Chapter 1-3 PMBOK 5th edition - Test #1

In which organizational structures is the project manager's role part time? A Weak matrix, projectized B Functional, strong matrix C Functional, weak matrix D Balanced matrix, projectized

A project manager's role is part time in both the functional and weak matrix organizational structures (Choice C). PMBOK® 2.1.3, pg 22

In which organizational structure is the project manager's authority the highest? A Weak matrix B Functional C Balanced matrix D Projectized

A project manager's authority is the highest in a projectized structure (Choice D). PMBOK® 2.1.3, pg 22

What type of organizational structure has both departmental and cross-functional projects? A Composite matrix B Strong matrix C Weak matrix D Balanced matrix

A composite organization (Choice A) involves all types of organizational structures at various levels. PMBOK® 2.1.3, pg 25

A collection of projects or programs and other work that are grouped together is a definition of: A A program. B A project. C A portfolio. D A strategy.

A portfolio refers to projects, programs, subportfolios, and operations managed as a group to achieve strategic objectives. PMBOK® 1.4.2, pg 9

A __________ is a set of interrelated actions and activities that are performed to achieve a pre-specified set of products, results, or services. A Task B Work component C Work breakdown structure (WBS) D Process

A process is a set of interrelated actions and activities performed to achieve a pre-specified product, result, or service. Each process is characterized by its inputs, the tools and techniques that can be applied, and the resulting outputs. PMBOK® 3, pg 37

A group of related projects managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them separately is called a __________. A Strategic plan B Project management office (PMO) C Program D Project

A program (Choice C) is defined as a group of related projects, subprograms, and program activities managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually. PMBOK® 1.4.1, pg 9

A project is a __________ endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. A Planned B Lengthy C Temporary D Unique

A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. The temporary nature of projects indicates that a project has a definite beginning and end. PMBOK® 1.2, pg 3

An organizational structure where staff members are grouped by project is called a __________ organization. A Functional B Projectized C Weak matrix D Balanced matrix

At the opposite end of the spectrum to the functional organization is the projectized organization (Choice B). In a projectized organization, team members are often colocated. Most of the organizations resources are involved in project work, and project managers have a great deal of independence and authority. PMBOK® 2.1.3, pg 25

What does PMI® view as a foundational reference for its project management professional development programs? A The PMBOK® Guide B The PMI® Code of Professional Conduct C Project Management for Dummies D Annex A1 found in the PMBOK® Guide

Choice A is NOT the BEST answer when compared to Choice D. The PMBOK® Guide has an annex called Annex Al which is a foundational reference for PMIs project management professional development programs (Choice D). Annex Al continues to evolve along with the profession, and is therefore not all-inclusive; this standard is a guide rather than a specific methodology. One can use different methodologies and tools (e.g., agile, waterfall, PRINCE2) to implement the project management framework. PMBOK® 1.1, pg 2

What are the phases of the project life cycle? A Planning, intermediate, and closing B Initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing C Initiating, planning, executing, and closing D They vary from organization to organization

Choice A is not consistent with PMBOK®. Choices B and C represent phases of the project MANAGEMENT life cycle, but his question is about a PROJECT life cycle. Choice D is the correct answer. A project may be divided into any number of phases as defined by the organization. A project phase is a collection of logically related project activities that culminates in the completion of one or more deliverables. Project phases are used when the nature of the work to be performed is unique to a portion of the project, and are typically linked to the development of a specific major deliverable. PMBOK® 2.4.2, pg 41

Is a "research project" really a project? A Yes, because it creates a unique result. B No, because research results are intangible. C No, because it uses previous research; therefore, it has no definite beginning. D Yes, because it produces documents.

Choice A is the correct answer. Every project creates a unique product, service, or result. A project can create a result, such as an outcome or document (e.g., a research project that develops knowledge that can be used to determine whether a trend exists or a new process will benefit society). PMBOK® 1.2, pg 3

Which of the following is an organizational process asset category? A Internal B Corporate knowledge base C Lessons learned D PMBOK® Guide base

Choice A isn't one of the two categories, and Choice D is not a PMBOK® term. Choice C, lessons learned, is an organizational process asset (OPA), but the question is asking about categories of OPAs, not about OPAs themselves. Choice B is the correct answer. Organizational process assets may be grouped into two categories: 1) processes and procedures, and 2) corporate knowledge base. PMBOK® 2.1.4, pgs 27-28

Jose's company has just won three contracts to install and configure its best-selling software system at three new client sites. Jose decides that he can manage the three project teams, at separate sites, concurrently. If he does, is Jose deviating from the PMBOK®? A No, because he can manage all three at once. B Yes, because the endeavors are not projects since they are not unique. C Yes. He is making a big mistake trying to manage three projects at once. D No, because his software is best-selling, so the clients will want the systems sooner.

Choice B is not an option because each contract does indeed represent a unique project. Choice C is a matter of opinion, and we don't know enough about Jose to make that judgment. Choice D is not a good one because the marketability of his software is not relevant to project management guidelines. There is no reason for Jose not to run all 3 projects at the same time as long as can do a good job, so Choice A is the correct answer. Every project creates a unique product, service, or result. Although repetitive elements may be present in some project deliverables and activities, this repetition does not change the fundamental, unique characteristics of the project work. For example, office buildings can be constructed with the same or similar materials and by the same or different teams. However, each building project remains unique with a different location, different design, different circumstances and situations, different stakeholders, and so on. PMBOK® 1.2, pg 3

A performing organization is __________. A One that works efficiently B The one whose employees are most directly involved in doing the work of the project C One involved in the arts D One that meets all of its deadlines

Choice B is the correct answer. A performing organization is the enterprise whose personnel are most directly involved in doing the work of the project. PMBOK® Glossary, pg 549

Which of the following statements about cost of changes and risk is TRUE? A 'Risk and uncertainty has an inverse relationship to cost of changes. B At some point during the project, the degree of risk and uncertainty and the degree of cost of changes are equal. C The degree of risk increases as cost increases. D The cost of making changes and correcting errors typically decreases as the project approaches completion.

Choice B is the correct answer. Risk and uncertainty are greatest at the start of the project, and decrease over the life of the project as decisions are reached and as deliverables are accepted. The ability to influence the final characteristics of the projects product, without significantly impacting cost, is highest at the start of the project and decreases as the project progresses towards completion. The cost of making changes and correcting errors typically increases substantially as the project approaches completion. PMBOK® 2.4.1., pg 40

PMO stands for __________. A Personnel management officer B Program management official C Project management office D Personal memory overflow

Choice C is the correct answer. A project management office (PMO) is a management structure that standardizes the project-related governance processes and facilitates the sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and techniques. PMBOK® 1.4.4, pg 10

Which of the following addresses typical cost and staffing levels of the generic life cycle structure? A Cost and staffing levels are high during planning and execution, and start to taper off when project documents are archived. B Cost and staffing levels steadily rise throughout project initiation and planning, and plateau during execution and closing. C Cost and staffing levels steadily rise throughout project execution, and then drop quickly after deliverables are accepted. D Cost and staffing levels steadily rise through project initiation and organizing and preparing, plateau during execution, and then drop quickly after deliverables are accepted.

Choice D is the correct answer. The generic life cycle structure generally displays the following characteristic: cost and staffing levels are low at the start, peak as the work is carried out, and drop rapidly as the project draws to a close. PMBOK® 2.4.1, 39

Which of the following statements does NOT describe PMBOK®? A It contains a recognized standard for project management profession. B It evolved from recognized good practices. C It is proven and stable. D It provides guidelines for managing individual projects.

Choices A, B and D are all true statements. The knowledge contained in the PMBOK® Guide evolved from the recognized good practices of project management practitioners; therefore, it cannot be considered stable (Choice C). PMBOK® 1, pg 1

Which of the following is NOT true about business value? A It is the entire value of the business, including tangible and intangible elements B Tangible elements include stockholder equity C Nonprofit organizations do not focus on attaining business value D Business value scope can be short-term, medium-term or long-term

Choices A, B and D are all true statements. Whether an organization is a government agency or a nonprofit organization, all organizations focus on attaining business value for their activities; therefore, Choice C is the correct answer because it is false. PMBOK® 1.6, pg 15

Which of the following is NOT an example of a project? A Changing the staffing in an organization B Producing automobiles in a factory C Modifying an information system D Constructing a new building

Choices A, C and D are all examples of projects since they have a definite beginning and end. Producing automobiles is a continuous operation, so it is not considered a project. PMBOK® 1.2, pgs 3-4

A product feasibility study was conducted for a new sewing machine. Which of the following is least likely to be true? A The organization treated the feasibility study as routine pre-project work. B The organization did a cost-benefit analysis without a SWOT analysis. C The feasibility study was run like a stand-alone project. D The organization handled the feasibility study as the first phase of the project.

Choices A, C and D are all options for structuring feasibility studies. Organizations may treat feasibility studies as routine pre-project work, as the first phase of the project, or like a stand-alone project based on the needs of the individual project. PMBOK® 2.4.2, pg 42

Which project group comprises the largest number of active participants? A Project stakeholders B Project management team C Project team D Project sponsor

Choices B, C and D are each a subset of project stakeholders (Choice A). Therefore, project stakeholders is the largest group as it includes all stakeholders internal and external to the organization, as well as the entire project team. In addition, you will mange the project so well that your stakeholders will indeed be active participants. PMBOK® 2.2.1, pgs 30-31

As the PMO manager, you have been charged with selecting a project manager to run a very critical, high-visibility, "cannot fail" project. You need someone who has demonstrated that she/he can be effective and also a leader. Which competency would BEST determine who to pick? A Performance B Personal C Experience D Knowledge

Effective project management requires that the project manager possess three competencies: knowledge (Choice D), performance (Choice A) and personal (Choice B). The two main criteria you are focusing on are effectiveness and leadership, so you should focus on the behavior of the candidate. As a competency, personal (Choice B) refers to how the project manager behaves while performing the project or related activity. Personal effectiveness encompasses attitudes, core personality characteristics and leadership, which provides the ability to guide the project team while achieving the project objectives and balancing the project constraints. PMBOK® 1.7.1, pg 17

Which of the following statements does NOT describe PMBOK®? A The knowledge described should be applied uniformly to all projects B It is neither complete nor all inclusive C It is a guide rather than a methodology D It provides and promotes a common vocabulary

Good practice does not mean that the knowledge described should always be applied uniformly to all projects, making Choice A the correct answer because it is false. PMBOK® 1.1, pg 2

The PMBOK® should be applied __________. A Uniformly on every project B Only if supported by the project sponsor C To most projects, most of the time D Only when absolutely necessary

PMBOK® is generally recognized as good practice. "Generally recognized" means the knowledge and practices described are applicable to most projects most of the time (Choice C), and there is consensus about their value and usefulness. PMBOK® 1.1, pg 2

Sharon, the project manager, realizes her group of stakeholders is unable, at this early stage of the project, to define the scope more precisely. She tells the group, "Let's stop for now. We can come back to this later when we know more of the details." Sharon's decision is based on what project characteristic? A Scope creep B Progressive elaboration C Burnout D Bad project management

Progressive elaboration (Choice B) involves continuously improving and detailing a plan as more detailed and specific information and more accurate estimates become available. PMBOK® 1.3, pg 6

The process of continuously improving and detailing a plan is called __________. A Periodic progression B Periodic evaluation C Progressive elaboration D Evaluation by periods

Progressive elaboration (Choice C) involves continuously improving and detailing a plan as more detailed and specific information and more accurate estimates become available. PMBOK® 1.3, pg 6

At the first planning session, the project is defined as "Increase production on line 6 to X pieces per day." At the second session, it is modified to "Increase production on line 6 to 3,400 pieces per day." This is an example of __________. A Progressive elaboration B Algebra C Stretch goals D Mathematics

Progressive elaboration involves continuously improving and detailing a plan as more detailed and specific information and more accurate estimates become available. PMBOK® 1.3, pg 6

What is NOT true of project life cycle phases? A They are generally sequential B They cannot overlap C They define what deliverables are produced D They involve handoffs to other phases

Project phases typically are completed sequentially, but CAN overlap in some project situations; therefore, Choice B is the correct answer because it is false. PMBOK® 2.4.2, pg 41

Which of the following is a project process category? A Product-oriented processes B Corporate oriented processes C ANSI oriented processes D Team oriented processes

Project processes are performed by the project team and generally fall into one of two major categories: project management processes and product-oriented processes (Choice A). PMBOK® 3, pg 47

Problems, opportunities, and business requirements are driving forces for __________. A Change control B Projects C Management review D Project life cycle

Projects (Choice B) are typically authorized as a result of one or more of the following strategic considerations: market demand, strategic opportunity, social need, environmental consideration, customer request, technological advance, or legal requirement. PMBOK® 1.4.3, pg 10

Which Project Management Process Group regularly measures progress and identifies variances from the project plan? A Planning B Monitoring and Controlling C Initiating D Executing

The Monitoring and Controlling Process Group (Choice B) has those processes required to track, review, and regulate the progress and performance of the project; identify any areas in which changes to the plan are required; and initiate the corresponding changes. PMBOK® 3, pg 49

What is the term for people actively involved in the project, or whose interests may be affected as a result of project execution or project completion? A Impacted B Team members C Environmentalists D Stakeholders

Stakeholders (Choice D) include all members of the project team as well as all interested entities that are internal or external to the organization. The project team identifies internal and external, positive and negative, and performing and advising stakeholders in order to determine the project requirements and the expectations of all parties. PMBOK® 2.2.1, 30

ISO 9001 and computer disk sizes are examples of the application of __________. A Standards B Regulations C Unintended negative impacts D Procedures

Standards (Choice A) provide rules, guidelines, or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context. PMBOK® Glossary, pg 563

Project Management Professionals (PMPs) must adhere to a "Code of __________." A Ethics and Professional Conduct B Professional Ethics C Honor and Honesty D Project Conduct

The "Project Management Institute Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct" (Choice A) is specific about the basic obligation of responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty. It requires that practitioners demonstrate a commitment to ethical and professional conduct. PMBOK® 1.1, pg 2

Which Project Management Process Group integrates people and other resources to carry out the project management plan for the project? A Planning B Monitoring and Controlling C Initiating D Executing

The Executing Process Group (Choice D) has those processes performed to complete the work defined in the project management plan to satisfy the project specifications. PMBOK® 3, pg 49

Chronologically, the first Project Management Process Group is the _________ Process Group. A Planning B Monitoring and Controlling C Initiating D Executing

The Initiating Process Group (Choice C) has those processes performed to define a new project or a new phase of an existing project by obtaining authorizations to start the project or phase. PMBOK® 3, pg 49

Which Project Management Process Group defines and authorizes the project? A Planning B Monitoring and Controlling C Initiating D Executing

The Initiating Process Group (Choice C) has those processes performed to define a new project or a new phase of an existing project by obtaining authorizations to start the project or phase. PMBOK® 3, pg 49

Those processes required to establish the scope of the project are part of the: A Executing Process Group. B Initiating Process Group. C Planning Process Group. D Monitoring and Controlling Process Group.

The Planning Process Group (Choice C) has those processes required to establish the scope of the project, refine the objectives, and define the course of action required to attain the objectives that the project was undertaken to achieve. PMBOK® 3, pg 49

The project manager role is full-time in all but the __________ organization? A Functional B Strong matrix C Projectized D Balanced matrix

The classic functional organization (Choice A) is a hierarchy where each employee has one clear superior and staff members are grouped by specialty. PMBOK® 2.1.3, pg 22

What is a kill point? A A project team bonus for hard work (term borrowed from software gaming) B An opportune time to remove a weak team member C A phase end D An abrupt exit from a software application

The closure of a phase ends with some form of transfer or hand-off of the work product. This point may be referred to as a stage gate, milestone, phase review, phase gate or kill point. PMBOK® 2.4.2, pg 41

Shonari's work area assembled hundreds of circuit boards according to weekly plans and schedules. Next month, the assembly area will be closed down since the boards will be discontinued. As she thinks about preparing for the shutdown, she determines that her project is moving into the closing phase. Is Shonari correct? A No, because her team will be producing circuit boards up until the final day. B Yes, because she is now planning the closing of her area. C Yes, because the plans and schedules will be ending next month. D No, because assembling circuit boards is an on-going work activity. Closing down the assembly area is a project in and of itself.

The correct answer is Choice D. Making the boards was operational work, not project work. Shonari doesn't have a project yet, but she needs to develop one for the closing of the assembly area. Ongoing operations are outside of the scope of a project; however, there are intersecting points where the two areas cross. One such point is at the end of a product lifecycle, in this case, the boards. PMBOK® 1.5.1, pgs 12-13

The project management administrative staff is full-time in which type of organization? A Functional B Projectized C Weak matrix D Balanced matrix

The project management administrative staff is full-time in both the strong matrix and projectized (Choice B) organizations. PMBOK® 2.1.3, pg 22

The project manager's authority is moderate to high in a __________ organization. A Functional B Projectized C Strong matrix D Balanced matrix

The project manager's authority is moderate to high in the strong matrix organization (Choice C). PMBOK® 2.1.3, pg 22

Sometimes a phase starts before the previous one has finished. This is an example of: A Crashing. B Fast tracking. C Over achieving. D An overlapping relationship.

There are two types of phase-to-phase relationships: sequential and overlapping. An overlapping relationship (Choice D) is one in which the phase starts prior to completion of the previous one. PMBOK® 2.4.2.1, pg 43

The PMBOK® Guide identifies __________. A The entire project management body of knowledge B That subset of the project management body of knowledge generally recognized as project management knowledge and skills C Process Groups and Knowledge Areas and how they are applied to projects D That subset of the project management body of knowledge generally recognized as good practice

This question highlights that the PMBOK® is not about presenting all-inclusive project management knowledge and skills (Choice A). The PMBOK® puts forth a body of knowledge that has been accepted as good practice; that is, there is general agreement that the APPLICATION of skills, tools and techniques can enhance chances of success over a wide range of projects. Choice D is the correct answer: The PMBOK® Guide identifies that subset of the project management body of knowledge generally recognized as good practice. PMBOK® 1.1, pg 2

When does the transfer or hand-off of the work product produced occur? A When an activity completes B When a resource leaves the project C At the close of a phase D When the stakeholder accepts the product

This question is about closing the entire project, so Choice D is not the best answer. The closure of a phase (Choice C) ends with some form of transfer or hand-off of the work product produced as the phase deliverable. PMBOK® 2.4.2, pg 41

In what type of organization structure is the control of the project budget shared between project and functional managers? A Functional B Projectized C Weak matrix D Balanced matrix

While the balanced matrix organization (Choice D) recognizes the need for a project manager, it does not provide the project manager with the full authority over the project and project funding. PMBOK® 2.1.3, pg 23

The risk of failing to achieve a project's objectives is greatest __________. A At the start of the project B In the middle of the project C Near the end of the project D After the project is completed

isk and uncertainty are greatest at the start of the project (Choice A). These factors decrease over the life of the project as decisions are reached and as deliverables are accepted.. PMBOK® 2.4.1, pg 40

As far as applying good practice, who is responsible for determining what practices are appropriate for any given project? A The project manager B The project management team C The client sponsor D The PMBOK® Guide

ood practice does not mean that the knowledge described should always be applied uniformly to all projects; the organization and/or project management team (Choice B) is responsible for determining what is appropriate for any given project. PMBOK® 1.1, pg 2