Breakdown Structure
Explanation: There is no such process.
A large group of cross-functional stakeholders is discussing and arguing about the layout and equipment to be included in a new employee lounge associated with an office relocation project. A quick decision is needed on all the particulars associated with this lounge, particularly the style of the furnishings (e.g. traditional, modern). The owner is not particularly concerned with the final choice, so the owner forces each stakeholder to secretly vote on his/her preferred style, and “modern” receives 44% of the votes, more than any other option. Accordingly, the lounge style will be modern. Which decision-making technique was used?
Explanation: The item under discussion (in this case, style) is decided by plurality when the item receives the highest percentage of votes, even if that percentage is not greater than 50%. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.2.5)
Answer: Dictatorship
Explanation: Though the owner “forced” a decision, the owner more accurately forced the team to vote. Had the owner insisted on a particular style, without regard to the opinions of others, dictatorship would have been the correct answer.
Answer: Creativity Voting
Explanation: There is no such term in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Consensus
Explanation: Reaching consensus is a desired outcome of techniques like facilitated workshops, but the question states that a minority opinion “won” over other opinions.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following options is the LEAST likely to be documented as the project manager and the project team are creating the project scope statement?
Explanation: The project charter, as opposed to the project scope statement, specifies the project manager's authority. (PMBOK® Guide 4.1, 5.3)
Answer: Considering different types of new and used equipment that might meet the requirements of the new location.
Explanation: Alternatives generation is a tool and technique when creating a project scope statement.
Answer: Meeting with knowledgeable people from different departments to discuss different layouts for rooms, and hopefully, to reach a consensus.
Explanation: This is both expert judgment and a facilitated workshop, both tools and techniques used when creating a project scope statement.
Answer: Translating the somewhat vague statement, “the manufacturing floor shall comply with federal and state safety regulations” into specific items like fire suppression systems and exit lighting.
Explanation: This is an example of product analysis, a tool and technique used when creating a project scope statement.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The installation of the plumbing is taking far longer than anticipated. The project manager reviews a particular planning document related to the plumbing deliverables and the assumptions and approval requirements related to those deliverables. These assumptions turned out to be inaccurate, and this has delayed the project. In what PMBOK® Guide process would this document have been created?
Explanation: The project scope statement, created during the process Define Scope, contains information such as deliverables, acceptance criteria, and assumptions. (PMBOK® Guide 5.3.3.1)
Answer: Create WBS
Explanation: This document, an output of the process Estimate Activity Resources, would not list acceptance criteria or assumptions.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: This document, an output of the process Estimate Activity Resources, focuses on resource types and quantities.
Answer: Conduct Procurements
Explanation: This process would generate agreements.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST likely item to be found in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?
Explanation: This is decomposing (breaking down) the deliverable Marketing Material to a lower level of detail, which should provide more accuracy in later planning activities. (PMBOK® Guide 5.4)
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will cost approximately $15,000.
Explanation: Costs are not included in a WBS, though the WBS provides a key input to cost estimating.
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will take approximately six weeks to create.
Explanation: Durations are not included in a WBS, though the WBS provides a key input to duration estimating.
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will not be included as part of this project.
Explanation: This statement is an exclusion. Exclusions are documented in the project scope statement.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely outcome if the project manager and the customer are performing the process Validate Scope?
Explanation: Primarily, Validate Scope focuses on trying to secure customer acceptance of completed deliverables. Ordering a quality audit would be an unusual method for trying to secure acceptance. (PMBOK® Guide 5.5)
Answer: Upon seeing a 3D computerized model of the executive offices, the owner (sponsor) identifies the need for additional furniture.
Explanation: A change request is a common output of the Validate Scope process, particularly when the customer is not willing to approve the intermediate or final products, services, or results.
Answer: After receiving customer approval on a piece of work, the project manager stores the documentation associated with this review process.
Explanation: This is an example of a project document update.
Answer: After failing to receive customer approval on a piece of work, the project manager stores the documentation associated with this review process.
Explanation: This is an example of a project document update, even if the Validate Scope process failed to obtain sponsor approval.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely outcome if the project manager and the project team are performing the process Control Scope?
Explanation: Changes like this scenario are processed through a separate process, Integrated Change Control. The process Control Scope would ensure this requested change is processed appropriately, as well as ensuring that the scope baseline is updated if the change is approved. (PMBOK® Guide 5.6)
Answer: Comparing actual electrical, carpentry, and masonry deliverables created against the documentation of those planned deliverables, which describes the deliverables that should have been created.
Explanation: This is a variance analysis, which compares the differences between the actual scope and the scope baseline.
Answer: Documenting that the electricians installed an extra two lights in the manufacturing area as they accidentally used an old set of blueprints.
Explanation: Documenting the reasons behind scope variances is part of the process Control Scope.
Answer: Updating blueprints and the documentation to reflect that the customer approved additional steel and concrete to support a baking oven that was larger than expected.
Explanation: Managing changes to the scope baseline is part of the process Control Scope, though the decision whether or not to incorporate a change is done in the process Integrated Change Control.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager, working with the project management team has made the following determinations: 1) Identified two project management team members who will identify the activities, milestones, resources, and activity sequences. 2) Determined that a different subject matter expert within the organization will estimate durations. 3) Identified the specific electronic tool that will be used to create and display the schedule. 4) Determined that the project management team will track actual schedule progress against the schedule baseline once every two weeks. In what PROCESS would this information be recorded?
Explanation: This process involves determining roles, responsibilities, tools, templates, and historical data related to the Project Time Management processes for a specific project. (PMBOK® Guide 6.1)
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: The output of this process is a listing of activity resource requirements, which lists resource types and quantities.
Answer: Develop Schedule
Explanation: One output of this process is the project schedule, which would contain the start and finish dates for project activities. However, this process would not define how the schedule will be created and controlled.
Answer: Develop Human Resource Management Plan
Explanation: The output of this process is the human resource management plan. This plan includes specific information related to human resources roles and responsibilities, among other information. This question specifically targets information related to schedule development and control.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Define Activities?
Explanation: These two examples are milestones (significant events). Milestones are documented in the process Define Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.2)
Answer: Documenting the key phases of the project, such as “Rough Phase,” “Mechanical Phase,” “Finishing Phase” and “Pack and Move.”
Explanation: These phases would be documented in the project life cycle. They might appear in the WBS, but not in the detailed activity list.
Answer: Categorizing similar activities (for example, “Install President's Computer” and “Install Vice-President's Computer”) into work packages (for example, “Install Senior Managers' Computers”).
Explanation: This example suggests creating WBS work packages from the detailed activity list, whereas The PMBOK® suggests the opposite: creating the activity list from the higher-level WBS work packages.
Answer: Defining the important milestones such as “Install and Test Electrical Breaker Panel” and “Set up Phone System.”
Explanation: As stated, these are not milestones. They are more likely work packages. Examples of milestones could include “Electrical Breaker Panel Installed” or “Phone System Installed.”
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Sequence Activities. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: This is an example of lag, which is determined during the process Sequence Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.3)
Answer: Specifying that the office relocation project will begin after the license renewal project finishes.
Explanation: As stated, the sequencing of projects would be part of program management or perhaps portfolio management. Sequence Activities focuses on a more granular level than this example.
Answer: Specifying that the activity, “Frame Interior Walls” will begin on March 1 after the activity, “Pour Foundation” concludes on February 26th.
Explanation: Describing start and finish dates takes place during the process Develop Schedule.
Answer: Specifying that the work package “Install and Test President's Computer” includes the activities “Order Computer,” “Receive and Inspect Computer,” “Install Software,” and “Test Software.”
Explanation: This answer focuses on decomposing work packages into activities. This is performed during the process Define Activities.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Estimate Activity Resources. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: Specifying resource skill levels is often part of the process Estimate Activity Resources. (PMBOK® Guide 6.4)
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” requires a permit.
Explanation: A “required” permit would be considered a constraint as opposed to a resource for this task. Also, a permit is not a resource, as it's not equipment, supplies, or materials used to perform the job.
Answer: Specifying that the money needed for the activity “Paint Vice-President's Office” is approximately $400.
Explanation: Estimating the money needed to complete an activity would take place during the process Estimate Costs.
Answer: Specifying that the steps needed to obtain resources for the project include activities such as, “Advertise for Painters”, “Review Painting Bids”, “Choose Painting Contractor”, and “Purchase Paint and Supplies”.
Explanation: As described, this is listing some of the activities for the project. This list would be generated during the process Define Activities.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Estimate Activity Durations. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: Duration estimates can be based on all the factors listed in this answer. (PMBOK® Guide 6.5)
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” will begin April 1, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. and conclude April 2 at 10:00 a.m.
Explanation: Specifying start and finish dates for activities is part of the process Develop Schedule.
Answer: Determining that the team underestimated the “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” activity as the work was more difficult than expected. The project manager estimates it will take an additional four hours.
Explanation: This type of information would more likely be captured during the process Control Schedule during monitoring and controlling.
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” cannot begin April 1, 2013 until 10:00 a.m. due to a mandatory union meeting. With this meeting, the activity will likely conclude April 2 at 12:00 p.m.
Explanation: Specifying how constraints (and/or predecessors) affect start and finish dates for activities is part of the process Develop Schedule.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Develop Schedule. Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during this process?
Explanation: Specifying start and finish dates for activities is a key output of the process Develop Schedule. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6)
Answer: The project manager creates a three-point estimate for the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” by considering a realistic (a.k.a. “most likely”) estimate of 1.5 days, a pessimistic estimate of 2.2 days, and an optimistic estimate of 1.3 days.
Explanation: A three-point estimate would be generated during the process Estimate Activity Durations.
Answer: The project manager decides to have the workers paint the vice-president's office after they paint the president's office, though the team members strongly recommend they should be painted in the opposite order.
Explanation: This answer revolves around sequencing of activities, which occurs during the process Sequence Activities.
Answer: The painters specify that the activity “Paint President's Office” will take twelve hours.
Explanation: Hours of duration are generated during the process Estimate Activity Durations.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are discussing the concept of Critical Path Method for the project. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement regarding Critical Path Method for this project?
Explanation: “Routine and simple” is meant to be a distracting phrase, but the rest of the answer is the definition of critical path. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6.2.2)
Answer: It consists of the activities “Find Suitable Location” and “Test Computers”. They are the critical tasks that drive the success of the project.
Explanation: Critical refers to whether the activities drive the end date of the project, as opposed to determining the success of the project.
Answer: It consists of the activities “Pack Equipment” and “Frame Walls”. They are the longest (and most resource intensive) activities of the project.
Explanation: The longest activities on the project may not necessarily drive the end date of the project, particularly if a single project has many activities running at the same time.
Answer: It consists of the activities “Pack Equipment”, “Transport Equipment“, and “Set up Equipment”. They are the activities that define the core nature of the project.
Explanation: The arbitrary term “core nature” is not the definition of critical path.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Control Schedule. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during this process?
Explanation: “Took longer than anticipated” is work performance information, as opposed to work performance data. If it had been stated using the word, “information,” it would have been something performed during this process (and thus, not the correct answer as the LEAST likely example). (PMBOK® Guide 6.7)
Answer: Reviewing the project schedule to determine when the activity “Pack Equipment” should have started.
Explanation: The schedule baseline is an input for this process.
Answer: Reviewing the days and shifts of the labors for the activity “Pack Equipment” to determine whether the task can happen faster.
Explanation: Calendars are an input for this process.
Answer: Using a standard template to record that the activity “Pack Equipment” finished on time.
Explanation: Organizational process assets such as templates are common inputs to this process. In this case, the phrase “on time” implies that it is recording work performance information that compares baseline to actual.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project management team is required to use a specific automated worksheet to estimate the costs of the resources used to complete project activities. The project management team must also follow several organizational procedures that describe how the budget will be approved and controlled. Which document would list this type of information?
Explanation: The cost management plan specifies which documents, policies, procedures, and guidelines must be used for the project cost management processes Estimate Costs, Determine Budget, and Control Costs. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: Cost estimating documentation
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs produces a list of resource costs for each activity, but the specifics of how this will be done (such as using an automated worksheet) is defined in the cost management plan.
Answer: Organizational standard operating procedures
Explanation: Though this answer is an accurate statement, the cost management plan is a more specific answer.
Answer: Accounting standard operating procedures
Explanation: Accounting departments may or may not have this type of documentation related to project cost management, but the cost management plan is the more specific term used in the PMBOK® Guide.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST accurate statement related to the process Plan Cost Management for this project?
Explanation: The process Plan Cost Management would not include the planned or the actual costs, though it would describe the processes, policies, and documents used to estimate and classify costs. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: It would describe the policy that any planned project cost greater than $5,000 for building materials must be authorized by the sponsor.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include and describe policies related to project cost management activities.
Answer: It would describe the procedure for creating a cash flow report as well as the template for creating this report.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include and describe the procedures related to project cost management activities.
Answer: It would describe the acceptable cost variance as up to 5% of the planned cost for each work package. Above 5%, the project manager must initiate corrective action.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include the policies and guidelines related to when corrective action needs to take place. In this case, it would describe the policies related to the process Control Costs.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: Though labor costs are estimated during this process, this answer describes the concept when costs are incurred, which is more accurately related to “funding requirements”: a document generated during the process Determine Budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of materials needed for the project.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs typically includes the costs materials.
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of inflation and financing for the time period of the project.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs potentially includes the costs of inflation and financing.
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of reserves for known or unknown risks.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs potentially includes the costs of reserves.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the tools and techniques for the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: Reserves, in this case contingency reserves, are for known risks. The known risk is, “it will cost more if we have to buy more paint due to these individuals not liking the original color,” but it's unknown whether the stakeholders will or will not like the color. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: The project manager creates a very accurate analogous estimate using the lowest cost, the highest cost, and the most-likely cost from past painting jobs.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “analogous estimate,” but the rest of the answer describes a three-point estimate.
Answer: The project manager performs a top-down estimate for the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” as $100 per circuit times 30 circuits.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “top-down estimate”, which is another term for analogous estimating, but the rest of the answer describes a parametric estimate.
Answer: The team creates a bottom-up estimate of $1,000 for the activity “Paint Vice-President's Office” after deciding to use a higher-cost paint that is rated to last twice as long and is much easier to clean.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “bottom-up estimate,” but the rest of the answer more accurately references a cost of quality.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The team with the help of subject matter experts creates a document that describes the money needed for project activities, when those funds are needed, and the contingency reserves. The document does not contain management reserves. Which document are they creating?
Explanation: The cost baseline is the approved time-phased project budget, and it includes expected costs and contingency reserves, but not management reserves (for unforeseen problems). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.1, 7.2.2.6)
Answer: The project funding requirements
Explanation: The funding requirements include management reserves for unforeseen problems.
Answer: The net present value document
Explanation: Net present value calculations consider time, but generally look at income as well as cost. It's more of a return on investment tool than a cost estimating or budgeting tool.
Answer: The project-specific chart of accounts
Explanation: The chart of accounts is used to classify costs, whereas this question talks about locking down costs. Also, “project-specific” makes this answer additionally fuzzy.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The team with the help of subject matter experts creates a document that describes the money needed for project activities, when those funds are needed, plus contingency and management reserves. Which document are they creating?
Explanation: The project funding requirements document specifies when funds are needed for the project, and it includes cost baseline information, contingency reserves, and management reserves (for unknown risks). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.2 and 7.2.2.6)
Answer: The cost baseline
Explanation: The cost baseline is an important input for the project funding requirements, but it would not include management reserves.
Answer: The project management plan
Explanation: The project management plan would include the cost baseline (the approved amount of money), but the project funding requirements are not included in this document.
Answer: The cash flow report
Explanation: Though similar to a project funding requirements document, a cash flow report typically shows when money is expected to be spent (which is not always the same as when it is needed), as well as when money is received.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Control Costs?
Explanation: This answer is meant to demonstrate improper process, and it's therefore the least likely task. Specifically, the word “unexpected” implies that this would have to be covered by management reserves. Thus, the project manager would not be able to spend this money without first processing a change request. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: The project manager updates costs to indicate that the cost of paint was one dollar per gallon higher than anticipated.
Explanation: Updating costs is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: The project manager makes a few inquiries after noticing that the cost of moving the furniture was $50 per truckload less than expected.
Explanation: Investigating cost variances is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: The project manager notices that the cost per truckload is exactly what was expected, though the trucks used for these shipments are much smaller than expected.
Explanation: Monitoring work performance against funds expended is part of the process Control Costs. If the cost per truckload is the same, but the trucks can presumably carry less cargo, the project will likely have cost problems.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Three months into the project, the project manager collects earned value information. A project has an SV of $3,000 and a CV of -$4,000. What is known about this project?
Explanation: An SV (schedule variance) greater than 0 indicates that the project is ahead of schedule. An SV less than 0 indicates that the project is behind schedule. A CV greater than 0 indicates that the project is under budget. A CV less than 0 indicates that the project is over budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: It's ahead of schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and over budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Survey
Please answer the following statements based on how much you agree.
Explanation:
The tutorial was fun. (It was amusing and entertaining.)
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Disagree
Explanation:
Answer: Neutral
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Agree
Explanation:
Answer: Completely Agree
Explanation:
The tutorial was engaging (It kept my attention).
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Disagree
Explanation:
Answer: Neutral
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Agree
Explanation:
Answer: Completely Agree
Explanation:
The tutorial was effective in helping me learn the principles of project management.
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Disagree
Explanation:
Answer: Neutral
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Agree
Explanation:
Answer: Completely Agree
Explanation:
Tutorial A PM Framework Review
Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding the definition of projects?
Explanation: This is the general definition of a program, not a project. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2)
Answer: They involve unique and temporary initiatives.
Explanation: Projects are unique and temporary initiatives. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2)
Answer: They help accomplish a goal.
Explanation: Hopefully, the goal merits the investment of time and money associated with the project.
Answer: They produce a product, service, or result.
Explanation: Projects often produce a tangible product, provide the capacity to provide a service, or produce a result. A wedding could be considered a project that's more accurately considered an end result as opposed to a product or service.
Which of the following is LEAST likely to involve both a project and on-going operations?
Explanation: Mass mailing activities are reasonably routine for marketing and advertising personnel. Thus, this example only involves operations; there is no project. (PMBOK® Guide 1.5)
Answer: Closing a manufacturing facility.
Explanation: Closing a facility is a project, but this would impact operations as well. For example, other remaining facilities would likely absorb work formerly done by this facility.
Answer: Shipping hazardous materials overseas for the first of several times.
Explanation: Shipping is generally considered operational. The novel aspects of shipping hazardous materials overseas would likely initiate project activities to investigate regulations, risks, etc.
Answer: Performing the yearly shutdown and upgrading of a manufacturing line to include new technology.
Explanation: Manufacturing lines imply operations. “Upgrading” generally implies some type of project.
Which of the following is the MOST likely responsibility or duty of a Project Management Office?
Explanation: Though a PMO might mentor or coach the existing project manager (or perhaps replace the project manager) of a troubled project, a “directive” PMO might very well lead that project.
Answer: Ensuring that projects and programs share the same business driver.
Explanation: PMOs may oversee a variety of unrelated projects with a wide variety of business drivers.
Answer: Ensuring that projects and programs use the same templates and follow the same processes.
Explanation: PMOs often create “libraries” of differing templates and processes to reflect different types of projects or different sizes of projects.
Answer: Selecting, managing, and deploying project resources like parametric analogies.
Explanation: This answer jumbles terms. As stated, it makes no sense.
Which of the following potential projects is the LEAST likely to be approved by a not-for-profit organization?
Explanation: “Communication purposes” is too vague to merit a project. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.3)
Answer: Conducting a fund-raising campaign with the goal of raising 10 million dollars.
Explanation: Not-for-profit organizations need funds to support their operations.
Answer: Providing a new, high-value service to the target community that will require the cancellation of over half of the organization's current projects.
Explanation: If the project provides a high value service to the target community, it may very well be a project worth approving, even at the expense of cancelling other projects.
Answer: Updating the organization's standard operating procedures and equipment to meet the target country's new regulations.
Explanation: The answer specifically mentions meeting regulations. Without additional information or explanation, this is a mandatory project if the organization wants to provide services to the target country.
Which of the following options is the MOST accurate statement?
Explanation: This definition captures some of the main points in the PMBOK®, though it's worth mentioning that the project manager works to ensure an effective transition up until the point that the project is closed. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2.1; 2.3)
Answer: The project team works together to achieve the goal of the project, and typically includes all of the following: the customer, the project manager, the project management team, and the individuals who perform the work.
Explanation: The project team does not include the customer.
Answer: The project staff (also known as the project management team) creates the project deliverables.
Explanation: The project staff and the project management team are different stakeholders. The project staff creates the deliverables, and the project management staff performs activities such as scheduling and budgeting.
Answer: Stakeholders are shareholders of project deliverables and benefits.
Explanation: This answer jumbles words and terms. As stated, it doesn't make sense.
A company in the food industry creates, markets, and produces a variety of baked goods. They sell their products through supermarkets and a small number of chain restaurants. They typically introduce ten new products per year, and their annual sales exceed 100 million dollars. What type of organization probably best describes this company?
Explanation: As they produce new products, this involves projects. As they produce a large volume of their products, this involves operations. Thus, matrix is the best answer. (PMBOK® Guide 2.1.3)
Answer: A projectized organization
Explanation: This organization conducts far too many operationally-oriented activities to be considered strictly a projectized organization.
Answer: A functional organization
Explanation: This organization conducts too many projects (new products) to be considered strictly a functional organization.
Answer: A combination organization
Explanation: There is no such term in the PMBOK® Guide.
Which of the following options is the LEAST accurate definition of the project sponsor?
Explanation: This is the definition of the customer. The sponsor may or may not be the customer. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2.1)
Answer: The sponsor is often the person (or group) who helps resolve issues escalated by the project manager.
Explanation: It's not uncommon for a project manager to have less power than some of the key customers, especially when the project manager is an employee of the organization receiving the end product, service, or result. Thus, the sponsor often helps when the project manager cannot resolve an issue.
Answer: The sponsor often authorizes proposed changes that impact the previously approved scope, schedule, or budget.
Explanation: Authorization of changes varies by organization, but the sponsor will often have to approve moderate to major changes, as the sponsor is the funding source.
Answer: The sponsor provides financial resources and support.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor.
An organization develops new mobile phones. They use the following phases to develop these phones: Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. What type of life cycle is this?
Explanation: The project life cycle describes the major phases of work. (PMBOK® Guide 2.4)
Answer: The product life cycle
Explanation: The product life cycle describes the phases associated with the entire life of a particular product, service, or result from design to decommissioning.
Answer: The project management life cycle
Explanation: This life cycle is associated with the PMBOK® Guide process groups of initiating through closing.
Answer: The financial life cycle
Explanation: There is no such phrase in the PMBOK® Guide.
Tutorial A Scope Review
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the process Plan Scope Management?
Explanation: This is the general PMBOK definition. (PMBOK® Guide 5.1)
Answer: Creating and approving the WBS, project scope statement, and WBS dictionary.
Explanation: These three documents together are the scope baseline. The process Plan Scope Management would indicate who creates the scope baseline, what templates they would use, etc.
Answer: Creating a finalized WBS that has the maximum likelihood of reflecting the needs and expectations of key project stakeholders.
Explanation: This answer jumbles together various ideas from stakeholder management, collect requirements, and quality principles.
Answer: Defining how the planning scope processes (Collect Requirements, Define Scope, and Define Activities) will be performed.
Explanation: The process Define Activities is a time management process. Additionally, the scope management plan defines all scope processes, and this also includes monitoring and controlling processes such as Validate Scope and Control Scope.
Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement related to requirements documentation?
Explanation: Excluded deliverables would be in the project scope statement. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2)
Answer: It might include transition requirements: the requirements describing how to move a product or service into operations.
Explanation: This is described almost word for word in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: It might include assumptions and constraints that affect the requirements.
Explanation: This is described almost word for word in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: It might include communications requirements: the requirements stemming from stakeholder needs or related to documenting the solution.
Explanation: This is described almost word for word in the PMBOK® Guide.
A group of stakeholders is attempting to decide whether a specific requirement should or should not be included as part of the project. Through thorough discussion, all stakeholders agree that the requirement will be included. Which decision-making technique was used?
Explanation: Unanimity involves all participants agreeing on the option. It's a best-case scenario, though it can be difficult to achieve this. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.2.5)
Answer: Plurality
Explanation: Plurality involves choosing the item with the highest percentage of votes, even if that percentage is not greater than 50%.
Answer: Root cause analysis
Explanation: A root cause analysis can eventually lead to the creation of a requirement, but it's not a group decision-making technique.
Answer: Problem solving
Explanation: Problem solving can eventually lead to the creation of a requirement, but it's not a group decision-making technique.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the project scope statement?
Explanation: In the majority of cases, the project scope statement includes the core deliverables. It's not uncommon to include project documents as well, as they add time and cost to the project, among other factors. (PMBOK® Guide 5.3)
Answer: It might include a requirements section that links approved requirements to the tangible deliverables that satisfy them.
Explanation: This type of information is found in the requirements traceability matrix.
Answer: It might categorize deliverables or work as “mandatory” (included) and “optional” (excluded).
Explanation: The PMBOK® Guide does not discuss the concepts of optional vs. mandatory, though some organizations categorize deliverables in this manner. Regardless, “optional” and “excluded” are not synonymous, making the last two words of this answer incorrect.
Answer: It should describe the project scope at an activity (task) level if this level of detail exists.
Explanation: Though project scope can be described as a summary or at a detailed level, the project scope statement would not list the very detailed activities. Activities are defined in the separate document called the activity list.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely statement to be included in a project scope statement of an office relocation project?
Explanation: This type of information is typically documented in a statement of work, a contract, or an activity resource requirements document. (PMBOK® Guide 5.3)
Answer: The office move must be completed by December 31. This short deadline will likely limit the number of deliverables that can be produced.
Explanation: The deadline is a constraint. Constraints that limit scope are included in the project scope statement.
Answer: The project won't include the grand opening celebration. This concept will be addressed at a later point by senior management.
Explanation: This is an exclusion. Exclusions should be included in the project scope statement.
Answer: Due to an existing contract, all new office furniture must be purchased through a particular vendor.
Explanation: The contract is a constraint. Constraints that limit scope are included in the project scope statement.
The team and the project manager have identified WBS elements such as “create, negotiate, and finalize contracts” and “install baking ovens.” Each of these elements will likely take two full time employees a week. Which of the following is the MOST likely term to be used for these phrases?
Explanation: Work packages are the lowest element of the WBS. Each of the work packages in this example could later be decomposed into activities and milestones. (PMBOK® Guide 5.4)
Answer: Critical Tasks
Explanation: Critical is a specific scheduling term that refers to whether the tasks drive the end date of the project. This would not be known by looking at the WBS.
Answer: Deliverables
Explanation: Contracts and ovens are certainly deliverables, but phrased with verbs, they are more likely to be work packages.
Answer: Activities
Explanation: Activities are not included in the WBS.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the process Validate Scope for an office relocation project?
Explanation: The process Validate Scope focuses on gaining formal acceptance from the customer. This acceptance can take place at key points during the project as well as at the end of the project. (PMBOK® Guide 5.5)
Answer: The city electrical inspector signs a document indicating that the electrical work has met the requirements.
Explanation: This is an end result of a quality control check that focuses more on correctness than on customer satisfaction.
Answer: The owner of the carpentry firm signs a document to indicate that they will test their deliverables before the city inspector reviews those deliverables.
Explanation: The signed document would likely be a contract describing an eventual quality control check, as opposed to a customer acknowledging acceptance of completed deliverables.
Answer: The IT technician signs an internal document indicating that the work of setting up the finance computers is complete, as all computers passed all predefined tests.
Explanation: This is a quality control check.
Part of the process Control Scope involves comparing actual work and deliverables created against the planned work and deliverables. What is this tool and technique called?
Explanation: This is the only tool and technique for this process. (PMBOK® Guide 5.6)
Answer: Inspection
Explanation: An inspection is a quality tool and technique. It typically determines whether a work product conforms to standards. In other words, inspection often involves whether a product's features and functions work the way they should work. The process Control Scope, on the other hand, ensures the team is actually performing the work and producing the deliverables according to the scope baseline.
Answer: Scope analysis
Explanation: There is no such term in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Product analysis
Explanation: Product analysis is a tool and technique of the process Define Scope. It involves translating a high-level description or high-level requirements into a specific solution.
Tutorial A Time Review
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be considered or reviewed as an input when creating the schedule management plan?
Explanation: The project schedule contains the start and finish dates for project activities. The project schedule is created later in the project, using the guidance listed in the schedule management plan. This guidance can include who creates the schedule, how they create the schedule, etc. (PMBOK® Guide 6.1)
Answer: The project charter
Explanation: The charter is a high level document formally approving the project. It might contain milestones and approval requirements which influence the management of the schedule.
Answer: Commercially available sources of schedule data (e.g. lists of project activities and durations)
Explanation: Commercial data are an example of an enterprise environmental factor, which is an input to this process.
Answer: Actual schedule management plans used in previous projects
Explanation: Historical data are an example of an organizational process asset, which is an input to this process.
The team has been assigned the responsibility of breaking down the work packages into more detail as part of the process Define Activities. Which of the following is the LEAST likely factor or document they would use as an input?
Explanation: If the team is breaking down the work packages, they are performing the process Define Activities. They will decompose these work packages into activities and milestones. Templates of deliverables would have been considered earlier, typically when the team is creating the project scope statement or the WBS. (PMBOK® Guide 6.2)
Answer: The scope baseline
Explanation: The scope baseline includes the WBS (as well as the project scope statement and the WBS dictionary). The WBS contains the work packages to be broken down.
Answer: Templates that list commonly performed activities
Explanation: Templates are examples of organizational process assets, an input to the process Define Activities.
Answer: Templates that list common project milestones
Explanation: Milestones are also outputs of the process Define Activities.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the process Sequence Activities?
Explanation: This is the core output of the process Sequence Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.3)
Answer: When the team completes this process, they will have created a Gantt chart.
Explanation: Gantt charts are created during the process Develop Schedule, when each activity and milestone will have associated start and finish dates. These dates would not be known during the process Sequence Activities.
Answer: When the team completes this process, they will have created a Work Breakdown Structure with logical relationships.
Explanation: This answer jumbles the terms and concepts. As stated, it makes no sense.
Answer: When the team completes this process, they will have created a milestone chart with expected finish dates for each milestone.
Explanation: Milestone charts are created as an output of the process Develop Schedule, particularly as this is when expected dates are far more accurate. Additionally, milestone charts generally don't show relationships between milestones.
Which of the following is the LEAST accurate statement related to the process Estimate Activity Resources?
Explanation: Costs for resources are considered as an input during this process, but they are estimated during the process Estimate Costs. Money is also more accurately a “tool” or a vehicle that is used to acquire resources, as opposed to a resource itself. (PMBOK® Guide 6.4, 7.2)
Answer: It considers when resources are potentially available.
Explanation: Availability can greatly influence the decision of whether to use one resource or another.
Answer: It considers risk factors that affect the selection of resources.
Explanation: The risk register is an input to the process Estimate Activity Resources.
Answer: It considers regulations that might govern the choice of resources.
Explanation: Regulations are included as part of enterprise environmental factors, an input to this process.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the process Estimate Activity Durations?
Explanation: This is the general definition of analogous estimating, also called top-down estimating. It's typically a fast method to use, but it's usually less accurate than other methods. (PMBOK® Guide 6.5)
Answer: It may use expert judgment for duration estimates, soliciting input from highly experienced individuals from different industries.
Explanation: Expert judgment would much more likely involve individuals from the same industry, not different industries.
Answer: It may use a benchmarking estimate based on a similar internal or external organization's project.
Explanation: Benchmarking is a quality tool and technique, and it typically involves the examination of a similar organization's minimum levels of quality. Benchmarking often results in the creation of product or process requirements.
Answer: It may use a parametric estimate based on optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic estimates as parameters to estimate the duration of a current project (or perhaps the duration of a phase or work package).
Explanation: Uses optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic estimates is referred to as a three-point estimate, as opposed to a parametric estimate.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the concept of schedule compression?
Explanation: Crashing involves adding more and/or better resources to activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6.2.7)
Answer: The project manager fast-tracks the schedule by expediting (paying extra) to have materials shipped faster.
Explanation: Paying a premium for expediting shipment is an example of crashing as opposed to fast tracking.
Answer: The project manager fast-tracks the project by assigning “up and coming” managers and employees to the project.
Explanation: This is a vague reference to “fast tracking” managers, a practice by some organizations to train and promote promising employees. The term “fast tracking” in the PMBOK® Guide has a very different meaning.
Answer: The project manager crashes the schedule by eliminating activities that are not absolutely necessary to accomplish the core goal of getting the organization set up and working in the new location.
Explanation: Crashing means adding more and/or better resources. Dropping scope can certainly compress a schedule, but it is not within the definition of crashing.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Develop Schedule for an office relocation project?
Explanation: The process Develop Schedule involves creating start and finish dates for activities. This answer suggests translating constraint dates into durations. As stated, this answer is not supposed to make sense. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6)
Answer: The project manager considers the resource types and quantities when generating schedule dates.
Explanation: Activity resource requirements are an input to this process.
Answer: The project manager reconsiders the schedule dates when the assigned resource has less skill than expected.
Explanation: Project staff assignments are an input to this process.
Answer: The project manager reviews the schedule management plan to determine factors such as whether to use a specific project management software application to create the schedule.
Explanation: The schedule management plan is an input to this process, as well as to all other scheduling processes (PMBOK® Guide 6.1).
Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Control Schedule?
Explanation: Part of the process Control Schedule involves the comparison of planned and actual to deduce meaningful information. (PMBOK® Guide 6.7)
Answer: Ensuring that the planned finish dates do not exceed the baseline finish dates.
Explanation: Control schedule often involves comparing baselines to actuals, not planned to baseline. As stated, the wording has no practical meaning.
Answer: Ensuring that the team member who estimates the start and finish dates follows the scheduling guidelines set by the Project Management Office.
Explanation: As described, this answer involves a quality assurance activity (a compliance activity). Additionally, generating start and finish dates is part of the process Develop Schedule, as opposed to the process Control Schedule.
Answer: Comparing schedule work performance information such as actual start and finish dates to baseline start and finish dates to produce meaningful work performance data (e.g. “Activity X took less time than expected”).
Explanation: This is almost correct, but it reverses the phrases “work performance information” and “work performance data.”
Tutorial A Cost Review
Which of the following is the LEAST likely tool or technique that would be used to create the cost management plan?
Explanation: Reserve analysis is a specific tool and technique associated with the processes Estimate Costs and Determine Budget. These processes will be performed after the cost management plan has been created. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: Requesting assistance from people with skills such as accounting, finance, and/or budgeting
Explanation: Expert judgment is a tool and technique. Note that it's not mandatory to include people with these specific skills.
Answer: Making decisions related to which return on investment techniques will be used
Explanation: The decision to use a technique such as IRR or NPV is a tool and technique.
Answer: Holding virtual and/or face-to-face discussions with experts
Explanation: Meetings are a common tool and technique for many processes, including this one.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely information that would be reviewed as inputs to creating a cost management plan?
Explanation: Expected costs are not known at this point in the project. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: The project charter
Explanation: The project charter is a relevant input. It can contain relevant information such as the summary cost and approval requirements that might influence how costs are managed.
Answer: The project management plan
Explanation: The project management plan contains documents like the scope baseline and the schedule baseline. The scope baseline describes the deliverables, and the schedule baseline describes when funds will be expended. These factors can influence how costs will be estimated, budgeted, and controlled.
Answer: Current inflation and currency exchange rates
Explanation: These rates are enterprise environmental factors, which can affect the cost management plan.
The project manager, the project team, and other experts are reviewing a project activity. This activity is expected to cost the organization $17,000 based on the labor of 100 employees, the labor of 10 contractors, and 4000 needed items (materials). Which of the following processes are these individuals performing?
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs involves estimating the costs of resources to complete project activities. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: Determine Budget
Explanation: This process involves locking down the expected costs in the cost baseline.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resource Costs
Explanation: There is no such process in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: The output of this question is cost estimates, as opposed to types and quantities of resources. The process Estimate Activity Resources involves the identification of types and quantities of resources.
Which of the following is the LEAST correct description of the tools and techniques for the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: This answer blurs three different tools and techniques into a single answer: cost of quality, reserves, and vendor bids. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: A three-point estimate considers the lowest cost, the highest cost, and the most likely cost from past projects.
Explanation: This is the general description of a three-point estimate. This technique can be used for durations or costs of activities, work packages, or higher levels of the WBS.
Answer: A parametric estimate for the activity multiplies the cost per unit (such as each material or each hour of labor) times the quantities needed.
Explanation: This answer describes a parametric estimate. Parametric estimating can be more complex than this particular answer, using “parameters” such as the skill of the team or the conditions of the work site.
Answer: A bottom-up estimate examines the cost of each activity and rolls those costs up to higher levels of the WBS, such as the work packages, deliverables, or the project.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “bottom-up estimate,” but the rest of the answer more accurately references a cost of quality.
The project manager, with the assistance of the sponsor, accounting, and finance, is creating a document that locks down the amount of money for completing all project activities. The document also lists costs per month, but it does not factor in extra money set aside for potential problems that the project team does not foresee. Which process are they performing?
Explanation: This question is describing the cost baseline, which is created during the process Determine Budget. The cost baseline is the approved time-phased project budget, and it includes expected costs and contingency reserves, but not management reserves (for unforeseen problems). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.1, 7.2.2.6)
Answer: Estimate Costs
Explanation: This process involves estimating the costs to complete project activities.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: The process Estimate Activity Resources involves the identification of types and quantities of resources, as opposed to the cost of those resources.
Answer: Determine Cost Baseline
Explanation: There is no such process, though the answer is describing the cost baseline.
What type of information is MOST likely to be to found in the project funding requirements?
Explanation: The project funding requirements document specifies when funds are needed for the project, and it includes cost baseline information, contingency reserves, and management reserves (for unknown risks). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.2 and 7.2.2.6)
Answer: Contingency reserves for unknown risks
Explanation: Contingency reserves are set aside for known risks. However, they are included in the project funding requirements.
Answer: Management reserves for known risks
Explanation: Management reserves are set aside for unknown risks. However, they are included in the project funding requirements.
Answer: The cost baseline minus the management reserves
Explanation: The project funding requirements include the cost baseline plus management reserves.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Control Costs?
Explanation: A change request for more money or for corrective action would be created during the process Control Costs, but the actual change is evaluated in a separate process called Integrated Change Control. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: Comparing actual costs against planned costs
Explanation: Comparing actual costs against planned costs is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: Investigating reasons behind cost variances
Explanation: Investigating reasons behind cost variances is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: Comparing the amount of work completed against the funds expended
Explanation: Comparing work performed against funds expended is part of the process Control Costs.
A project has an SPI of 1.03 and a CPI of 1.01 What is known about this project?
Explanation: An SPI (Schedule Performance Index) greater than 1 indicates that the project is ahead of schedule. An SPI less than 1 indicates that the project is behind schedule. A CPI (Cost Performance Index) greater than 1 indicates that the project is under budget. A CPI less than 1 indicates that the project is over budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: It's behind schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and over budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's ahead of schedule and over budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Tutorial B Post Test
Four different stakeholders at Much-Kneaded Bread are discussing the basic definition of a project. Each stakeholder makes a statement. Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding the definition of projects?
Explanation: Projects are unique and temporary initiatives, not operations. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2)
Answer: They terminate when they are determined to be a failure.
Explanation: Projects are closed under a variety of conditions, including when they are considered to be a failure.
Answer: They terminate when they are determined to be a success.
Explanation: Projects are closed when they accomplish their goal. Sometimes, this involves transitioning into operations.
Answer: They can involve repetitive elements.
Explanation: Projects can involve repetitive elements, though they do not always.
You’re having lunch with several key stakeholders at Much-Kneaded Bread. They are discussing some of the other major initiatives that the bakery will be running over the next 18 months that are separate from the physical move. Which of the following is MOST likely to involve a project and affect on-going operations?
Explanation: Changing providers would classify as a project as it has many unique aspects (e.g. new plans, new procedures). It also affects existing operational procedures such as how employees receive benefits, the forms that are used for claims, etc. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2, 1.5)
Answer: Designing and installing new, enterprise-wide software that controls every aspect of the organization. One individual is leading the entire initiative, and one individual from each department will ensure that the new software accomplishes their respective department goals.
Explanation: With the scope of this initiative, one person in charge, and many individuals “assuming responsibility,” this work is more likely a program.
Answer: Planning a themed company party for 5000 employees held on a weekend evening.
Explanation: This is a certainly a project, but it's unlikely to have much effect on operations.
Answer: Determining that the organization requires a stronger focus on customer service for the organization to be more competitive.
Explanation: As stated, this is a high-level element of strategic planning. The identification of improving customer service will likely result in one or more programs or projects.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely activity, responsibility, or duty of Managed Movers’ Project Management Office (PMO)?
Explanation: These operational forms, templates, and procedures would more likely originate from the departments themselves, as opposed to originating from the PMO. This is certainly not to say that these types of forms are irrelevant to an office move, but the departments would be a more dependable source for these documents than the PMO. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.4)
Answer: Rewarding or disciplining you, the project manager.
Explanation: PMOs typically have the authority to reward or discipline project managers.
Answer: Informing you, the project manager, that historical information exists that's similar to several specific aspects of the Much-Kneaded Bread relocation project.
Explanation: PMOs house historical project management data.
Answer: Demanding that you, the project manager, must use a specific set of project management templates.
Explanation: PMOs often create and enforce the use of templates, as well as policies, procedures, and guidelines related to project management.
Which of the following potential projects is the LEAST likely to be approved by an organization?
Explanation: There is no indication in this answer that the extra space provides additional value, capitalizes on an opportunity, or solves a problem. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.3)
Answer: A construction project to expand the network of water delivery (e.g. pipes, filtration system) to 1,000 homes in a developing country.
Explanation: Though the answer doesn't specifically state the country does not have clean water, it's a reasonable assumption that “expanding” the network means that some users don't currently have access. Also, the question doesn't specify that the organization is a “for profit” organization.
Answer: A party for employees that is designed to improve employee satisfaction by 5%.
Explanation: Projects with a goal of employee satisfaction, though perhaps not the most common type of project, are valid types of projects. In general, human resource professionals often assert that satisfied employees are more productive, stay with the organization longer, etc.
Answer: Purchasing information technology equipment to meet the short-term quota of the operations department.
Explanation: Meeting a short-term quota is a valid business driver, assuming the gain outweighs the investment in this equipment.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following options is the MOST accurate definition of project stakeholders for this project?
Explanation: The most accurate definition of stakeholder is any individual, group, or organization that is affected by the project. For large projects, this can include thousands of stakeholders. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2)
Answer: Project stakeholders, like Managed Mover's owner and Much-Kneaded Bread's department managers, who have minor to major influence over the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not influence the project.
Answer: Project stakeholders, such as Managed Mover's owner and the Much-Kneaded Bread, who are the primary beneficiaries of the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not benefit. In some cases, some stakeholders might be affected negatively if the project is successfully implemented (e.g. competitors).
Answer: Project stakeholders are the individuals and groups, such as your project team and Managed Mover's department subject matter experts, who perform small or large amounts of work on the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not perform any work on the project.
Which of the following options is the MOST accurate in relation to the types of organizational structures?
Explanation: Departments in projectized organizations can report directly to the project manager as described in this answer, though it's also possible that other departments just provide support services. (PMBOK® Guide 2.1.3)
Answer: A project management office is a functional organizational structure that standardizes project-related governance processes and facilitates the sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and techniques.
Explanation: A project management office is considered a “management structure” as opposed to an “organizational structure” (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.4). Additionally, “functional organizational structure” is not a phrase used in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: A decentralized matrix provides more power and authority to project managers and is more common in distributed (virtual) organizations.
Explanation: The term “decentralized matrix” doesn't exist in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Project managers in functional organizations typically work on projects that span all departments.
Explanation: Project managers in functional organizations typically work on projects only within their respective departments (e.g. finance, accounting, IT).
Which of the following options is the LEAST accurate definition of the project sponsor?
Explanation: This is the responsibility of the project manager. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2.1)
Answer: The sponsor provides financial resources and support.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor.
Answer: The sponsor can provide substantial input to the project charter and the definition of the project scope.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor. Briefly, the sponsor pays for the project. Thus, the sponsor should help craft much of the charter that authorizes the project, as well as define the key product, service, or result that the project should produce.
Answer: The sponsor leads the project through the initiating process group.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor. The project manager takes responsibility for the planning through closing process groups.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Managed Movers has performed this type of work for many organizations over the last 10 years. The vendor has a standard document that organizes this type of work by the major phases of architecture, construction, and the physical move. The construction phase itself is broken down into the sub-phases of demolition, rough, mechanical and finishing. What type of document is this?
Explanation: The project life cycle describes the major phases of work. (PMBOK® Guide 2.4)
Answer: The product life cycle
Explanation: The product life cycle describes the phases associated with the entire life of a particular product, service, or result from design to decommissioning.
Answer: The project management life cycle
Explanation: This life cycle is associated with the PMBOK® Guide process groups of initiating through closing.
Answer: The process life cycle
Explanation: There is no such phrase in the PMBOK® Guide.
Your team is reviewing a document. The document specifies that the engineers will create the project scope statement using a standard organizational template. The document also specifies that the team will work with the Much-Kneaded Bread and an external consultant to craft the WBS. The WBS must comply with the reporting standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The remaining sections of the document provide similar guidance on planning and controlling the work. What type of document are they MOST likely reviewing?
Explanation: This document defines the processes that guide the control, creation and validation of project work and deliverables. (PMBOK® Guide 5.1)
Answer: The requirements documentation
Explanation: The document in this question describes who will (eventually) create the requirements documentation and what tools they will use. Thus, they would not be creating the requirements documentation.
Answer: The project plan baselines
Explanation: Baselines would be created later in the project than the activities taking place in this question.
Answer: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Explanation: Though some organizations have SOPs related to project scoping activities, there's nothing in the question to suggest that the guidelines are standard for the organization. Additionally, the correct answer, “The scope management plan” is a more targeted answer.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Managed Movers has agreed to transport thousands of pounds of raw baking ingredients to the new location. Together, Much-Kneaded Bread’s owner and you document several characteristics that the trucks must have to safely transport these ingredients, such as the ability to control temperature, moisture, and light. They document very specific numbers or ranges of numbers for each of these characteristics. In what PMBOK® Guide process would this information be recorded?
Explanation: This process produces the requirements documentation (and the requirements traceability matrix), which would list these requirements related to temperature, moisture, and light. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.3.1)
Answer: Create Work Breakdown Structure
Explanation: This process creates the WBS. The WBS would not list the measurable attributes related to temperature, moisture, and light.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: This process creates the activity resource requirements document. Though it would list the trucks, this document would not list the measurable attributes related to temperature, moisture, and light.
Answer: Create Resource Breakdown Structure
Explanation: There is no such process.
A large group of cross-functional stakeholders at Much-Kneaded Bread is discussing and arguing about the layout and equipment to be included in a new employee lounge associated. A quick decision is needed on all the particulars associated with this lounge, particularly the style of the furnishings (e.g. traditional, modern). The owner of Much-Kneaded Bread is not particularly concerned with the final choice, so he forces each stakeholder to secretly vote on his/her preferred style, and “modern” receives 44% of the votes, more than any other option. Accordingly, the lounge style will be modern. Which decision-making technique was used?
Explanation: The item under discussion (in this case, style) is decided by plurality when the item receives the highest percentage of votes, even if that percentage is not greater than 50%. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.2.5)
Answer: Dictatorship
Explanation: Though the owner “forced” a decision, the owner more accurately forced the team to vote. Had the owner insisted on a particular style, without regard to the opinions of others, dictatorship would have been the correct answer.
Answer: Creativity Voting
Explanation: There is no such term in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Consensus
Explanation: Reaching consensus is a desired outcome of techniques like facilitated workshops, but the question states that a minority opinion “won” over other opinions.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following options is the LEAST likely to be documented as you and your project team are creating the project scope statement?
Explanation: The project charter, as opposed to the project scope statement, specifies the project manager's authority. (PMBOK® Guide 4.1, 5.3)
Answer: Considering different types of new and used equipment that might meet the requirements of the new location.
Explanation: Alternatives generation is a tool and technique when creating a project scope statement.
Answer: Meeting with knowledgeable people from different departments to discuss different layouts for rooms, and hopefully, to reach a consensus.
Explanation: This is both expert judgment and a facilitated workshop, both tools and techniques used when creating a project scope statement.
Answer: Translating the somewhat vague statement, “the manufacturing floor shall comply with federal and state safety regulations” into specific items like fire suppression systems and exit lighting.
Explanation: This is an example of product analysis, a tool and technique used when creating a project scope statement.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The installation of the plumbing is taking far longer than anticipated. You, the project manager, review a particular planning document related to the plumbing deliverables and the assumptions and approval requirements related to those deliverables. These assumptions turned out to be inaccurate, and this has delayed the project. In what PMBOK® Guide process would this document have been created?
Explanation: The project scope statement, created during the process Define Scope, contains information such as deliverables, acceptance criteria, and assumptions. (PMBOK® Guide 5.3.3.1)
Answer: Create WBS
Explanation: This document, an output of the process Estimate Activity Resources, would not list acceptance criteria or assumptions.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: This document, an output of the process Estimate Activity Resources, focuses on resource types and quantities.
Answer: Conduct Procurements
Explanation: This process would generate agreements.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST likely item to be found in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?
Explanation: This is decomposing (breaking down) the deliverable Marketing Material to a lower level of detail, which should provide more accuracy in later planning activities. (PMBOK® Guide 5.4)
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will cost approximately $15,000.
Explanation: Costs are not included in a WBS, though the WBS provides a key input to cost estimating.
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will take approximately six weeks to create.
Explanation: Durations are not included in a WBS, though the WBS provides a key input to duration estimating.
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will not be included as part of this project.
Explanation: This statement is an exclusion. Exclusions are documented in the project scope statement.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely outcome if you (the project manager) and the customer are performing the process Validate Scope?
Explanation: Primarily, Validate Scope focuses on trying to secure customer acceptance of completed deliverables. Ordering a quality audit would be an unusual method for trying to secure acceptance. (PMBOK® Guide 5.5)
Answer: Upon seeing a 3D computerized model of the executive offices, the owner (sponsor) identifies the need for additional furniture.
Explanation: A change request is a common output of the Validate Scope process, particularly when the customer is not willing to approve the intermediate or final products, services, or results.
Answer: After receiving customer approval on a piece of work, the project manager stores the documentation associated with this review process.
Explanation: This is an example of a project document update.
Answer: After failing to receive customer approval on a piece of work, the project manager stores the documentation associated with this review process.
Explanation: This is an example of a project document update, even if the Validate Scope process failed to obtain sponsor approval.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely outcome if you, the project manager, and the project team are performing the process Control Scope?
Explanation: Changes like this scenario are processed through a separate process, Integrated Change Control. The process Control Scope would ensure this requested change is processed appropriately, as well as ensuring that the scope baseline is updated if the change is approved. (PMBOK® Guide 5.6)
Answer: Comparing actual electrical, carpentry, and masonry deliverables created against the documentation of those planned deliverables, which describes the deliverables that should have been created.
Explanation: This is a variance analysis, which compares the differences between the actual scope and the scope baseline.
Answer: Documenting that the electricians installed an extra two lights in the manufacturing area as they accidentally used an old set of blueprints.
Explanation: Documenting the reasons behind scope variances is part of the process Control Scope.
Answer: Updating blueprints and the documentation to reflect that Much-Kneaded Bread approved additional steel and concrete to support a baking oven that was larger than expected.
Explanation: Managing changes to the scope baseline is part of the process Control Scope, though the decision whether or not to incorporate a change is done in the process Integrated Change Control.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. You, the project manager, working with your project management team have made the following determinations: 1) Identified two project management team members who will identify the activities, milestones, resources, and activity sequences. 2) Determined that a different subject matter expert within the Managed Movers will estimate durations. 3) Identified the specific electronic tool that will be used to create and display the schedule. 4) Determined that your project management team will track actual schedule progress against the schedule baseline once every two weeks. In what PROCESS would this information be recorded?
Explanation: This process involves determining roles, responsibilities, tools, templates, and historical data related to the Project Time Management processes for a specific project. (PMBOK® Guide 6.1)
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: The output of this process is a listing of activity resource requirements, which lists resource types and quantities.
Answer: Develop Schedule
Explanation: One output of this process is the project schedule, which would contain the start and finish dates for project activities. However, this process would not define how the schedule will be created and controlled.
Answer: Develop Human Resource Management Plan
Explanation: The output of this process is the human resource management plan. This plan includes specific information related to human resources roles and responsibilities, among other information. This question specifically targets information related to schedule development and control.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Define Activities?
Explanation: These two examples are milestones (significant events). Milestones are documented in the process Define Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.2)
Answer: Documenting the key phases of the project, such as “Rough Phase,” “Mechanical Phase,” “Finishing Phase” and “Pack and Move.”
Explanation: These phases would be documented in the project life cycle. They might appear in the WBS, but not in the detailed activity list.
Answer: Categorizing similar activities (for example, “Install President's Computer” and “Install Vice-President's Computer”) into work packages (for example, “Install Senior Managers' Computers”).
Explanation: This example suggests creating WBS work packages from the detailed activity list, whereas The PMBOK® suggests the opposite: creating the activity list from the higher-level WBS work packages.
Answer: Defining the important milestones such as “Install and Test Electrical Breaker Panel” and “Set up Phone System.”
Explanation: As stated, these are not milestones. They are more likely work packages. Examples of milestones could include “Electrical Breaker Panel Installed” or “Phone System Installed.”
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. You, the project manager, and your project management team are performing the process Sequence Activities. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: This is an example of lag, which is determined during the process Sequence Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.3)
Answer: Specifying that the office relocation project will begin after the license renewal project finishes.
Explanation: As stated, the sequencing of projects would be part of program management or perhaps portfolio management. Sequence Activities focuses on a more granular level than this example.
Answer: Specifying that the activity, “Frame Interior Walls” will begin on March 1 after the activity, “Pour Foundation” concludes on February 26th.
Explanation: Describing start and finish dates takes place during the process Develop Schedule.
Answer: Specifying that the work package “Install and Test President's Computer” includes the activities “Order Computer,” “Receive and Inspect Computer,” “Install Software,” and “Test Software.”
Explanation: This answer focuses on decomposing work packages into activities. This is performed during the process Define Activities.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. You, the project manager, and your project management team are performing the process Estimate Activity Resources. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: Specifying resource skill levels is often part of the process Estimate Activity Resources. (PMBOK® Guide 6.4)
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” requires a permit.
Explanation: A “required” permit would be considered a constraint as opposed to a resource for this task. Also, a permit is not a resource, as it's not equipment, supplies, or materials used to perform the job.
Answer: Specifying that the money needed for the activity “Paint Vice-President's Office” is approximately $400.
Explanation: Estimating the money needed to complete an activity would take place during the process Estimate Costs.
Answer: Specifying that the steps needed to obtain resources for the project include activities such as, “Advertise for Painters”, “Review Painting Bids”, “Choose Painting Contractor”, and “Purchase Paint and Supplies”.
Explanation: As described, this is listing some of the activities for the project. This list would be generated during the process Define Activities.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. You, the project manager, and your project management team are performing the process Estimate Activity Durations. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: Duration estimates can be based on all the factors listed in this answer. (PMBOK® Guide 6.5)
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” will begin April 1, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. and conclude April 2 at 10:00 a.m.
Explanation: Specifying start and finish dates for activities is part of the process Develop Schedule.
Answer: Determining that the team underestimated the “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” activity as the work was more difficult than expected. The project manager estimates it will take an additional four hours.
Explanation: This type of information would more likely be captured during the process Control Schedule during monitoring and controlling.
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” cannot begin April 1, 2013 until 10:00 a.m. due to a mandatory union meeting. With this meeting, the activity will likely conclude April 2 at 12:00 p.m.
Explanation: Specifying how constraints (and/or predecessors) affect start and finish dates for activities is part of the process Develop Schedule.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. You, the project manager and the project management team, are performing the process Develop Schedule. Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during this process?
Explanation: Specifying start and finish dates for activities is a key output of the process Develop Schedule. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6)
Answer: You, the project manager, create a three-point estimate for the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” by considering a realistic (a.k.a. “most likely”) estimate of 1.5 days, a pessimistic estimate of 2.2 days, and an optimistic estimate of 1.3 days.
Explanation: A three-point estimate would be generated during the process Estimate Activity Durations.
Answer: You, the project manager, decide to have the workers paint the vice-president's office after they paint the president's office, though the team members strongly recommend they should be painted in the opposite order.
Explanation: This answer revolves around sequencing of activities, which occurs during the process Sequence Activities.
Answer: The painters specify that the activity “Paint President's Office” will take twelve hours.
Explanation: Hours of duration are generated during the process Estimate Activity Durations.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. You, the project manager, and your project management team are discussing the concept of Critical Path Method for the project. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement regarding Critical Path Method for this project?
Explanation: “Routine and simple” is meant to be a distracting phrase, but the rest of the answer is the definition of critical path. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6.2.2)
Answer: It consists of the activities “Find Suitable Location” and “Test Computers”. They are the critical tasks that drive the success of the project.
Explanation: Critical refers to whether the activities drive the end date of the project, as opposed to determining the success of the project.
Answer: It consists of the activities “Pack Equipment” and “Frame Walls”. They are the longest (and most resource intensive) activities of the project.
Explanation: The longest activities on the project may not necessarily drive the end date of the project, particularly if a single project has many activities running at the same time.
Answer: It consists of the activities “Pack Equipment”, “Transport Equipment“, and “Set up Equipment”. They are the activities that define the core nature of the project.
Explanation: The arbitrary term “core nature” is not the definition of critical path.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. You, the project manager, and your project management team are performing the process Control Schedule. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during this process?
Explanation: “Took longer than anticipated” is work performance information, as opposed to work performance data. If it had been stated using the word, “information,” it would have been something performed during this process (and thus, not the correct answer as the LEAST likely example). (PMBOK® Guide 6.7)
Answer: Reviewing the project schedule to determine when the activity “Pack Equipment” should have started.
Explanation: The schedule baseline is an input for this process.
Answer: Reviewing the days and shifts of the labors for the activity “Pack Equipment” to determine whether the task can happen faster.
Explanation: Calendars are an input for this process.
Answer: Using a standard template to record that the activity “Pack Equipment” finished on time.
Explanation: Organizational process assets such as templates are common inputs to this process. In this case, the phrase “on time” implies that it is recording work performance information that compares baseline to actual.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Your project management team is required to use a specific automated worksheet to estimate the costs of the resources used to complete project activities. Your project management team must also follow several organizational procedures that describe how the budget will be approved and controlled. Which document would list this type of information?
Explanation: The cost management plan specifies which documents, policies, procedures, and guidelines must be used for the project cost management processes Estimate Costs, Determine Budget, and Control Costs. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: Cost estimating documentation
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs produces a list of resource costs for each activity, but the specifics of how this will be done (such as using an automated worksheet) is defined in the cost management plan.
Answer: Organizational standard operating procedures
Explanation: Though this answer is an accurate statement, the cost management plan is a more specific answer.
Answer: Accounting standard operating procedures
Explanation: Accounting departments may or may not have this type of documentation related to project cost management, but the cost management plan is the more specific term used in the PMBOK® Guide.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST accurate statement related to the process Plan Cost Management for this project?
Explanation: The process Plan Cost Management would not include the planned or the actual costs, though it would describe the processes, policies, and documents used to estimate and classify costs. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: It would describe the policy that any planned project cost greater than $5,000 for building materials must be authorized by the sponsor.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include and describe policies related to project cost management activities.
Answer: It would describe the procedure for creating a cash flow report as well as the template for creating this report.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include and describe the procedures related to project cost management activities.
Answer: It would describe the acceptable cost variance as up to 5% of the planned cost for each work package. Above 5%, the project manager must initiate corrective action.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include the policies and guidelines related to when corrective action needs to take place. In this case, it would describe the policies related to the process Control Costs.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: Though labor costs are estimated during this process, this answer describes the concept when costs are incurred, which is more accurately related to “funding requirements”: a document generated during the process Determine Budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of materials needed for the project.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs typically includes the costs materials.
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of inflation and financing for the time period of the project.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs potentially includes the costs of inflation and financing.
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of reserves for known or unknown risks.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs potentially includes the costs of reserves.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the tools and techniques for the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: Reserves, in this case contingency reserves, are for known risks. The known risk is, “it will cost more if we have to buy more paint due to these individuals not liking the original color,” but it's unknown whether the stakeholders will or will not like the color. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: You, the project manager, create a very accurate analogous estimate using the lowest cost, the highest cost, and the most-likely cost from past painting jobs.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “analogous estimate,” but the rest of the answer describes a three-point estimate.
Answer: You, the project manager, perform a top-down estimate for the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” as $100 per circuit times 30 circuits.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “top-down estimate”, which is another term for analogous estimating, but the rest of the answer describes a parametric estimate.
Answer: Your project management team creates a bottom-up estimate of $1,000 for the activity “Paint Vice-President's Office” after deciding to use a higher-cost paint that is rated to last twice as long and is much easier to clean.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “bottom-up estimate,” but the rest of the answer more accurately references a cost of quality.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. You, the project manager, your team, and other subject matter experts create a document that describes the money needed for project activities, when those funds are needed, and the contingency reserves. The document does not contain management reserves. Which document are you and these individuals creating?
Explanation: The cost baseline is the approved time-phased project budget, and it includes expected costs and contingency reserves, but not management reserves (for unforeseen problems). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.1, 7.2.2.6)
Answer: The project funding requirements
Explanation: The funding requirements include management reserves for unforeseen problems.
Answer: The net present value document
Explanation: Net present value calculations consider time, but generally look at income as well as cost. It's more of a return on investment tool than a cost estimating or budgeting tool.
Answer: The project-specific chart of accounts
Explanation: The chart of accounts is used to classify costs, whereas this question talks about locking down costs. Also, “project-specific” makes this answer additionally fuzzy.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. You, the project manager, your team, and other subject matter experts create a document that describes the money needed for project activities, when those funds are needed, plus contingency and management reserves. Which document are you and these individuals creating?
Explanation: The project funding requirements document specifies when funds are needed for the project, and it includes cost baseline information, contingency reserves, and management reserves (for unknown risks). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.2 and 7.2.2.6)
Answer: The cost baseline
Explanation: The cost baseline is an important input for the project funding requirements, but it would not include management reserves.
Answer: The project management plan
Explanation: The project management plan would include the cost baseline (the approved amount of money), but the project funding requirements are not included in this document.
Answer: The cash flow report
Explanation: Though similar to a project funding requirements document, a cash flow report typically shows when money is expected to be spent (which is not always the same as when it is needed), as well as when money is received.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Control Costs?
Explanation: This answer is meant to demonstrate improper process, and it's therefore the least likely task. Specifically, the word “unexpected” implies that this would have to be covered by management reserves. Thus, the project manager would not be able to spend this money without first processing a change request. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: You, the project manager, update costs to indicate that the cost of paint was one dollar per gallon higher than anticipated.
Explanation: Updating costs is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: You, the project manager, make a few inquiries after noticing that the cost of moving the furniture was $50 per truckload less than expected.
Explanation: Investigating cost variances is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: You, the project manager, notice that the cost per truckload is exactly what was expected, though the trucks used for these shipments are much smaller than expected.
Explanation: Monitoring work performance against funds expended is part of the process Control Costs. If the cost per truckload is the same, but the trucks can presumably carry less cargo, the project will likely have cost problems.
Much-Kneaded Bread is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location, and they hired Managed Movers to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Three months into the project, you, the project manager, collect earned value information. Your project has an SV of $3,000 and a CV of -$4,000. What is known about your project?
Explanation: An SV (schedule variance) greater than 0 indicates that the project is ahead of schedule. An SV less than 0 indicates that the project is behind schedule. A CV greater than 0 indicates that the project is under budget. A CV less than 0 indicates that the project is over budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: It's ahead of schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and over budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Tutorial B Pretest
Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding the definition of projects?
Explanation: Projects are unique and temporary initiatives, not operations. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2)
Answer: They terminate when they are determined to be a failure.
Explanation: Projects are closed under a variety of conditions, including when they are considered to be a failure.
Answer: They terminate when they are determined to be a success.
Explanation: Projects are closed when they accomplish their goal. Sometimes, this involves transitioning into operations.
Answer: They can involve repetitive elements.
Explanation: Projects can involve repetitive elements, though they do not always.
Which of the following is MOST likely to involve a project and affect on-going operations?
Explanation: Changing providers would classify as a project as it has many unique aspects (e.g. new plans, new procedures). It also affects existing operational procedures such as how employees receive benefits, the forms that are used for claims, etc. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2, 1.5)
Answer: Designing and installing new, enterprise-wide software that controls every aspect of the organization. One individual is leading the entire initiative, and one individual from each department will ensure that the new software accomplishes their respective department goals.
Explanation: With the scope of this initiative, one person in charge, and many individuals “assuming responsibility,” this work is more likely a program.
Answer: Planning a themed company party for 5000 employees held on a weekend evening.
Explanation: This is a certainly a project, but it's unlikely to have much effect on operations.
Answer: Determining that the organization requires a stronger focus on customer service for the organization to be more competitive.
Explanation: As stated, this is a high-level element of strategic planning. The identification of improving customer service will likely result in one or more programs or projects.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely activity, responsibility, or duty of the vendor’s Project Management Office (PMO)?
Explanation: These operational forms, templates, and procedures would more likely originate from the departments themselves, as opposed to originating from the PMO. This is certainly not to say that these types of forms are irrelevant to an office move, but the departments would be a more dependable source for these documents than the PMO. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.4)
Answer: Rewarding or disciplining the project managers of the office relocation project.
Explanation: PMOs typically have the authority to reward or discipline project managers.
Answer: Informing the project manager that historical information exists that's similar to several specific aspects of the office relocation project.
Explanation: PMOs house historical project management data.
Answer: Demanding that the project manager use a specific set of project management templates.
Explanation: PMOs often create and enforce the use of templates, as well as policies, procedures, and guidelines related to project management.
Which of the following potential projects is the LEAST likely to be approved by an organization?
Explanation: There is no indication in this answer that the extra space provides additional value, capitalizes on an opportunity, or solves a problem. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.3)
Answer: A construction project to expand the network of water delivery (e.g. pipes, filtration system) to 1,000 homes in a developing country.
Explanation: Though the answer doesn't specifically state the country does not have clean water, it's a reasonable assumption that “expanding” the network means that some users don't currently have access. Also, the question doesn't specify that the organization is a “for profit” organization.
Answer: A party for employees that is designed to improve employee satisfaction by 5%.
Explanation: Projects with a goal of employee satisfaction, though perhaps not the most common type of project, are valid types of projects. In general, human resource professionals often assert that satisfied employees are more productive, stay with the organization longer, etc.
Answer: Purchasing information technology equipment to meet the short-term quota of the operations department.
Explanation: Meeting a short-term quota is a valid business driver, assuming the gain outweighs the investment in this equipment.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following options is the MOST accurate definition of project stakeholders for this project?
Explanation: The most accurate definition of stakeholder is any individual, group, or organization that is affected by the project. For large projects, this can include thousands of stakeholders. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2)
Answer: Project stakeholders, like the owner and department managers who will use the new office facilities, who have minor to major influence over the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not influence the project.
Answer: Project stakeholders, such as the owner and the customer, who are the primary beneficiaries of the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not benefit. In some cases, some stakeholders might be affected negatively if the project is successfully implemented (e.g. competitors).
Answer: Project stakeholders are the individuals and groups, such as the project team and department subject matter experts, who perform small or large amounts of work on the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not perform any work on the project.
Which of the following options is the MOST accurate in relation to the types of organizational structures?
Explanation: Departments in projectized organizations can report directly to the project manager as described in this answer, though it's also possible that other departments just provide support services. (PMBOK® Guide 2.1.3)
Answer: A project management office is a functional organizational structure that standardizes project-related governance processes and facilitates the sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and techniques.
Explanation: A project management office is considered a “management structure” as opposed to an “organizational structure” (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.4). Additionally, “functional organizational structure” is not a phrase used in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: A decentralized matrix provides more power and authority to project managers and is more common in distributed (virtual) organizations.
Explanation: The term “decentralized matrix” doesn't exist in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Project managers in functional organizations typically work on projects that span all departments.
Explanation: Project managers in functional organizations typically work on projects only within their respective departments (e.g. finance, accounting, IT).
Which of the following options is the LEAST accurate definition of the project sponsor?
Explanation: This is the responsibility of the project manager. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2.1)
Answer: The sponsor provides financial resources and support.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor.
Answer: The sponsor can provide substantial input to the project charter and the definition of the project scope.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor. Briefly, the sponsor pays for the project. Thus, the sponsor should help craft much of the charter that authorizes the project, as well as define the key product, service, or result that the project should produce.
Answer: The sponsor leads the project through the initiating process group.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor. The project manager takes responsibility for the planning through closing process groups.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The vendor has performed this type of work for many organizations over the last 10 years. The vendor has a standard document that organizes this type of work by the major phases of architecture, construction, and the physical move. The construction phase itself is broken down into the sub-phases of demolition, rough, mechanical and finishing. What type of document is this?
Explanation: The project life cycle describes the major phases of work. (PMBOK® Guide 2.4)
Answer: The product life cycle
Explanation: The product life cycle describes the phases associated with the entire life of a particular product, service, or result from design to decommissioning.
Answer: The project management life cycle
Explanation: This life cycle is associated with the PMBOK® Guide process groups of initiating through closing.
Answer: The process life cycle
Explanation: There is no such phrase in the PMBOK® Guide.
The team is reviewing a document. The document specifies that the engineers will create the project scope statement using a standard organizational template. The document also specifies that the team will work with the customer and an external consultant to craft the WBS. The WBS must comply with the reporting standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The remaining sections of the document provide similar guidance on planning and controlling the work. What type of document are they MOST likely reviewing?
Explanation: This document defines the processes that guide the control, creation and validation of project work and deliverables. (PMBOK® Guide 5.1)
Answer: The requirements documentation
Explanation: The document in this question describes who will (eventually) create the requirements documentation and what tools they will use. Thus, they would not be creating the requirements documentation.
Answer: The project plan baselines
Explanation: Baselines would be created later in the project than the activities taking place in this question.
Answer: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Explanation: Though some organizations have SOPs related to project scoping activities, there's nothing in the question to suggest that the guidelines are standard for the organization. Additionally, the correct answer, “The scope management plan” is a more targeted answer.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The vendor has agreed to transport thousands of pounds of raw baking ingredients to the new location. Together, the bakery owner and the project manager for the vendor document several characteristics that the trucks must have to safely transport these ingredients, such as the ability to control temperature, moisture, and light. They document very specific numbers or ranges of numbers for each of these characteristics. In what PMBOK® Guide process would this information be recorded?
Explanation: This process produces the requirements documentation (and the requirements traceability matrix), which would list these requirements related to temperature, moisture, and light. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.3.1)
Answer: Create Work Breakdown Structure
Explanation: This process creates the WBS. The WBS would not list the measurable attributes related to temperature, moisture, and light.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: This process creates the activity resource requirements document. Though it would list the trucks, this document would not list the measurable attributes related to temperature, moisture, and light.
Answer: Create Resource Breakdown Structure
Explanation: There is no such process.
A large group of cross-functional stakeholders is discussing and arguing about the layout and equipment to be included in a new employee lounge associated with an office relocation project. A quick decision is needed on all the particulars associated with this lounge, particularly the style of the furnishings (e.g. traditional, modern). The owner is not particularly concerned with the final choice, so the owner forces each stakeholder to secretly vote on his/her preferred style, and “modern” receives 44% of the votes, more than any other option. Accordingly, the lounge style will be modern. Which decision-making technique was used?
Explanation: The item under discussion (in this case, style) is decided by plurality when the item receives the highest percentage of votes, even if that percentage is not greater than 50%. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.2.5)
Answer: Dictatorship
Explanation: Though the owner “forced” a decision, the owner more accurately forced the team to vote. Had the owner insisted on a particular style, without regard to the opinions of others, dictatorship would have been the correct answer.
Answer: Creativity Voting
Explanation: There is no such term in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Consensus
Explanation: Reaching consensus is a desired outcome of techniques like facilitated workshops, but the question states that a minority opinion “won” over other opinions.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following options is the LEAST likely to be documented as the project manager and the project team are creating the project scope statement?
Explanation: The project charter, as opposed to the project scope statement, specifies the project manager's authority. (PMBOK® Guide 4.1, 5.3)
Answer: Considering different types of new and used equipment that might meet the requirements of the new location.
Explanation: Alternatives generation is a tool and technique when creating a project scope statement.
Answer: Meeting with knowledgeable people from different departments to discuss different layouts for rooms, and hopefully, to reach a consensus.
Explanation: This is both expert judgment and a facilitated workshop, both tools and techniques used when creating a project scope statement.
Answer: Translating the somewhat vague statement, “the manufacturing floor shall comply with federal and state safety regulations” into specific items like fire suppression systems and exit lighting.
Explanation: This is an example of product analysis, a tool and technique used when creating a project scope statement.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The installation of the plumbing is taking far longer than anticipated. The project manager reviews a particular planning document related to the plumbing deliverables and the assumptions and approval requirements related to those deliverables. These assumptions turned out to be inaccurate, and this has delayed the project. In what PMBOK® Guide process would this document have been created?
Explanation: The project scope statement, created during the process Define Scope, contains information such as deliverables, acceptance criteria, and assumptions. (PMBOK® Guide 5.3.3.1)
Answer: Create WBS
Explanation: This document, an output of the process Estimate Activity Resources, would not list acceptance criteria or assumptions.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: This document, an output of the process Estimate Activity Resources, focuses on resource types and quantities.
Answer: Conduct Procurements
Explanation: This process would generate agreements.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST likely item to be found in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?
Explanation: This is decomposing (breaking down) the deliverable Marketing Material to a lower level of detail, which should provide more accuracy in later planning activities. (PMBOK® Guide 5.4)
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will cost approximately $15,000.
Explanation: Costs are not included in a WBS, though the WBS provides a key input to cost estimating.
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will take approximately six weeks to create.
Explanation: Durations are not included in a WBS, though the WBS provides a key input to duration estimating.
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will not be included as part of this project.
Explanation: This statement is an exclusion. Exclusions are documented in the project scope statement.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely outcome if the project manager and the customer are performing the process Validate Scope?
Explanation: Primarily, Validate Scope focuses on trying to secure customer acceptance of completed deliverables. Ordering a quality audit would be an unusual method for trying to secure acceptance. (PMBOK® Guide 5.5)
Answer: Upon seeing a 3D computerized model of the executive offices, the owner (sponsor) identifies the need for additional furniture.
Explanation: A change request is a common output of the Validate Scope process, particularly when the customer is not willing to approve the intermediate or final products, services, or results.
Answer: After receiving customer approval on a piece of work, the project manager stores the documentation associated with this review process.
Explanation: This is an example of a project document update.
Answer: After failing to receive customer approval on a piece of work, the project manager stores the documentation associated with this review process.
Explanation: This is an example of a project document update, even if the Validate Scope process failed to obtain sponsor approval.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely outcome if the project manager and the project team are performing the process Control Scope?
Explanation: Changes like this scenario are processed through a separate process, Integrated Change Control. The process Control Scope would ensure this requested change is processed appropriately, as well as ensuring that the scope baseline is updated if the change is approved. (PMBOK® Guide 5.6)
Answer: Comparing actual electrical, carpentry, and masonry deliverables created against the documentation of those planned deliverables, which describes the deliverables that should have been created.
Explanation: This is a variance analysis, which compares the differences between the actual scope and the scope baseline.
Answer: Documenting that the electricians installed an extra two lights in the manufacturing area as they accidentally used an old set of blueprints.
Explanation: Documenting the reasons behind scope variances is part of the process Control Scope.
Answer: Updating blueprints and the documentation to reflect that the customer approved additional steel and concrete to support a baking oven that was larger than expected.
Explanation: Managing changes to the scope baseline is part of the process Control Scope, though the decision whether or not to incorporate a change is done in the process Integrated Change Control.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager, working with the project management team has made the following determinations: 1) Identified two project management team members who will identify the activities, milestones, resources, and activity sequences. 2) Determined that a different subject matter expert within the organization will estimate durations. 3) Identified the specific electronic tool that will be used to create and display the schedule. 4) Determined that the project management team will track actual schedule progress against the schedule baseline once every two weeks. In what PROCESS would this information be recorded?
Explanation: This process involves determining roles, responsibilities, tools, templates, and historical data related to the Project Time Management processes for a specific project. (PMBOK® Guide 6.1)
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: The output of this process is a listing of activity resource requirements, which lists resource types and quantities.
Answer: Develop Schedule
Explanation: One output of this process is the project schedule, which would contain the start and finish dates for project activities. However, this process would not define how the schedule will be created and controlled.
Answer: Develop Human Resource Management Plan
Explanation: The output of this process is the human resource management plan. This plan includes specific information related to human resources roles and responsibilities, among other information. This question specifically targets information related to schedule development and control.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Define Activities?
Explanation: These two examples are milestones (significant events). Milestones are documented in the process Define Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.2)
Answer: Documenting the key phases of the project, such as “Rough Phase,” “Mechanical Phase,” “Finishing Phase” and “Pack and Move.”
Explanation: These phases would be documented in the project life cycle. They might appear in the WBS, but not in the detailed activity list.
Answer: Categorizing similar activities (for example, “Install President's Computer” and “Install Vice-President's Computer”) into work packages (for example, “Install Senior Managers' Computers”).
Explanation: This example suggests creating WBS work packages from the detailed activity list, whereas The PMBOK® suggests the opposite: creating the activity list from the higher-level WBS work packages.
Answer: Defining the important milestones such as “Install and Test Electrical Breaker Panel” and “Set up Phone System.”
Explanation: As stated, these are not milestones. They are more likely work packages. Examples of milestones could include “Electrical Breaker Panel Installed” or “Phone System Installed.”
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Sequence Activities. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: This is an example of lag, which is determined during the process Sequence Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.3)
Answer: Specifying that the office relocation project will begin after the license renewal project finishes.
Explanation: As stated, the sequencing of projects would be part of program management or perhaps portfolio management. Sequence Activities focuses on a more granular level than this example.
Answer: Specifying that the activity, “Frame Interior Walls” will begin on March 1 after the activity, “Pour Foundation” concludes on February 26th.
Explanation: Describing start and finish dates takes place during the process Develop Schedule.
Answer: Specifying that the work package “Install and Test President's Computer” includes the activities “Order Computer,” “Receive and Inspect Computer,” “Install Software,” and “Test Software.”
Explanation: This answer focuses on decomposing work packages into activities. This is performed during the process Define Activities.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Estimate Activity Resources. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: Specifying resource skill levels is often part of the process Estimate Activity Resources. (PMBOK® Guide 6.4)
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” requires a permit.
Explanation: A “required” permit would be considered a constraint as opposed to a resource for this task. Also, a permit is not a resource, as it's not equipment, supplies, or materials used to perform the job.
Answer: Specifying that the money needed for the activity “Paint Vice-President's Office” is approximately $400.
Explanation: Estimating the money needed to complete an activity would take place during the process Estimate Costs.
Answer: Specifying that the steps needed to obtain resources for the project include activities such as, “Advertise for Painters”, “Review Painting Bids”, “Choose Painting Contractor”, and “Purchase Paint and Supplies”.
Explanation: As described, this is listing some of the activities for the project. This list would be generated during the process Define Activities.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Estimate Activity Durations. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: Duration estimates can be based on all the factors listed in this answer. (PMBOK® Guide 6.5)
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” will begin April 1, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. and conclude April 2 at 10:00 a.m.
Explanation: Specifying start and finish dates for activities is part of the process Develop Schedule.
Answer: Determining that the team underestimated the “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” activity as the work was more difficult than expected. The project manager estimates it will take an additional four hours.
Explanation: This type of information would more likely be captured during the process Control Schedule during monitoring and controlling.
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” cannot begin April 1, 2013 until 10:00 a.m. due to a mandatory union meeting. With this meeting, the activity will likely conclude April 2 at 12:00 p.m.
Explanation: Specifying how constraints (and/or predecessors) affect start and finish dates for activities is part of the process Develop Schedule.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Develop Schedule. Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during this process?
Explanation: Specifying start and finish dates for activities is a key output of the process Develop Schedule. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6)
Answer: The project manager creates a three-point estimate for the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” by considering a realistic (a.k.a. “most likely”) estimate of 1.5 days, a pessimistic estimate of 2.2 days, and an optimistic estimate of 1.3 days.
Explanation: A three-point estimate would be generated during the process Estimate Activity Durations.
Answer: The project manager decides to have the workers paint the vice-president's office after they paint the president's office, though the team members strongly recommend they should be painted in the opposite order.
Explanation: This answer revolves around sequencing of activities, which occurs during the process Sequence Activities.
Answer: The painters specify that the activity “Paint President's Office” will take twelve hours.
Explanation: Hours of duration are generated during the process Estimate Activity Durations.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are discussing the concept of Critical Path Method for the project. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement regarding Critical Path Method for this project?
Explanation: “Routine and simple” is meant to be a distracting phrase, but the rest of the answer is the definition of critical path. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6.2.2)
Answer: It consists of the activities “Find Suitable Location” and “Test Computers”. They are the critical tasks that drive the success of the project.
Explanation: Critical refers to whether the activities drive the end date of the project, as opposed to determining the success of the project.
Answer: It consists of the activities “Pack Equipment” and “Frame Walls”. They are the longest (and most resource intensive) activities of the project.
Explanation: The longest activities on the project may not necessarily drive the end date of the project, particularly if a single project has many activities running at the same time.
Answer: It consists of the activities “Pack Equipment”, “Transport Equipment“, and “Set up Equipment”. They are the activities that define the core nature of the project.
Explanation: The arbitrary term “core nature” is not the definition of critical path.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Control Schedule. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during this process?
Explanation: “Took longer than anticipated” is work performance information, as opposed to work performance data. If it had been stated using the word, “information,” it would have been something performed during this process (and thus, not the correct answer as the LEAST likely example). (PMBOK® Guide 6.7)
Answer: Reviewing the project schedule to determine when the activity “Pack Equipment” should have started.
Explanation: The schedule baseline is an input for this process.
Answer: Reviewing the days and shifts of the labors for the activity “Pack Equipment” to determine whether the task can happen faster.
Explanation: Calendars are an input for this process.
Answer: Using a standard template to record that the activity “Pack Equipment” finished on time.
Explanation: Organizational process assets such as templates are common inputs to this process. In this case, the phrase “on time” implies that it is recording work performance information that compares baseline to actual.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project management team is required to use a specific automated worksheet to estimate the costs of the resources used to complete project activities. The project management team must also follow several organizational procedures that describe how the budget will be approved and controlled. Which document would list this type of information?
Explanation: The cost management plan specifies which documents, policies, procedures, and guidelines must be used for the project cost management processes Estimate Costs, Determine Budget, and Control Costs. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: Cost estimating documentation
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs produces a list of resource costs for each activity, but the specifics of how this will be done (such as using an automated worksheet) is defined in the cost management plan.
Answer: Organizational standard operating procedures
Explanation: Though this answer is an accurate statement, the cost management plan is a more specific answer.
Answer: Accounting standard operating procedures
Explanation: Accounting departments may or may not have this type of documentation related to project cost management, but the cost management plan is the more specific term used in the PMBOK® Guide.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST accurate statement related to the process Plan Cost Management for this project?
Explanation: The process Plan Cost Management would not include the planned or the actual costs, though it would describe the processes, policies, and documents used to estimate and classify costs. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: It would describe the policy that any planned project cost greater than $5,000 for building materials must be authorized by the sponsor.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include and describe policies related to project cost management activities.
Answer: It would describe the procedure for creating a cash flow report as well as the template for creating this report.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include and describe the procedures related to project cost management activities.
Answer: It would describe the acceptable cost variance as up to 5% of the planned cost for each work package. Above 5%, the project manager must initiate corrective action.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include the policies and guidelines related to when corrective action needs to take place. In this case, it would describe the policies related to the process Control Costs.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: Though labor costs are estimated during this process, this answer describes the concept when costs are incurred, which is more accurately related to “funding requirements”: a document generated during the process Determine Budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of materials needed for the project.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs typically includes the costs materials.
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of inflation and financing for the time period of the project.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs potentially includes the costs of inflation and financing.
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of reserves for known or unknown risks.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs potentially includes the costs of reserves.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the tools and techniques for the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: Reserves, in this case contingency reserves, are for known risks. The known risk is, “it will cost more if we have to buy more paint due to these individuals not liking the original color,” but it's unknown whether the stakeholders will or will not like the color. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: The project manager creates a very accurate analogous estimate using the lowest cost, the highest cost, and the most-likely cost from past painting jobs.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “analogous estimate,” but the rest of the answer describes a three-point estimate.
Answer: The project manager performs a top-down estimate for the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” as $100 per circuit times 30 circuits.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “top-down estimate”, which is another term for analogous estimating, but the rest of the answer describes a parametric estimate.
Answer: The team creates a bottom-up estimate of $1,000 for the activity “Paint Vice-President's Office” after deciding to use a higher-cost paint that is rated to last twice as long and is much easier to clean.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “bottom-up estimate,” but the rest of the answer more accurately references a cost of quality.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The team with the help of subject matter experts creates a document that describes the money needed for project activities, when those funds are needed, and the contingency reserves. The document does not contain management reserves. Which document are they creating?
Explanation: The cost baseline is the approved time-phased project budget, and it includes expected costs and contingency reserves, but not management reserves (for unforeseen problems). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.1, 7.2.2.6)
Answer: The project funding requirements
Explanation: The funding requirements include management reserves for unforeseen problems.
Answer: The net present value document
Explanation: Net present value calculations consider time, but generally look at income as well as cost. It's more of a return on investment tool than a cost estimating or budgeting tool.
Answer: The project-specific chart of accounts
Explanation: The chart of accounts is used to classify costs, whereas this question talks about locking down costs. Also, “project-specific” makes this answer additionally fuzzy.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The team with the help of subject matter experts creates a document that describes the money needed for project activities, when those funds are needed, plus contingency and management reserves. Which document are they creating?
Explanation: The project funding requirements document specifies when funds are needed for the project, and it includes cost baseline information, contingency reserves, and management reserves (for unknown risks). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.2 and 7.2.2.6)
Answer: The cost baseline
Explanation: The cost baseline is an important input for the project funding requirements, but it would not include management reserves.
Answer: The project management plan
Explanation: The project management plan would include the cost baseline (the approved amount of money), but the project funding requirements are not included in this document.
Answer: The cash flow report
Explanation: Though similar to a project funding requirements document, a cash flow report typically shows when money is expected to be spent (which is not always the same as when it is needed), as well as when money is received.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Control Costs?
Explanation: This answer is meant to demonstrate improper process, and it's therefore the least likely task. Specifically, the word “unexpected” implies that this would have to be covered by management reserves. Thus, the project manager would not be able to spend this money without first processing a change request. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: The project manager updates costs to indicate that the cost of paint was one dollar per gallon higher than anticipated.
Explanation: Updating costs is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: The project manager makes a few inquiries after noticing that the cost of moving the furniture was $50 per truckload less than expected.
Explanation: Investigating cost variances is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: The project manager notices that the cost per truckload is exactly what was expected, though the trucks used for these shipments are much smaller than expected.
Explanation: Monitoring work performance against funds expended is part of the process Control Costs. If the cost per truckload is the same, but the trucks can presumably carry less cargo, the project will likely have cost problems.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Three months into the project, the project manager collects earned value information. A project has an SV of $3,000 and a CV of -$4,000. What is known about this project?
Explanation: An SV (schedule variance) greater than 0 indicates that the project is ahead of schedule. An SV less than 0 indicates that the project is behind schedule. A CV greater than 0 indicates that the project is under budget. A CV less than 0 indicates that the project is over budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: It's ahead of schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and over budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Tutorial A Post Test
Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding the definition of projects?
Explanation: Projects are unique and temporary initiatives, not operations. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2)
Answer: They terminate when they are determined to be a failure.
Explanation: Projects are closed under a variety of conditions, including when they are considered to be a failure.
Answer: They terminate when they are determined to be a success.
Explanation: Projects are closed when they accomplish their goal. Sometimes, this involves transitioning into operations.
Answer: They can involve repetitive elements.
Explanation: Projects can involve repetitive elements, though they do not always.
Which of the following is MOST likely to involve a project and affect on-going operations?
Explanation: Changing providers would classify as a project as it has many unique aspects (e.g. new plans, new procedures). It also affects existing operational procedures such as how employees receive benefits, the forms that are used for claims, etc. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2, 1.5)
Answer: Designing and installing new, enterprise-wide software that controls every aspect of the organization. One individual is leading the entire initiative, and one individual from each department will ensure that the new software accomplishes their respective department goals.
Explanation: With the scope of this initiative, one person in charge, and many individuals “assuming responsibility,” this work is more likely a program.
Answer: Planning a themed company party for 5000 employees held on a weekend evening.
Explanation: This is a certainly a project, but it's unlikely to have much effect on operations.
Answer: Determining that the organization requires a stronger focus on customer service for the organization to be more competitive.
Explanation: As stated, this is a high-level element of strategic planning. The identification of improving customer service will likely result in one or more programs or projects.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely activity, responsibility, or duty of the vendor’s Project Management Office (PMO)?
Explanation: These operational forms, templates, and procedures would more likely originate from the departments themselves, as opposed to originating from the PMO. This is certainly not to say that these types of forms are irrelevant to an office move, but the departments would be a more dependable source for these documents than the PMO. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.4)
Answer: Rewarding or disciplining the project managers of the office relocation project.
Explanation: PMOs typically have the authority to reward or discipline project managers.
Answer: Informing the project manager that historical information exists that's similar to several specific aspects of the office relocation project.
Explanation: PMOs house historical project management data.
Answer: Demanding that the project manager use a specific set of project management templates.
Explanation: PMOs often create and enforce the use of templates, as well as policies, procedures, and guidelines related to project management.
Which of the following potential projects is the LEAST likely to be approved by an organization?
Explanation: There is no indication in this answer that the extra space provides additional value, capitalizes on an opportunity, or solves a problem. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.3)
Answer: A construction project to expand the network of water delivery (e.g. pipes, filtration system) to 1,000 homes in a developing country.
Explanation: Though the answer doesn't specifically state the country does not have clean water, it's a reasonable assumption that “expanding” the network means that some users don't currently have access. Also, the question doesn't specify that the organization is a “for profit” organization.
Answer: A party for employees that is designed to improve employee satisfaction by 5%.
Explanation: Projects with a goal of employee satisfaction, though perhaps not the most common type of project, are valid types of projects. In general, human resource professionals often assert that satisfied employees are more productive, stay with the organization longer, etc.
Answer: Purchasing information technology equipment to meet the short-term quota of the operations department.
Explanation: Meeting a short-term quota is a valid business driver, assuming the gain outweighs the investment in this equipment.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following options is the MOST accurate definition of project stakeholders for this project?
Explanation: The most accurate definition of stakeholder is any individual, group, or organization that is affected by the project. For large projects, this can include thousands of stakeholders. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2)
Answer: Project stakeholders, like the owner and department managers who will use the new office facilities, who have minor to major influence over the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not influence the project.
Answer: Project stakeholders, such as the owner and the customer, who are the primary beneficiaries of the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not benefit. In some cases, some stakeholders might be affected negatively if the project is successfully implemented (e.g. competitors).
Answer: Project stakeholders are the individuals and groups, such as the project team and department subject matter experts, who perform small or large amounts of work on the project.
Explanation: Stakeholders may or may not perform any work on the project.
Which of the following options is the MOST accurate in relation to the types of organizational structures?
Explanation: Departments in projectized organizations can report directly to the project manager as described in this answer, though it's also possible that other departments just provide support services. (PMBOK® Guide 2.1.3)
Answer: A project management office is a functional organizational structure that standardizes project-related governance processes and facilitates the sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and techniques.
Explanation: A project management office is considered a “management structure” as opposed to an “organizational structure” (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.4). Additionally, “functional organizational structure” is not a phrase used in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: A decentralized matrix provides more power and authority to project managers and is more common in distributed (virtual) organizations.
Explanation: The term “decentralized matrix” doesn't exist in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Project managers in functional organizations typically work on projects that span all departments.
Explanation: Project managers in functional organizations typically work on projects only within their respective departments (e.g. finance, accounting, IT).
Which of the following options is the LEAST accurate definition of the project sponsor?
Explanation: This is the responsibility of the project manager. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2.1)
Answer: The sponsor provides financial resources and support.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor.
Answer: The sponsor can provide substantial input to the project charter and the definition of the project scope.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor. Briefly, the sponsor pays for the project. Thus, the sponsor should help craft much of the charter that authorizes the project, as well as define the key product, service, or result that the project should produce.
Answer: The sponsor leads the project through the initiating process group.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor. The project manager takes responsibility for the planning through closing process groups.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The vendor has performed this type of work for many organizations over the last 10 years. The vendor has a standard document that organizes this type of work by the major phases of architecture, construction, and the physical move. The construction phase itself is broken down into the sub-phases of demolition, rough, mechanical and finishing. What type of document is this?
Explanation: The project life cycle describes the major phases of work. (PMBOK® Guide 2.4)
Answer: The product life cycle
Explanation: The product life cycle describes the phases associated with the entire life of a particular product, service, or result from design to decommissioning.
Answer: The project management life cycle
Explanation: This life cycle is associated with the PMBOK® Guide process groups of initiating through closing.
Answer: The process life cycle
Explanation: There is no such phrase in the PMBOK® Guide.
The team is reviewing a document. The document specifies that the engineers will create the project scope statement using a standard organizational template. The document also specifies that the team will work with the customer and an external consultant to craft the WBS. The WBS must comply with the reporting standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The remaining sections of the document provide similar guidance on planning and controlling the work. What type of document are they MOST likely reviewing?
Explanation: This document defines the processes that guide the control, creation and validation of project work and deliverables. (PMBOK® Guide 5.1)
Answer: The requirements documentation
Explanation: The document in this question describes who will (eventually) create the requirements documentation and what tools they will use. Thus, they would not be creating the requirements documentation.
Answer: The project plan baselines
Explanation: Baselines would be created later in the project than the activities taking place in this question.
Answer: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Explanation: Though some organizations have SOPs related to project scoping activities, there's nothing in the question to suggest that the guidelines are standard for the organization. Additionally, the correct answer, “The scope management plan” is a more targeted answer.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The vendor has agreed to transport thousands of pounds of raw baking ingredients to the new location. Together, the bakery owner and the project manager for the vendor document several characteristics that the trucks must have to safely transport these ingredients, such as the ability to control temperature, moisture, and light. They document very specific numbers or ranges of numbers for each of these characteristics. In what PMBOK® Guide process would this information be recorded?
Explanation: This process produces the requirements documentation (and the requirements traceability matrix), which would list these requirements related to temperature, moisture, and light. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.3.1)
Answer: Create Work Breakdown Structure
Explanation: This process creates the WBS. The WBS would not list the measurable attributes related to temperature, moisture, and light.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: This process creates the activity resource requirements document. Though it would list the trucks, this document would not list the measurable attributes related to temperature, moisture, and light.
Answer: Create Resource Breakdown Structure
Explanation: There is no such process.
A large group of cross-functional stakeholders is discussing and arguing about the layout and equipment to be included in a new employee lounge associated with an office relocation project. A quick decision is needed on all the particulars associated with this lounge, particularly the style of the furnishings (e.g. traditional, modern). The owner is not particularly concerned with the final choice, so the owner forces each stakeholder to secretly vote on his/her preferred style, and “modern” receives 44% of the votes, more than any other option. Accordingly, the lounge style will be modern. Which decision-making technique was used?
Explanation: The item under discussion (in this case, style) is decided by plurality when the item receives the highest percentage of votes, even if that percentage is not greater than 50%. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.2.5)
Answer: Dictatorship
Explanation: Though the owner “forced” a decision, the owner more accurately forced the team to vote. Had the owner insisted on a particular style, without regard to the opinions of others, dictatorship would have been the correct answer.
Answer: Creativity Voting
Explanation: There is no such term in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Consensus
Explanation: Reaching consensus is a desired outcome of techniques like facilitated workshops, but the question states that a minority opinion “won” over other opinions.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following options is the LEAST likely to be documented as the project manager and the project team are creating the project scope statement?
Explanation: The project charter, as opposed to the project scope statement, specifies the project manager's authority. (PMBOK® Guide 4.1, 5.3)
Answer: Considering different types of new and used equipment that might meet the requirements of the new location.
Explanation: Alternatives generation is a tool and technique when creating a project scope statement.
Answer: Meeting with knowledgeable people from different departments to discuss different layouts for rooms, and hopefully, to reach a consensus.
Explanation: This is both expert judgment and a facilitated workshop, both tools and techniques used when creating a project scope statement.
Answer: Translating the somewhat vague statement, “the manufacturing floor shall comply with federal and state safety regulations” into specific items like fire suppression systems and exit lighting.
Explanation: This is an example of product analysis, a tool and technique used when creating a project scope statement.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The installation of the plumbing is taking far longer than anticipated. The project manager reviews a particular planning document related to the plumbing deliverables and the assumptions and approval requirements related to those deliverables. These assumptions turned out to be inaccurate, and this has delayed the project. In what PMBOK® Guide process would this document have been created?
Explanation: The project scope statement, created during the process Define Scope, contains information such as deliverables, acceptance criteria, and assumptions. (PMBOK® Guide 5.3.3.1)
Answer: Create WBS
Explanation: This document, an output of the process Estimate Activity Resources, would not list acceptance criteria or assumptions.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: This document, an output of the process Estimate Activity Resources, focuses on resource types and quantities.
Answer: Conduct Procurements
Explanation: This process would generate agreements.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST likely item to be found in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?
Explanation: This is decomposing (breaking down) the deliverable Marketing Material to a lower level of detail, which should provide more accuracy in later planning activities. (PMBOK® Guide 5.4)
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will cost approximately $15,000.
Explanation: Costs are not included in a WBS, though the WBS provides a key input to cost estimating.
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will take approximately six weeks to create.
Explanation: Durations are not included in a WBS, though the WBS provides a key input to duration estimating.
Answer: The deliverable “Marketing Materials” will not be included as part of this project.
Explanation: This statement is an exclusion. Exclusions are documented in the project scope statement.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely outcome if the project manager and the customer are performing the process Validate Scope?
Explanation: Primarily, Validate Scope focuses on trying to secure customer acceptance of completed deliverables. Ordering a quality audit would be an unusual method for trying to secure acceptance. (PMBOK® Guide 5.5)
Answer: Upon seeing a 3D computerized model of the executive offices, the owner (sponsor) identifies the need for additional furniture.
Explanation: A change request is a common output of the Validate Scope process, particularly when the customer is not willing to approve the intermediate or final products, services, or results.
Answer: After receiving customer approval on a piece of work, the project manager stores the documentation associated with this review process.
Explanation: This is an example of a project document update.
Answer: After failing to receive customer approval on a piece of work, the project manager stores the documentation associated with this review process.
Explanation: This is an example of a project document update, even if the Validate Scope process failed to obtain sponsor approval.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely outcome if the project manager and the project team are performing the process Control Scope?
Explanation: Changes like this scenario are processed through a separate process, Integrated Change Control. The process Control Scope would ensure this requested change is processed appropriately, as well as ensuring that the scope baseline is updated if the change is approved. (PMBOK® Guide 5.6)
Answer: Comparing actual electrical, carpentry, and masonry deliverables created against the documentation of those planned deliverables, which describes the deliverables that should have been created.
Explanation: This is a variance analysis, which compares the differences between the actual scope and the scope baseline.
Answer: Documenting that the electricians installed an extra two lights in the manufacturing area as they accidentally used an old set of blueprints.
Explanation: Documenting the reasons behind scope variances is part of the process Control Scope.
Answer: Updating blueprints and the documentation to reflect that the customer approved additional steel and concrete to support a baking oven that was larger than expected.
Explanation: Managing changes to the scope baseline is part of the process Control Scope, though the decision whether or not to incorporate a change is done in the process Integrated Change Control.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager, working with the project management team has made the following determinations: 1) Identified two project management team members who will identify the activities, milestones, resources, and activity sequences. 2) Determined that a different subject matter expert within the organization will estimate durations. 3) Identified the specific electronic tool that will be used to create and display the schedule. 4) Determined that the project management team will track actual schedule progress against the schedule baseline once every two weeks. In what PROCESS would this information be recorded?
Explanation: This process involves determining roles, responsibilities, tools, templates, and historical data related to the Project Time Management processes for a specific project. (PMBOK® Guide 6.1)
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: The output of this process is a listing of activity resource requirements, which lists resource types and quantities.
Answer: Develop Schedule
Explanation: One output of this process is the project schedule, which would contain the start and finish dates for project activities. However, this process would not define how the schedule will be created and controlled.
Answer: Develop Human Resource Management Plan
Explanation: The output of this process is the human resource management plan. This plan includes specific information related to human resources roles and responsibilities, among other information. This question specifically targets information related to schedule development and control.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Define Activities?
Explanation: These two examples are milestones (significant events). Milestones are documented in the process Define Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.2)
Answer: Documenting the key phases of the project, such as “Rough Phase,” “Mechanical Phase,” “Finishing Phase” and “Pack and Move.”
Explanation: These phases would be documented in the project life cycle. They might appear in the WBS, but not in the detailed activity list.
Answer: Categorizing similar activities (for example, “Install President's Computer” and “Install Vice-President's Computer”) into work packages (for example, “Install Senior Managers' Computers”).
Explanation: This example suggests creating WBS work packages from the detailed activity list, whereas The PMBOK® suggests the opposite: creating the activity list from the higher-level WBS work packages.
Answer: Defining the important milestones such as “Install and Test Electrical Breaker Panel” and “Set up Phone System.”
Explanation: As stated, these are not milestones. They are more likely work packages. Examples of milestones could include “Electrical Breaker Panel Installed” or “Phone System Installed.”
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Sequence Activities. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: This is an example of lag, which is determined during the process Sequence Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.3)
Answer: Specifying that the office relocation project will begin after the license renewal project finishes.
Explanation: As stated, the sequencing of projects would be part of program management or perhaps portfolio management. Sequence Activities focuses on a more granular level than this example.
Answer: Specifying that the activity, “Frame Interior Walls” will begin on March 1 after the activity, “Pour Foundation” concludes on February 26th.
Explanation: Describing start and finish dates takes place during the process Develop Schedule.
Answer: Specifying that the work package “Install and Test President's Computer” includes the activities “Order Computer,” “Receive and Inspect Computer,” “Install Software,” and “Test Software.”
Explanation: This answer focuses on decomposing work packages into activities. This is performed during the process Define Activities.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Estimate Activity Resources. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: Specifying resource skill levels is often part of the process Estimate Activity Resources. (PMBOK® Guide 6.4)
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” requires a permit.
Explanation: A “required” permit would be considered a constraint as opposed to a resource for this task. Also, a permit is not a resource, as it's not equipment, supplies, or materials used to perform the job.
Answer: Specifying that the money needed for the activity “Paint Vice-President's Office” is approximately $400.
Explanation: Estimating the money needed to complete an activity would take place during the process Estimate Costs.
Answer: Specifying that the steps needed to obtain resources for the project include activities such as, “Advertise for Painters”, “Review Painting Bids”, “Choose Painting Contractor”, and “Purchase Paint and Supplies”.
Explanation: As described, this is listing some of the activities for the project. This list would be generated during the process Define Activities.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Estimate Activity Durations. Which of the following is the MOST accurate type of information documented during this process?
Explanation: Duration estimates can be based on all the factors listed in this answer. (PMBOK® Guide 6.5)
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” will begin April 1, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. and conclude April 2 at 10:00 a.m.
Explanation: Specifying start and finish dates for activities is part of the process Develop Schedule.
Answer: Determining that the team underestimated the “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” activity as the work was more difficult than expected. The project manager estimates it will take an additional four hours.
Explanation: This type of information would more likely be captured during the process Control Schedule during monitoring and controlling.
Answer: Specifying that the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” cannot begin April 1, 2013 until 10:00 a.m. due to a mandatory union meeting. With this meeting, the activity will likely conclude April 2 at 12:00 p.m.
Explanation: Specifying how constraints (and/or predecessors) affect start and finish dates for activities is part of the process Develop Schedule.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Develop Schedule. Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during this process?
Explanation: Specifying start and finish dates for activities is a key output of the process Develop Schedule. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6)
Answer: The project manager creates a three-point estimate for the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” by considering a realistic (a.k.a. “most likely”) estimate of 1.5 days, a pessimistic estimate of 2.2 days, and an optimistic estimate of 1.3 days.
Explanation: A three-point estimate would be generated during the process Estimate Activity Durations.
Answer: The project manager decides to have the workers paint the vice-president's office after they paint the president's office, though the team members strongly recommend they should be painted in the opposite order.
Explanation: This answer revolves around sequencing of activities, which occurs during the process Sequence Activities.
Answer: The painters specify that the activity “Paint President's Office” will take twelve hours.
Explanation: Hours of duration are generated during the process Estimate Activity Durations.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are discussing the concept of Critical Path Method for the project. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement regarding Critical Path Method for this project?
Explanation: “Routine and simple” is meant to be a distracting phrase, but the rest of the answer is the definition of critical path. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6.2.2)
Answer: It consists of the activities “Find Suitable Location” and “Test Computers”. They are the critical tasks that drive the success of the project.
Explanation: Critical refers to whether the activities drive the end date of the project, as opposed to determining the success of the project.
Answer: It consists of the activities “Pack Equipment” and “Frame Walls”. They are the longest (and most resource intensive) activities of the project.
Explanation: The longest activities on the project may not necessarily drive the end date of the project, particularly if a single project has many activities running at the same time.
Answer: It consists of the activities “Pack Equipment”, “Transport Equipment“, and “Set up Equipment”. They are the activities that define the core nature of the project.
Explanation: The arbitrary term “core nature” is not the definition of critical path.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project manager and the project management team are performing the process Control Schedule. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during this process?
Explanation: “Took longer than anticipated” is work performance information, as opposed to work performance data. If it had been stated using the word, “information,” it would have been something performed during this process (and thus, not the correct answer as the LEAST likely example). (PMBOK® Guide 6.7)
Answer: Reviewing the project schedule to determine when the activity “Pack Equipment” should have started.
Explanation: The schedule baseline is an input for this process.
Answer: Reviewing the days and shifts of the labors for the activity “Pack Equipment” to determine whether the task can happen faster.
Explanation: Calendars are an input for this process.
Answer: Using a standard template to record that the activity “Pack Equipment” finished on time.
Explanation: Organizational process assets such as templates are common inputs to this process. In this case, the phrase “on time” implies that it is recording work performance information that compares baseline to actual.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The project management team is required to use a specific automated worksheet to estimate the costs of the resources used to complete project activities. The project management team must also follow several organizational procedures that describe how the budget will be approved and controlled. Which document would list this type of information?
Explanation: The cost management plan specifies which documents, policies, procedures, and guidelines must be used for the project cost management processes Estimate Costs, Determine Budget, and Control Costs. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: Cost estimating documentation
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs produces a list of resource costs for each activity, but the specifics of how this will be done (such as using an automated worksheet) is defined in the cost management plan.
Answer: Organizational standard operating procedures
Explanation: Though this answer is an accurate statement, the cost management plan is a more specific answer.
Answer: Accounting standard operating procedures
Explanation: Accounting departments may or may not have this type of documentation related to project cost management, but the cost management plan is the more specific term used in the PMBOK® Guide.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST accurate statement related to the process Plan Cost Management for this project?
Explanation: The process Plan Cost Management would not include the planned or the actual costs, though it would describe the processes, policies, and documents used to estimate and classify costs. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: It would describe the policy that any planned project cost greater than $5,000 for building materials must be authorized by the sponsor.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include and describe policies related to project cost management activities.
Answer: It would describe the procedure for creating a cash flow report as well as the template for creating this report.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include and describe the procedures related to project cost management activities.
Answer: It would describe the acceptable cost variance as up to 5% of the planned cost for each work package. Above 5%, the project manager must initiate corrective action.
Explanation: The cost management plan can include the policies and guidelines related to when corrective action needs to take place. In this case, it would describe the policies related to the process Control Costs.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: Though labor costs are estimated during this process, this answer describes the concept when costs are incurred, which is more accurately related to “funding requirements”: a document generated during the process Determine Budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of materials needed for the project.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs typically includes the costs materials.
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of inflation and financing for the time period of the project.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs potentially includes the costs of inflation and financing.
Answer: Listing the estimated costs of reserves for known or unknown risks.
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs potentially includes the costs of reserves.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the tools and techniques for the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: Reserves, in this case contingency reserves, are for known risks. The known risk is, “it will cost more if we have to buy more paint due to these individuals not liking the original color,” but it's unknown whether the stakeholders will or will not like the color. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: The project manager creates a very accurate analogous estimate using the lowest cost, the highest cost, and the most-likely cost from past painting jobs.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “analogous estimate,” but the rest of the answer describes a three-point estimate.
Answer: The project manager performs a top-down estimate for the activity “Install Electrical Breaker Panel” as $100 per circuit times 30 circuits.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “top-down estimate”, which is another term for analogous estimating, but the rest of the answer describes a parametric estimate.
Answer: The team creates a bottom-up estimate of $1,000 for the activity “Paint Vice-President's Office” after deciding to use a higher-cost paint that is rated to last twice as long and is much easier to clean.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “bottom-up estimate,” but the rest of the answer more accurately references a cost of quality.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The team with the help of subject matter experts creates a document that describes the money needed for project activities, when those funds are needed, and the contingency reserves. The document does not contain management reserves. Which document are they creating?
Explanation: The cost baseline is the approved time-phased project budget, and it includes expected costs and contingency reserves, but not management reserves (for unforeseen problems). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.1, 7.2.2.6)
Answer: The project funding requirements
Explanation: The funding requirements include management reserves for unforeseen problems.
Answer: The net present value document
Explanation: Net present value calculations consider time, but generally look at income as well as cost. It's more of a return on investment tool than a cost estimating or budgeting tool.
Answer: The project-specific chart of accounts
Explanation: The chart of accounts is used to classify costs, whereas this question talks about locking down costs. Also, “project-specific” makes this answer additionally fuzzy.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. The team with the help of subject matter experts creates a document that describes the money needed for project activities, when those funds are needed, plus contingency and management reserves. Which document are they creating?
Explanation: The project funding requirements document specifies when funds are needed for the project, and it includes cost baseline information, contingency reserves, and management reserves (for unknown risks). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.2 and 7.2.2.6)
Answer: The cost baseline
Explanation: The cost baseline is an important input for the project funding requirements, but it would not include management reserves.
Answer: The project management plan
Explanation: The project management plan would include the cost baseline (the approved amount of money), but the project funding requirements are not included in this document.
Answer: The cash flow report
Explanation: Though similar to a project funding requirements document, a cash flow report typically shows when money is expected to be spent (which is not always the same as when it is needed), as well as when money is received.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Control Costs?
Explanation: This answer is meant to demonstrate improper process, and it's therefore the least likely task. Specifically, the word “unexpected” implies that this would have to be covered by management reserves. Thus, the project manager would not be able to spend this money without first processing a change request. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: The project manager updates costs to indicate that the cost of paint was one dollar per gallon higher than anticipated.
Explanation: Updating costs is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: The project manager makes a few inquiries after noticing that the cost of moving the furniture was $50 per truckload less than expected.
Explanation: Investigating cost variances is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: The project manager notices that the cost per truckload is exactly what was expected, though the trucks used for these shipments are much smaller than expected.
Explanation: Monitoring work performance against funds expended is part of the process Control Costs. If the cost per truckload is the same, but the trucks can presumably carry less cargo, the project will likely have cost problems.
A large bakery is moving its manufacturing and office facilities to a new location. The bakery has hired a vendor to perform the construction work within the new facilities, as well as to physically move all of the bakery’s assets to the new location. Three months into the project, the project manager collects earned value information. A project has an SV of $3,000 and a CV of -$4,000. What is known about this project?
Explanation: An SV (schedule variance) greater than 0 indicates that the project is ahead of schedule. An SV less than 0 indicates that the project is behind schedule. A CV greater than 0 indicates that the project is under budget. A CV less than 0 indicates that the project is over budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: It's ahead of schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and over budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Tutorial B PM Framework Review
Which of the following is INCORRECT regarding the definition of projects?
Explanation: This is the general definition of a program, not a project. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2)
Answer: They involve unique and temporary initiatives.
Explanation: Projects are unique and temporary initiatives. (PMBOK® Guide 1.2)
Answer: They help accomplish a goal.
Explanation: Hopefully, the goal merits the investment of time and money associated with the project.
Answer: They produce a product, service, or result.
Explanation: Projects often produce a tangible product, provide the capacity to provide a service, or produce a result. A wedding could be considered a project that's more accurately considered an end result as opposed to a product or service.
Which of the following is LEAST likely to involve both a project and on-going operations?
Explanation: Mass mailing activities are reasonably routine for marketing and advertising personnel. Thus, this example only involves operations; there is no project. (PMBOK® Guide 1.5)
Answer: Closing a manufacturing facility.
Explanation: Closing a facility is a project, but this would impact operations as well. For example, other remaining facilities would likely absorb work formerly done by this facility.
Answer: Shipping hazardous materials overseas for the first of several times.
Explanation: Shipping is generally considered operational. The novel aspects of shipping hazardous materials overseas would likely initiate project activities to investigate regulations, risks, etc.
Answer: Performing the yearly shutdown and upgrading of a manufacturing line to include new technology.
Explanation: Manufacturing lines imply operations. “Upgrading” generally implies some type of project.
Which of the following is the MOST likely responsibility or duty of a Project Management Office?
Explanation: Though a PMO might mentor or coach the existing project manager (or perhaps replace the project manager) of a troubled project, a “directive” PMO might very well lead that project.
Answer: Ensuring that projects and programs share the same business driver.
Explanation: PMOs may oversee a variety of unrelated projects with a wide variety of business drivers.
Answer: Ensuring that projects and programs use the same templates and follow the same processes.
Explanation: PMOs often create “libraries” of differing templates and processes to reflect different types of projects or different sizes of projects.
Answer: Selecting, managing, and deploying project resources like parametric analogies.
Explanation: This answer jumbles terms. As stated, it makes no sense.
Which of the following potential projects is the LEAST likely to be approved by a not-for-profit organization?
Explanation: “Communication purposes” is too vague to merit a project. (PMBOK® Guide 1.4.3)
Answer: Conducting a fund-raising campaign with the goal of raising 10 million dollars.
Explanation: Not-for-profit organizations need funds to support their operations.
Answer: Providing a new, high-value service to the target community that will require the cancellation of over half of the organization's current projects.
Explanation: If the project provides a high value service to the target community, it may very well be a project worth approving, even at the expense of cancelling other projects.
Answer: Updating the organization's standard operating procedures and equipment to meet the target country's new regulations.
Explanation: The answer specifically mentions meeting regulations. Without additional information or explanation, this is a mandatory project if the organization wants to provide services to the target country.
Which of the following options is the MOST accurate statement?
Explanation: This definition captures some of the main points in the PMBOK®, though it's worth mentioning that the project manager works to ensure an effective transition up until the point that the project is closed. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2.1; 2.3)
Answer: The project team works together to achieve the goal of the project, and typically includes all of the following: the customer, the project manager, the project management team, and the individuals who perform the work.
Explanation: The project team does not include the customer.
Answer: The project staff (also known as the project management team) creates the project deliverables.
Explanation: The project staff and the project management team are different stakeholders. The project staff creates the deliverables, and the project management staff performs activities such as scheduling and budgeting.
Answer: Stakeholders are shareholders of project deliverables and benefits.
Explanation: This answer jumbles words and terms. As stated, it doesn't make sense.
A company in the food industry creates, markets, and produces a variety of baked goods. They sell their products through supermarkets and a small number of chain restaurants. They typically introduce ten new products per year, and their annual sales exceed 100 million dollars. What type of organization probably best describes this company?
Explanation: As they produce new products, this involves projects. As they produce a large volume of their products, this involves operations. Thus, matrix is the best answer. (PMBOK® Guide 2.1.3)
Answer: A projectized organization
Explanation: This organization conducts far too many operationally-oriented activities to be considered strictly a projectized organization.
Answer: A functional organization
Explanation: This organization conducts too many projects (new products) to be considered strictly a functional organization.
Answer: A combination organization
Explanation: There is no such term in the PMBOK® Guide.
Which of the following options is the LEAST accurate definition of the project sponsor?
Explanation: This is the definition of the customer. The sponsor may or may not be the customer. (PMBOK® Guide 2.2.1)
Answer: The sponsor is often the person (or group) who helps resolve issues escalated by the project manager.
Explanation: It's not uncommon for a project manager to have less power than some of the key customers, especially when the project manager is an employee of the organization receiving the end product, service, or result. Thus, the sponsor often helps when the project manager cannot resolve an issue.
Answer: The sponsor often authorizes proposed changes that impact the previously approved scope, schedule, or budget.
Explanation: Authorization of changes varies by organization, but the sponsor will often have to approve moderate to major changes, as the sponsor is the funding source.
Answer: The sponsor provides financial resources and support.
Explanation: This is a responsibility of the sponsor.
An organization develops new mobile phones. They use the following phases to develop these phones: Analysis, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. What type of life cycle is this?
Explanation: The project life cycle describes the major phases of work. (PMBOK® Guide 2.4)
Answer: The product life cycle
Explanation: The product life cycle describes the phases associated with the entire life of a particular product, service, or result from design to decommissioning.
Answer: The project management life cycle
Explanation: This life cycle is associated with the PMBOK® Guide process groups of initiating through closing.
Answer: The financial life cycle
Explanation: There is no such phrase in the PMBOK® Guide.
Tutorial B Scope Review
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the process Plan Scope Management?
Explanation: This is the general PMBOK definition. (PMBOK® Guide 5.1)
Answer: Creating and approving the WBS, project scope statement, and WBS dictionary.
Explanation: These three documents together are the scope baseline. The process Plan Scope Management would indicate who creates the scope baseline, what templates they would use, etc.
Answer: Creating a finalized WBS that has the maximum likelihood of reflecting the needs and expectations of key project stakeholders.
Explanation: This answer jumbles together various ideas from stakeholder management, collect requirements, and quality principles.
Answer: Defining how the planning scope processes (Collect Requirements, Define Scope, and Define Activities) will be performed.
Explanation: The process Define Activities is a time management process. Additionally, the scope management plan defines all scope processes, and this also includes monitoring and controlling processes such as Validate Scope and Control Scope.
Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement related to requirements documentation?
Explanation: Excluded deliverables would be in the project scope statement. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2)
Answer: It might include transition requirements: the requirements describing how to move a product or service into operations.
Explanation: This is described almost word for word in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: It might include assumptions and constraints that affect the requirements.
Explanation: This is described almost word for word in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: It might include communications requirements: the requirements stemming from stakeholder needs or related to documenting the solution.
Explanation: This is described almost word for word in the PMBOK® Guide.
A group of stakeholders is attempting to decide whether a specific requirement should or should not be included as part of the project. Through thorough discussion, all stakeholders agree that the requirement will be included. Which decision-making technique was used?
Explanation: Unanimity involves all participants agreeing on the option. It's a best-case scenario, though it can be difficult to achieve this. (PMBOK® Guide 5.2.2.5)
Answer: Plurality
Explanation: Plurality involves choosing the item with the highest percentage of votes, even if that percentage is not greater than 50%.
Answer: Root cause analysis
Explanation: A root cause analysis can eventually lead to the creation of a requirement, but it's not a group decision-making technique.
Answer: Problem solving
Explanation: Problem solving can eventually lead to the creation of a requirement, but it's not a group decision-making technique.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the project scope statement?
Explanation: In the majority of cases, the project scope statement includes the core deliverables. It's not uncommon to include project documents as well, as they add time and cost to the project, among other factors. (PMBOK® Guide 5.3)
Answer: It might include a requirements section that links approved requirements to the tangible deliverables that satisfy them.
Explanation: This type of information is found in the requirements traceability matrix.
Answer: It might categorize deliverables or work as “mandatory” (included) and “optional” (excluded).
Explanation: The PMBOK® Guide does not discuss the concepts of optional vs. mandatory, though some organizations categorize deliverables in this manner. Regardless, “optional” and “excluded” are not synonymous, making the last two words of this answer incorrect.
Answer: It should describe the project scope at an activity (task) level if this level of detail exists.
Explanation: Though project scope can be described as a summary or at a detailed level, the project scope statement would not list the very detailed activities. Activities are defined in the separate document called the activity list.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely statement to be included in a project scope statement of an office relocation project?
Explanation: This type of information is typically documented in a statement of work, a contract, or an activity resource requirements document. (PMBOK® Guide 5.3)
Answer: The office move must be completed by December 31. This short deadline will likely limit the number of deliverables that can be produced.
Explanation: The deadline is a constraint. Constraints that limit scope are included in the project scope statement.
Answer: The project won't include the grand opening celebration. This concept will be addressed at a later point by senior management.
Explanation: This is an exclusion. Exclusions should be included in the project scope statement.
Answer: Due to an existing contract, all new office furniture must be purchased through a particular vendor.
Explanation: The contract is a constraint. Constraints that limit scope are included in the project scope statement.
The team and the project manager have identified WBS elements such as “create, negotiate, and finalize contracts” and “install baking ovens.” Each of these elements will likely take two full time employees a week. Which of the following is the MOST likely term to be used for these phrases?
Explanation: Work packages are the lowest element of the WBS. Each of the work packages in this example could later be decomposed into activities and milestones. (PMBOK® Guide 5.4)
Answer: Critical Tasks
Explanation: Critical is a specific scheduling term that refers to whether the tasks drive the end date of the project. This would not be known by looking at the WBS.
Answer: Deliverables
Explanation: Contracts and ovens are certainly deliverables, but phrased with verbs, they are more likely to be work packages.
Answer: Activities
Explanation: Activities are not included in the WBS.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the process Validate Scope for an office relocation project?
Explanation: The process Validate Scope focuses on gaining formal acceptance from the customer. This acceptance can take place at key points during the project as well as at the end of the project. (PMBOK® Guide 5.5)
Answer: The city electrical inspector signs a document indicating that the electrical work has met the requirements.
Explanation: This is an end result of a quality control check that focuses more on correctness than on customer satisfaction.
Answer: The owner of the carpentry firm signs a document to indicate that they will test their deliverables before the city inspector reviews those deliverables.
Explanation: The signed document would likely be a contract describing an eventual quality control check, as opposed to a customer acknowledging acceptance of completed deliverables.
Answer: The IT technician signs an internal document indicating that the work of setting up the finance computers is complete, as all computers passed all predefined tests.
Explanation: This is a quality control check.
Part of the process Control Scope involves comparing actual work and deliverables created against the planned work and deliverables. What is this tool and technique called?
Explanation: This is the only tool and technique for this process. (PMBOK® Guide 5.6)
Answer: Inspection
Explanation: An inspection is a quality tool and technique. It typically determines whether a work product conforms to standards. In other words, inspection often involves whether a product's features and functions work the way they should work. The process Control Scope, on the other hand, ensures the team is actually performing the work and producing the deliverables according to the scope baseline.
Answer: Scope analysis
Explanation: There is no such term in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Product analysis
Explanation: Product analysis is a tool and technique of the process Define Scope. It involves translating a high-level description or high-level requirements into a specific solution.
Tutorial B Time Review
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be considered or reviewed as an input when creating the schedule management plan?
Explanation: The project schedule contains the start and finish dates for project activities. The project schedule is created later in the project, using the guidance listed in the schedule management plan. This guidance can include who creates the schedule, how they create the schedule, etc. (PMBOK® Guide 6.1)
Answer: The project charter
Explanation: The charter is a high level document formally approving the project. It might contain milestones and approval requirements which influence the management of the schedule.
Answer: Commercially available sources of schedule data (e.g. lists of project activities and durations)
Explanation: Commercial data are an example of an enterprise environmental factor, which is an input to this process.
Answer: Actual schedule management plans used in previous projects
Explanation: Historical data are an example of an organizational process asset, which is an input to this process.
The team has been assigned the responsibility of breaking down the work packages into more detail as part of the process Define Activities. Which of the following is the LEAST likely factor or document they would use as an input?
Explanation: If the team is breaking down the work packages, they are performing the process Define Activities. They will decompose these work packages into activities and milestones. Templates of deliverables would have been considered earlier, typically when the team is creating the project scope statement or the WBS. (PMBOK® Guide 6.2)
Answer: The scope baseline
Explanation: The scope baseline includes the WBS (as well as the project scope statement and the WBS dictionary). The WBS contains the work packages to be broken down.
Answer: Templates that list commonly performed activities
Explanation: Templates are examples of organizational process assets, an input to the process Define Activities.
Answer: Templates that list common project milestones
Explanation: Milestones are also outputs of the process Define Activities.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the process Sequence Activities?
Explanation: This is the core output of the process Sequence Activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.3)
Answer: When the team completes this process, they will have created a Gantt chart.
Explanation: Gantt charts are created during the process Develop Schedule, when each activity and milestone will have associated start and finish dates. These dates would not be known during the process Sequence Activities.
Answer: When the team completes this process, they will have created a Work Breakdown Structure with logical relationships.
Explanation: This answer jumbles the terms and concepts. As stated, it makes no sense.
Answer: When the team completes this process, they will have created a milestone chart with expected finish dates for each milestone.
Explanation: Milestone charts are created as an output of the process Develop Schedule, particularly as this is when expected dates are far more accurate. Additionally, milestone charts generally don't show relationships between milestones.
Which of the following is the LEAST accurate statement related to the process Estimate Activity Resources?
Explanation: Costs for resources are considered as an input during this process, but they are estimated during the process Estimate Costs. Money is also more accurately a “tool” or a vehicle that is used to acquire resources, as opposed to a resource itself. (PMBOK® Guide 6.4, 7.2)
Answer: It considers when resources are potentially available.
Explanation: Availability can greatly influence the decision of whether to use one resource or another.
Answer: It considers risk factors that affect the selection of resources.
Explanation: The risk register is an input to the process Estimate Activity Resources.
Answer: It considers regulations that might govern the choice of resources.
Explanation: Regulations are included as part of enterprise environmental factors, an input to this process.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the process Estimate Activity Durations?
Explanation: This is the general definition of analogous estimating, also called top-down estimating. It's typically a fast method to use, but it's usually less accurate than other methods. (PMBOK® Guide 6.5)
Answer: It may use expert judgment for duration estimates, soliciting input from highly experienced individuals from different industries.
Explanation: Expert judgment would much more likely involve individuals from the same industry, not different industries.
Answer: It may use a benchmarking estimate based on a similar internal or external organization's project.
Explanation: Benchmarking is a quality tool and technique, and it typically involves the examination of a similar organization's minimum levels of quality. Benchmarking often results in the creation of product or process requirements.
Answer: It may use a parametric estimate based on optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic estimates as parameters to estimate the duration of a current project (or perhaps the duration of a phase or work package).
Explanation: Uses optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic estimates is referred to as a three-point estimate, as opposed to a parametric estimate.
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement related to the concept of schedule compression?
Explanation: Crashing involves adding more and/or better resources to activities. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6.2.7)
Answer: The project manager fast-tracks the schedule by expediting (paying extra) to have materials shipped faster.
Explanation: Paying a premium for expediting shipment is an example of crashing as opposed to fast tracking.
Answer: The project manager fast-tracks the project by assigning “up and coming” managers and employees to the project.
Explanation: This is a vague reference to “fast tracking” managers, a practice by some organizations to train and promote promising employees. The term “fast tracking” in the PMBOK® Guide has a very different meaning.
Answer: The project manager crashes the schedule by eliminating activities that are not absolutely necessary to accomplish the core goal of getting the organization set up and working in the new location.
Explanation: Crashing means adding more and/or better resources. Dropping scope can certainly compress a schedule, but it is not within the definition of crashing.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Develop Schedule for an office relocation project?
Explanation: The process Develop Schedule involves creating start and finish dates for activities. This answer suggests translating constraint dates into durations. As stated, this answer is not supposed to make sense. (PMBOK® Guide 6.6)
Answer: The project manager considers the resource types and quantities when generating schedule dates.
Explanation: Activity resource requirements are an input to this process.
Answer: The project manager reconsiders the schedule dates when the assigned resource has less skill than expected.
Explanation: Project staff assignments are an input to this process.
Answer: The project manager reviews the schedule management plan to determine factors such as whether to use a specific project management software application to create the schedule.
Explanation: The schedule management plan is an input to this process, as well as to all other scheduling processes (PMBOK® Guide 6.1).
Which of the following is the MOST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Control Schedule?
Explanation: Part of the process Control Schedule involves the comparison of planned and actual to deduce meaningful information. (PMBOK® Guide 6.7)
Answer: Ensuring that the planned finish dates do not exceed the baseline finish dates.
Explanation: Control schedule often involves comparing baselines to actuals, not planned to baseline. As stated, the wording has no practical meaning.
Answer: Ensuring that the team member who estimates the start and finish dates follows the scheduling guidelines set by the Project Management Office.
Explanation: As described, this answer involves a quality assurance activity (a compliance activity). Additionally, generating start and finish dates is part of the process Develop Schedule, as opposed to the process Control Schedule.
Answer: Comparing schedule work performance information such as actual start and finish dates to baseline start and finish dates to produce meaningful work performance data (e.g. “Activity X took less time than expected”).
Explanation: This is almost correct, but it reverses the phrases “work performance information” and “work performance data.”
Tutorial B Cost Review
Which of the following is the LEAST likely tool or technique that would be used to create the cost management plan?
Explanation: Reserve analysis is a specific tool and technique associated with the processes Estimate Costs and Determine Budget. These processes will be performed after the cost management plan has been created. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: Requesting assistance from people with skills such as accounting, finance, and/or budgeting
Explanation: Expert judgment is a tool and technique. Note that it's not mandatory to include people with these specific skills.
Answer: Making decisions related to which return on investment techniques will be used
Explanation: The decision to use a technique such as IRR or NPV is a tool and technique.
Answer: Holding virtual and/or face-to-face discussions with experts
Explanation: Meetings are a common tool and technique for many processes, including this one.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely information that would be reviewed as inputs to creating a cost management plan?
Explanation: Expected costs are not known at this point in the project. (PMBOK® Guide 7.1)
Answer: The project charter
Explanation: The project charter is a relevant input. It can contain relevant information such as the summary cost and approval requirements that might influence how costs are managed.
Answer: The project management plan
Explanation: The project management plan contains documents like the scope baseline and the schedule baseline. The scope baseline describes the deliverables, and the schedule baseline describes when funds will be expended. These factors can influence how costs will be estimated, budgeted, and controlled.
Answer: Current inflation and currency exchange rates
Explanation: These rates are enterprise environmental factors, which can affect the cost management plan.
The project manager, the project team, and other experts are reviewing a project activity. This activity is expected to cost the organization $17,000 based on the labor of 100 employees, the labor of 10 contractors, and 4000 needed items (materials). Which of the following processes are these individuals performing?
Explanation: The process Estimate Costs involves estimating the costs of resources to complete project activities. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: Determine Budget
Explanation: This process involves locking down the expected costs in the cost baseline.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resource Costs
Explanation: There is no such process in the PMBOK® Guide.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: The output of this question is cost estimates, as opposed to types and quantities of resources. The process Estimate Activity Resources involves the identification of types and quantities of resources.
Which of the following is the LEAST correct description of the tools and techniques for the process Estimate Costs?
Explanation: This answer blurs three different tools and techniques into a single answer: cost of quality, reserves, and vendor bids. (PMBOK® Guide 7.2)
Answer: A three-point estimate considers the lowest cost, the highest cost, and the most likely cost from past projects.
Explanation: This is the general description of a three-point estimate. This technique can be used for durations or costs of activities, work packages, or higher levels of the WBS.
Answer: A parametric estimate for the activity multiplies the cost per unit (such as each material or each hour of labor) times the quantities needed.
Explanation: This answer describes a parametric estimate. Parametric estimating can be more complex than this particular answer, using “parameters” such as the skill of the team or the conditions of the work site.
Answer: A bottom-up estimate examines the cost of each activity and rolls those costs up to higher levels of the WBS, such as the work packages, deliverables, or the project.
Explanation: This answer uses the term, “bottom-up estimate,” but the rest of the answer more accurately references a cost of quality.
The project manager, with the assistance of the sponsor, accounting, and finance, is creating a document that locks down the amount of money for completing all project activities. The document also lists costs per month, but it does not factor in extra money set aside for potential problems that the project team does not foresee. Which process are they performing?
Explanation: This question is describing the cost baseline, which is created during the process Determine Budget. The cost baseline is the approved time-phased project budget, and it includes expected costs and contingency reserves, but not management reserves (for unforeseen problems). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.1, 7.2.2.6)
Answer: Estimate Costs
Explanation: This process involves estimating the costs to complete project activities.
Answer: Estimate Activity Resources
Explanation: The process Estimate Activity Resources involves the identification of types and quantities of resources, as opposed to the cost of those resources.
Answer: Determine Cost Baseline
Explanation: There is no such process, though the answer is describing the cost baseline.
What type of information is MOST likely to be to found in the project funding requirements?
Explanation: The project funding requirements document specifies when funds are needed for the project, and it includes cost baseline information, contingency reserves, and management reserves (for unknown risks). (PMBOK® Guide 7.3.3.2 and 7.2.2.6)
Answer: Contingency reserves for unknown risks
Explanation: Contingency reserves are set aside for known risks. However, they are included in the project funding requirements.
Answer: Management reserves for known risks
Explanation: Management reserves are set aside for unknown risks. However, they are included in the project funding requirements.
Answer: The cost baseline minus the management reserves
Explanation: The project funding requirements include the cost baseline plus management reserves.
Which of the following is the LEAST likely example of a task that would be performed during the process Control Costs?
Explanation: A change request for more money or for corrective action would be created during the process Control Costs, but the actual change is evaluated in a separate process called Integrated Change Control. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: Comparing actual costs against planned costs
Explanation: Comparing actual costs against planned costs is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: Investigating reasons behind cost variances
Explanation: Investigating reasons behind cost variances is part of the process Control Costs.
Answer: Comparing the amount of work completed against the funds expended
Explanation: Comparing work performed against funds expended is part of the process Control Costs.
A project has an SPI of 1.03 and a CPI of 1.01 What is known about this project?
Explanation: An SPI (Schedule Performance Index) greater than 1 indicates that the project is ahead of schedule. An SPI less than 1 indicates that the project is behind schedule. A CPI (Cost Performance Index) greater than 1 indicates that the project is under budget. A CPI less than 1 indicates that the project is over budget. (PMBOK® Guide 7.4)
Answer: It's behind schedule and under budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's behind schedule and over budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Answer: It's ahead of schedule and over budget.
Explanation: See the correct answer for the explanation.
Tutorial B Survey
Please answer the following statements based on how much you agree.
Explanation:
The tutorial was fun. (It was amusing and entertaining.)
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Disagree
Explanation:
Answer: Neutral
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Agree
Explanation:
Answer: Completely Agree
Explanation:
The tutorial was engaging. (It kept my attention.)
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Disagree
Explanation:
Answer: Neutral
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Agree
Explanation:
Answer: Completely Agree
Explanation:
The tutorial was effective in helping me learn the principles of project management.
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Disagree
Explanation:
Answer: Neutral
Explanation:
Answer: Somewhat Agree
Explanation:
Answer: Completely Agree
Explanation: