PM Ch 4 Hw

In agile projects, overall planning is at a high level, and only the near-term work is planned in detail. The project work is conducted in iterations (sprints) that are normally:

(ANSWER NOT B) a. a fixed length of two or four weeks b. a variable length depending on project scope c. no more than one calendar year d. assigned to one person on the team

Which of the following roles and attributes do NOT describe the core team members on a project?

(answer: a) a. Core team members join the project on a temporary basis to perform specific project activities as necessary. b. Core team members may supervise the work of subject matter experts who are brought in on an as-needed basis. c. Core team members are the small group of people who are usually on the project from start to finish. d. Core team members often make project decisions jointly with the project manager.

Which of the following executive roles is responsible for overall priority setting, project selection and prioritization, general guidance and encouragement?

(answer: a) a. Steering Team b. Project Management Office c. Chief Projects Officer d. Sponsor

Which of the following is an advantage associated with managing projects in a functional organization?

(answer: a) a. Unity of command - all workers understand clearly what they need to do because only one "boss" is giving them instructions. b. Combines task focus with technical capability. c. Traditional department barriers are reduced. d. Rapid communication between the various functions working on the project.

In agile projects, the individual who leads in a collaborative manner by guiding teams and removing obstacles to their progress is called the:

(answer: a) a. scrum master b. project manager c. sponsor d. facilitator

Some organizational culture characteristics make project success more likely. These characteristics include all of the following EXCEPT:

(answer: b) a. teamwork across cultures b. lack of appreciation for project management c. engagement of stakeholders d. collaboration to meet organizational goals

All of the following are advantages associated with managing projects in a projectized organization EXCEPT:

(answer: c) a. Departmental barriers are reduced. b. Response times and decision making are swift. c. Workers know they will still have a job when they finish work on a project. d. One boss - the project manager

Which of the following organizational structures runs contrary to the unity of command principle - that each employee works for a single supervisor?

(answer: c) a. functional organization b. siloed organization c. matrix organization d. projectized organization

When trying to understand a corporate culture, it is helpful to understand the types of power that are used. In "power cultures":

(answer: c) a. more deference is paid to knowledge than to formal authority. b. display an attitude that collaboration is satisfying and stimulating. c. supervisors exert a great deal of economic and political power. d. workers closely follow their appointed roles.

The project life cycle where project teams plan in short bursts (generally of one to four weeks), often called sprints or iterations, is referred to as _________:

(answer: d) a. Predictive, plan-driven project life cycle b. Construction project life cycle c. Process improvement life cycle d. Adaptive, change-driven project life cycle

(T or F) A form of matrix organization in which the functional manager and project manager have equal amounts of power is called a weak matrix.

False.

(T or F) In a projectized organization the functional manager has complete, or very close to complete, power over the project team.

False.

(T or F) Team members on agile projects need strong direction from the sponsor and project manager.

False.

(T or F) If the project scope is hard to define early in the project and/or much change is expected, an Agile project management approach often works better.

True.

(T or F) In "personal cultures" people display an attitude that collaboration is satisfying and stimulating.

True.

(T or F) In a functional organization workers can learn readily from others in their discipline and keep their skills sharp.

True.

(T or F) In a projectized organization the project manager has extensive authority for budgets, personnel and other decision-making issues.

True.

(T or F) Organizational culture consists of values, social rituals, symbols, work ethics, organizational behavior, beliefs, and practices that are shared among members of the organization and are taught to new members.

True.

(T or F) When the project sponsor and manager are determining how to create the project culture, ethics should be an important consideration.

True.

A project manager demonstrates integrity in ways that include making honest decisions, protecting people, defending core values, leading major change, showing respect, establishing a culture of honesty, and displaying total commitment to project and people.

True.