PMBOK Ch. 2 - Organizational Influences and Project Life Cycle
a
The project life cycle differs from the project management process in that the project management process: a) is the same for every project b) does not incorporate a methodology c) is different for every industry d) can spawn many projects
True.
True or False. A tight matrix has nothing to do with a matrix organization. It simply refers to "colocation," or locating the work spaces for the project team in the same room.
True
True or False. An organization's project management information system is part of its enterprise environmental factors.
True
True or False. Baseline changes are so serious that the evolution of the baselines should be documented to show why and when changes were made.
False. Depending on the form of the PMO, the PMO can prioritize projects.
True or False. The PMO does not prioritize projects.
False. The PMO can be a stakeholder.
True or False. The PMO is rarely or never a stakeholder.
True
True or False. The PMO may be part of the change control board.
Functional
Each department in this type of organization will do its project work independently of other departments.
a
2 PMs have just realized that they are in a weak matrix organization and that their power as project managers is quite limited. One figures out that he is really a project expediter and the other realizes he is really a project coordinator. How is a project expediter different from a project coordinator? a) the project expediter cannot make decisions. b) the project expediter can make more decisions. c) the project expediter reports to a higher level manager. d) the project expediter has some authority.
Pick up here...
2.1.4 Organizational Process Assets
Organizations
______ are systematic arrangements of entities (persons and/or departments) aimed at accomplishing a purpose, which may involve undertaking projects.
c
A PM has very little project experience, but he has been assigned as the project manager of a new project. Because he will be working in a matrix organization to complete his project, he can expect communications to be: a) Simple b) Open and accurate c) Complex d) Hard to automate
b
A PM is managing his 2nd project. It started 1 month after the first, and both are in process. Though his 1st project is small, this one seems to be growing in size every day. As each day passes, the PM is beginning to feel more and more in need of help. The PM has recently heard that there was another project in the company last year that is similar to his 2nd project. What should he do? a) Contact the other PM and ask for assistance b) Obtain historical records and guidance from the PMO c) Wait to see if the project is impacted by the growth in scope d) Make sure the scope of the project is agreed to by all the stakeholders
a
A PM is trying to complete a software development project, but cannot get enough attention for the project. Resources are focused o completing process-related work, and the project manager has little authority to assign resources. What form of organization must the project manager be working in? a) Functional b) Matrix c) Expediter d) Coordinator
Work authorization (system)
A _____ _____ system is the project manager's system for authorizing the start of work packages or activities. It is part of the enterprise environmental factors that are an input to the "Monitor and Control Project Work" process.
Stakeholder
A _____ is an individual, group, or organization who may affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project.
Project-based organization (PBO)
A _____-_____ organization creates a temporary framework(s) around their projects that allow them to circumvent any obstacles inherent in their existing organizational structure (whether functional, projectized, or matrix).
b Lessons learned help to avoid future pitfalls and use the good ideas of past projects. This leads to improvements in future projects.
A company is making an effort to improve its project performance and create historical records of past projects. What is the BEST way to accomplish this? a. Create project management plans b. Create lessons learned c. Create network diagrams d. Create status reports
a
A framework for keeping an organization focused on its overall strategy is: a) Organizational project management b) The PMBOK Guide c) Project governance d) Portfolio management
b
A project team is working on manufacturing a new product, but they are having difficulty creating a project charter. What is the BEST description of the real problem? a) They have not identified the project objectives b) They are working on a process and not a project c) The end date has not been set d) They have not identified the product of the project
b
A project team member is talking to another team member and complaining that many people are asking him to do things. If he works in a functional organization, who has the power to give direction to the team member? a) the PM b) the functional manager c) the team d) the PMO
d
All of the following are characteristics of a project EXCEPT: a) it is temporary b) it has a definite beginning and end c) it has interrelated activities d) it repeats itself every month
a
Understanding the culture, policies, and procedures of the organization in which the project is being performed is MOST challenging i: a) global organizations b) manufacturing organizations c) small organizations d) agile organizations
a
Company procedures require the creation of a lessons learned document. Which of the following is the BEST use of lessons learned? a. Historical records for future projects b. Planning record for the current project c. Informing the team about what the project manager has done d. Informing the team about the project management team
c
Consideration of ongoing operations and maintenance is crucially important to products of projects. Ongoing operations and maintenance should: a. Be included as activities to be performed during project closure b. Have a separate phase in the project life cycle, because a large portion of life cycle costs is devoted to maintenance and operations c. Not to be viewed as part of a project d. Be viewed as a separate project
Control Communications
Determining that performance reports (a communication vehicle) are not meeting stakeholders' needs is discovered in which control process? NOTE: This activity might also result in a corrective action being recommended.
--
Exam Tip: ORGANIZATIONAL PROCESS ASSETS are processes, procedures and historical information; they provide direction and guidance in planning and help the project benefit from past company experience.
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Exam Tip: There are 3 stages through with performance data and information move: 1. Work performance data - initial measurements and details about activities gathered during project work 2. Work performance information - During controlling, the work performance data are analyzed to ensure conformance and assessment in comparison to the impact to the project 3. Work performance reports - WPI is organized into work performance reports which are distributed to the various stakeholders who need to receive and possibly act on the information.
--
Exam Tip: Think of ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS as what they really are--company culture and existing systems that the project will have to deal with or make use of. They can also be thought of as the company "baggage" that comes with the project and is outside the control of the project team.
c
If a PM is concerned with gathering, integrating, and disseminating the outputs of all project management processes, she should concentrate on improving the: a) work breakdown structure (WBS) b) communications management plan c) project management information system (PMIS) d) scope management plan
strong, weak
In a _____ matrix, power rests with the project manager. In a _____ matrix, power rests with the functional manager and the power of the PM is comparable to that of a coordinator or expediter.
d
In a projectized organization, the project team: a) reports to many bosses b) has no loyalty to the project c) reports to the functional manager d) will not always have a "home"
c
In an Overlapping relationship? a) A phase starts after the completion of the previous one. b) A phase starts prior to the start of the previous one. c) A phase starts prior to completion of the previous one. d) A phase starts prior to completion of the following one.
d The best answer is stakeholders, as their input is critical for collecting all the lessons learned on a project. The term, "stakeholders," includes all the other groups.
Lessons learned are BEST completed by: a. The project manager b. The team c. The sponsor d. The stakeholders
Perform Quality Assurance
Making sure people are using correct processes is a function of which control process? NOTE: This activity might also result in a corrective action being recommended.
Change management plan Configuration management plan Requirements management plan Process improvement plan
Management plans look forward in time ant there are management plans for all the knowledge areas. There are additional management plans not covered explicitly by the knowledge areas. What are they? HINT: There are 4.
Weak, balanced, or strong
Matrix organizations can be classified as _____, _____, or _____ depending on the relative level of power and influence between functional and project managers.
Control *Scope*, Control *Schedule*, and *Control Costs*
Measuring project performance against the performance measurement baseline happens in which control processes? NOTE: This activity might also result in a corrective action being recommended.
Validate scope
Meeting with the customer to obtain acceptance of interim deliverables is the same as _____ _____. HINT: It's a scope activity. NOTE: This activity might also result in a corrective action being recommended.
c
One of your team members informs you that he does not know which of the many projects he is working on is the most important. Who should determine the priorities between projects in a company? a) the PM b) the project management team c) the PMO d) the team
c
Operational work is different from project work in that operational work is: a) Unique b) Temporary c) Ongoing and repetitive c) A part of every project activity
Composite
Organizations that have functional, matrix, and projectized structures are called _____ organizations.
d
Predictive Life Cycles are also known as? a) Partially plan driven b) Predictive plan driven c) Parallel plan driven. d) Fully plan driven.
a
The previous PM for your project managed it without much project organization. There is a lack of management control and no clearly defined project deliverables. Which of the following would be the BEST choice for getting your project better organized? a) Adopt a life cycle approach to the project b) Develop lessons learned for each phase c) Develop specific work plans for each work package d) Develop a description of the product or the project
Performance measurement baeline
Scope, schedule, and cost baselines make up the _____ _____ _____.
False
T or F. An organization's culture is not an enterprise environmental factor.
False. All of these influence how projects are performed.
T or F. An organization's culture, style, and structure does not influence how its projects are performed.
True.
T or F. In a weak matrix organization, the role of the project manager is more of a coordinator or expediter.
False.
T or F. Organizational process assets are not inputs to most *planning* processes.
True
T or F. Organizational structure is an enterprise environmental factor.
True.
T or F. Process assets also include the organization's knowledge bases such as lessons learned and historical information.
Scope management
The Requirements Management Plan is part of what planning process?
Enterprise environmental factors
The change control system is part of an organization's _____ _____ _____.
c
The difference between a project, program and a portfolio is: a) a project is a temporary endeavor with a beginning and an end, a program may include other non project work, and a portfolio is all the projects in a given department or division b) a project is a lengthy endeavor with a beginning and an end, a program combines two or more unrelated projects, and a portfolio combines two or more programs c) A project is a temporary endeavor with a beginning and an end, a program is a group of related projects, and a portfolio is a group of projects and programs related to a specific strategic objective d) a project is a contracted endeavor with a beginning and an end, a portfolio is a group of projects with more open-ended completion dates, and a program combines two or more portfolios.
Scope Time Cost Quality Resources Risk
The success of the project should be measured in terms of completing the project within the constraints of what 6 concepts?
Matrix
This type organization reflects a blend of functional and projectized characteristics.
b
To obtain support for the project throughout the performing organization, it's BEST if the project manager: a) Ensures there is a communications management plan b) Correlates the need for the project to the organization's strategic plan c) Connects the project to the personal objectives of the sponsor d) Ensures that the management plan includes the management of team members
True
True or False. A disadvantage of a functional organization is that the PM has little or no authority?
True.
True or False. A project coordinator is similar to the project expediter, except the coordinator has some power to make decisions, some authority, and reports to a higher-level manager.
Deviations from baselines are often due to incomplete risk identification and risk management.
What are deviations to the baseline often the result of? Hint: Poor planning in general is correct, but what specific part of planning?
1. processes and procedures 2. corporate knowledge base
What are the 2 categories that organizational process assets may be grouped into?
Supportive Controlling Directive
What are the 3 forms of PMOs?
Change requests Work performance reports Updates to the project management plan Updates to project documents NOTE: Change requests from this and other processes are evaluated and approved or rejected in the Perform Integrated Change Control process.
What are the results or outputs of "Monitor and Control Project Work"?
a
What are the three types of organization Structure? a) Functional, Matrix, Projectized b) Functional, Matrix, Prophesized c) Factional, Matrix, Prophesized d) Factional, Matriarch, Projectized.
1. A project is a temporary endeavor with a beginning and an end. 2. A project creates a unique product, service, or result.
What are the two elements that make up a project?
A PMO centralizes and standardizes the management of projects.
What does a PMO do?
b
What is a program? a. An initiative set up by management b. A means to gain benefits and control of related projects c. A group of unrelated projects managed in a coordinated way d. A government regulation
d
What is the best answer on how organizational Influences affect project management? a) Organizational culture, style, and structure influence how budgets are completed. b) Organizational culture, style, and structure influence how many stars are in the sky. c) Organizational culture, style, and structure influence how the project manager wakes up in the morning. d) Organizational culture, style, and structure influence how projects are performed.
b
What is the normal duration for Adaptive Life Cycles? a) 1 to 2 Weeks b) 2 to 4 weeks c) 0 to 2 weeks. d) 3 to 5 weeks.
b
What makes up a project team? a) Comprised of the project manager, project management team, and other team members who carry out the work but who are involved with the management of the project. b) Comprised of the project manager, project management team, and other team members who carry out the work but who are not necessarily involved with the management of the project. c) Comprised of the project manager, project management team, and other team members who carry out the work but decide who is involved with the management of the project. d) Comprised of the project manager, project management team, and other team members who carry out the work but decide who is not involved with the management of the project.
A controlling PMO
What type of PMO provides support and guidance in the organization on how to manage projects, trains others in project management software, assists with specific project management tools, and ensures compliance to organizational practices?
c
Which of the following BEST describes the major constraints on a project? a) scope, number of resources, and cost b) scope, cost, and time c) scope, time, cost, quality, risk, resources, and customer satisfaction d) time, cost, and number of changes
c
Which of the following are not characteristics of the Project Life Cycle? a) 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. b) Stakeholder influences, risk, and uncertainty are greatest at the start of the project. These factors decrease over the life of the project. c) Functional, Matrix, Projectized. d) Ability to influence the final characteristics of the project's product, without significantly impacting cost, is highest at the start of the project and decreases as the project progresses toward completion.
c
Which of the following best describes Organizational Process Assets? a) Assets include any or all projects related assets, from any or all of the townships involved in the project that can be used to influence the projects success b) Assets include any or all paper related assets, from any or all of the files involved in the project that can be used to influence the projects success c) Assets include any or all process related assets, from any or all of the organizations involved in the project that can be used to influence the projects success. d) Assets include any or all price related assets, from any or all of the vendors involved in the project that can be used to influence the project's success.
Organizational project management (OPM)
_____ _____ _____ provides a strategic framework to use and guide portfolio, program, and project management to deliver organizational strategy.
OPM3
_____ is PMI's organizational project management maturity model. This model is designed to help organizations determine their level of maturity in project management.
b
Which of the following best describes a Project Life Cycle? a) Project and operations differ primarily in that operations are ongoing and produce repetitive products, results or services. b) A collection of generally sequential and sometimes overlapping project phases whose name and number are determined by the management and control needs of the organization, the nature of the project itself, and its area of application. c) The organizational culture, style, and structure influence how projects are performed. d) You will need to know that Matrix consist of weak, balanced, and strong.
d
Which of the following best describes a Stakeholder? a) Persons who can count to 10. b) Persons who provide the financial resources for the project. c) Persons who provide liaison with government agencies for the project. d) Persons or organizations or the public who are actively involved in the project or whose interest may be positively or negatively affected by the completion of the project. Stakeholders may also exert influence over the project, its deliverables, and the project team members.
d
Which of the following best describes a project phase? a) Project Phases are limited. b) A term used in space to describe shifts of matter. c) Project Phases can only be used in certain situations. d) Project phases are divisions within a project where extra control is needed to effectively manage the completion of a major deliverable.
b
Which of the following best describes project governance? a) Provides a governor to be used during the budget process. b) Provides a comprehensive, consistent method of controlling the project and ensuring its success. This includes deciding if the project work will be in phases and then deciding what type of phase-to-phase relationship will work best for the project. c) Provides acceleration to certain pre-determined activities. d) Provides deceleration to certain pre-determined activities
b
Which of the following best describes the Product vs. Project Life Cycle Relationships? a) Products are better than Life b) Generally a project life cycle is contained within one or more product life cycles or service or result life cycle. A project life cycle can start and complete multiple times within a product, service or result life cycle. c) The term Project Life Cycle came from the Egyptians. d) Project Life Cycles can only be used in certain projects.
a
Which of the following best describes the primary difference when considering project vs. operational work? a) Project and operations differ primarily in that operations are ongoing and produce repetitive products, results or services. Projects are temporary and end. b) Project work is fun and Operational work is boring. c) Project work can only be completed within the Operational unit. d) Project work can never be completed with the Operational unit
c
Which of the following best describes the role of the project manager? a) To create the project from scratch. b) To supply the finances to complete the project. c) To achieve the project's objectives. d) To take frequent breaks.
a. Though there is no clear career path in project management in a functional organization, there are, however, clearly defined career paths in areas of work specialization.
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a functional organization? a) A career in project management b) Easier management of specialists c) Team members report to only one supervisor d) Similar resources are centralized, as the company is grouped by specialties
a
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a matrix organization? a) Extra administration b) Better horizontal and vertical dissemination of information c) Team members maintain a "home" d) More support from functional areas
d. In a projectized organization, when the project is over, it's over. The PM will need to be assigned to a new project or find another job.
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a projectized organization? a) Efficient project organization b) Team loyalty to the project c) More effective communications than functional d) Ongoing affiliation/employment after the project is over
a
Who has the MOST power in a projectized organization? a) the PM b) the functional manager c) the team d) they all share power
The project manager
Who is responsible and accountable for setting realistic and achievable boundaries for the project and to accomplish the project within the approved baselines?
Organizational structure can affect the availability of resources and influence how projects are conducted (2.1.5).
Why is an organization's structure considered an enterprise environmental factor?
c
Your management has decided that all orders will be treated as "projects" and that project managers will be used to update orders daily, to resolve issues, and to ensure the customer formally accepts the product within 30 days of completion. Revenue from the individual orders can vary from US$100 to US$150,000. The PM will not be required to perform planning or provide documentation other than daily status. How would you define this situation? a) Because each individual order is a "temporary endeavor," each order is a project. b) This is program management since there are multiple projects involved. c) This is a recurring process d) Orders incurring revenue over $100K would be considered projects and would involve project management.
Organizational process assets
_____ _____ _____ are the plans, processes, policies, procedures, and knowledge bases specific to and used by the performing organization.
Organizational project management (OPM)
_____ _____ _____ is a framework for keeping the organization as a whole focused on the overall strategy.
