Project Management Exam 1
All of the following are ways the WBS helps in managing projects EXCEPT With cost and time estimates the WBS makes it possible to plan, schedule and budget the project. It provides management with information appropriate to each level. Can be used to define communication channels. Allows the project manager to establish the overall objective of the project. As it is developed, organizational units and individuals can be assigned responsibility of work packages.
Allows the project manager to establish the overall objective of the project.
Examples of nonfinancial criteria include all of the following EXCEPT Capturing a larger market share. Reducing dependency on unreliable suppliers. Preventing government intervention and regulation. Making it difficult for competitors to enter the market. Calculating the time it will take to recover the project investment.
Calculating the time it will take to recover the project investment.
An expected output over the life of a project would be classified as A deliverable. A product. An end object. An objective. A target.
A deliverable.
Governance of all project management processes and procedures helps provide senior management with all of the following EXCEPT A method to ensure projects that are important to senior management are being implemented. An assessment of the risk their portfolio of projects represents. An overview of all project management activities. A metric to measure the improvement of managing projects relative to others in the industry. A big picture of how organizational resources are being used.
A method to ensure projects that are important to senior management are being implemented.
The lowest element in the hierarchical breakdown of the WBS is A deliverable. A work package. A cost account. A lowest sub-deliverable. An object.
A work package.
Which organization's culture is NOT a culture a project manager has to be able to operate in or interact with? The culture of their parent organization The culture of government and regulatory agencies The culture of vendors and subcontractors The culture of the project's customer or client All of these are cultures a project manager has to be able to operate in or interact with.
All of these are cultures a project manager has to be able to operate in or interact with.
Which of the following is a disadvantage of functional project management organization? Lack of motivation of project team members Longer project duration Lack of focus on the project Poor integration All of these are disadvantages of functional project management organization.
All of these are disadvantages of functional project management organization.
At the project level, which of the following is a factor that should influence the choice of project management structure? The size of the project The novelty of the project Budget and time constraints The strategic importance of the project All of these are factors that should influence the choice of project management structure.
All of these are factors that should influence the choice of project management structure.
All of the following are usually included in a work package EXCEPT Work to be done. The time needed to complete the work. A single person who is responsible for its completion. All the costs for the work package. All of these are included in a work package.
All of these are included in a work package.
Typical kinds of costs found in a project include all of the following EXCEPT Direct costs. Project overhead costs. General and administrative overhead costs. Labor. All of these choices are examples of costs found in a project.
All of these choices are examples of costs found in a project.
Benefits of Reference Class Forecasting include Acting as a reality check. Helps to avoid unsound optimism. Provides a basis for contingency funds. All of these choices.
All of these choices.
Estimating can be challenged by Human Nature. Political dynamics. Difficulty in predicting the future. All of these choices.
All of these choices.
Having a strong communication plan can go a long way toward mitigating project problems. A communication plan should address all of the following EXCEPT When the information will be communicated. How information should be communicated and to whom. Which methods will be used to gather and store information. What information needs to be collected and are there limits as to who has access to it. All of these should be addressed in a communication plan.
All of these should be addressed in a communication plan.
Project governance does NOT include Setting standards for project selection. Overseeing project management activities. Centralization of project processes and practices. Options for continuous improvement. Allowing project managers to plan the project the way they see fit.
Allowing project managers to plan the project the way they see fit.
Which of the following is NOT one of the driving forces behind the increasing demand for project management? Compression of the product life cycle Knowledge explosion Increasing need for concurrent multi-project management Declining need for product customization More sustainable business practices
Declining need for product customization
Which structure would be most appropriate for developing a new, highly innovative product that has strict time constraints? Functional organization Balanced matrix Dedicated project team Strong matrix Weak matrix
Dedicated project team
There are 5 steps involved when defining a project; which of the following is the first? Establish project priorities Define the project scope Verify the budget available Assign team members to work on the project Determine the required completion date
Define the project scope
Linda has just been assigned manager of a project to develop a new advertising campaign for an established product. Her first step should be to Establish project priorities. Define the project scope. Verify the budget available. Assign team members to work on the project. Determine the required completion date.
Define the project scope.
Which of the following represents the correct order of stages within the project life cycle? Planning, Defining, Executing, Closing Closing, Planning, Defining, Executing Defining, Planning, Executing, Closing Executing, Defining, Planning, Closing Planning, Defining, Closing, Executing
Defining, Planning, Executing, Closing
The pattern of improvement identified from a worker having performed a task multiple time is known as a Reduced Failure Rate. Optimistic Estimate. Learning Curve. Both Reduced Failure Rate and Learning Curve.
Learning Curve.
Which of the following is NOT one of the bottom-up approaches to estimating project time and cost? Parametric procedures applied to specific tasks Estimates for the WBS work packages Learning curve Template method Range estimates
Learning curve
Which of the following is NOT typical of a project manager? Managing a temporary activity Overseeing existing operations Managing a nonrepetitive activity Responsible for time, cost and performance trade-offs Work with a group of outsiders, including vendors and suppliers
Overseeing existing operations
Scott has just been given a project that has a specific completion date. After a discussion with top management he finds that while the date is important the cost is more important and a slip in delivery would be acceptable if required to meet the cost targets. The completion date is best classified as Constrained. Reduced. Accepted. Limited. Optional.
Accepted.
A key aspect to communication plans are that they allow the project manager and the project team to Meet deadlines more effectively. Focus on defect resolution. Effectively control costs on the project. Actively control the flow of information.
Actively control the flow of information.
Project managers who understand the role that their project plays in accomplishing the organization's strategy will be inclined to do all of the following EXCEPT Demonstrate to senior management how their project contributes to the firm's mission. Explain to team members why certain project objectives and priorities are critical. Explain to stakeholders why certain project objectives and priorities are critical. Be able to respond appropriately to delays and/or questions about product design. Be able to focus on problems or solutions if the project is a low priority strategically.
Be able to focus on problems or solutions if the project is a low priority strategically.
In the _____________ stage of What is a Project? project the product is delivered to the customer and resources are released from the project. Identifying Defining Planning Executing Closing
Closing
After reviewing the project scope statement, the owner specifies that costs MUST stay within $400,000. This criterion is classified as Constrained. Enhanced. Accepted. Limited. Fixed.
Constrained.
Which of the following cultural characteristic relates to the degree to which rules, policies, and direct supervision are used to oversee and control employee behavior? Member identity Team Emphasis Managerial focus Unit integration Control
Control
When work packages are integrated with organizational units, a control point is created called a Responsibility matrix. Priority matrix. Work package. Cost account. Project overlap.
Cost account.
A project screening matrix typically contains all of the following EXCEPT The list of available projects. Specific criteria. Weights assigned to specific criteria. Costs to complete each project. All of these are typically contained.
Costs to complete each project.
What is the relationship between organizational culture and estimating? There is no relationship. Cultural norms affect the accuracy of estimates. Culture determines whether estimates are made. Estimating alters cultural norms. Estimating and culture are independent.
Cultural norms affect the accuracy of estimates.
Which of the following is NOT true in regard to the level of detail estimates should contain? It will vary with the complexity of the project. Detailed estimates are crucial to project success; therefore, an effort should be made to make estimates as detailed as possible for all projects. The more detailed the estimate is the more the estimate will cost to create. Inadequate detail might lead to estimates that fall short of their intended purpose. Excessive detail means unproductive paperwork and unnecessary expenditures.
Detailed estimates are crucial to project success; therefore, an effort should be made to make estimates as detailed as possible for all projects.
The salary of the project manager would be an example of what type of cost found in a project? Labor Direct Direct project overhead General and administrative overhead Salary
Direct project overhead
Which of the following is NOT one of the recommended guidelines for developing useful work package estimates? Estimates should be made by those responsible for the work. Use several people to estimate the same work. Estimates should be based on normal conditions. Estimates should include a normal level of contingency. Estimates should be independent of other projects.
Estimates should include a normal level of contingency.
The process of forecasting or approximating the time and cost of completing project deliverables is called Budgeting. Predicting. Estimating. Planning. Guesstimating.
Estimating.
In the _____________ stage of What is a Project? you are more likely to find status reports, changes, and the creation of forecasts. Identifying Defining Planning Executing Closing
Executing
In the _____________ stage of What is a Project?, a major portion of the actual project work performed. Identifying Defining Planning Executing Closing
Executing
All of the following are disadvantages of organizing projects within a matrix arrangement EXCEPT Dysfunctional conflict between functional managers and project managers. Expensive. Infighting. Stressful. Longer project duration.
Expensive.
Project selection criteria are typically classified as Financial and nonfinancial. Short-term and long-term. Strategic and tactical. Required and optional. Cost and schedule.
Financial and nonfinancial.
Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics of effective objectives? Realistic Assignable Flexible Specific Measurable
Flexible
The structure that manages projects within the existing organizational structure is __________ organization. Functional Balanced matrix Weak matrix Strong matrix Projectized
Functional
Which of the following is NOT one of the stages of a project life cycle? Identifying Defining Planning Executing Closing
Identifying
Which of the following is NOT true of project management structures? They provide a framework for launching and implementing projects. They appropriately balance the needs of both the parent organization and the project. In selecting a management structure, the culture of the organization is not a huge consideration. The project itself should be considered when determining which structure is best. They help determine who has most authority in regard to managing the project.
In selecting a management structure, the culture of the organization is not a huge consideration.
Which of the following would be classified as an organizational opportunity? Low debt Excellent employees Increasing product demand Talented management Government regulation
Increasing product demand
Which of the following is a good condition for top-down estimating? Fixed price contract Customer wants details Internal, small project Large scale project involving several subcontractors
Internal, small project
A communication plan is a key component for giving guidelines on how to track project Issues. Costs. Defects. Both costs and defects.
Issues.
Which of the following is NOT true when managing a portfolio system? The qualities of a particular project are assessed within the context of existing projects. It does not require a constant effort. Within a small organization it can be managed by a small group of key employees. It requires input from senior management. It involves monitoring and adjusting criteria to reflect the strategic focus of the organization.
It does not require a constant effort.
Which of the following is NOT true about project management? It is not limited to the private sector. Many opportunities are available for individuals interested in this career path. It improves one's ability to plan, implement and manage activities to accomplish specific organizational objectives. It focuses primarily on technical processes. It is a set of tools.
It focuses primarily on technical processes.
Which of the following is NOT true regarding scope creep? It is when the cost of the project is more than expected. It is the tendency for the project scope to expand over time. It most likely caused by a scope statement that is too broad. It can have both positive and negative impacts on a project. It can lead to added costs and possible project delays.
It is when the cost of the project is more than expected.
All of the following are functions culture plays in an organization EXCEPT It provides a sense of identity. It helps legitimize the management system. It replaces the need for a project selection process. It helps create social order. It clarifies and reinforces standards of behavior.
It replaces the need for a project selection process.
Which of the following is NOT true for strategic management? It should be done once every few years just before developing the operating plan. It supports consistency of action at every level of the organization. It develops an integrated and coordinated long-term plan of action. It positions the firm to meet the needs of its customers. It involves responding to changes in the external market and allocating scarce resources to
It should be done once every few years just before developing the operating plan.
Which of the following is NOT true regarding organizing projects within a matrix arrangement? Its flexibility supports a strong project focus that helps alleviate stress among project team members. It is designed to optimally utilize resources by having individuals work on multiple projects as well as being capable of performing normal functional duties. There are usually two chains of command. Provides a dual focus between functional/technical expertise and project requirements that are missing in either the project team or the functional approach. It is a hybrid form of organization that combines characteristics of both dedicated project teams and functional organization.
Its flexibility supports a strong project focus that helps alleviate stress among project team members.
Project management is being driven by Elevated profit motive. Knowledge explosion. Increase customer focus. Knowledge explosion and increase customer focus.
Knowledge explosion and increase customer focus
Which of the following would best represent direct project costs? Only labor Only materials Only equipment Both labor and materials Labor, materials and equipment
Labor, materials and equipment
Learning curves are more likely to be applied in situations where most of the costs are Materials. Labor. Overhead. Evenly spread over materials, labor, and overhead. Labor and materials.
Labor.
Which of the following is NOT a problem associated with the absence of a project portfolio system? Organizational politics Lack of funding Resource conflicts Multitasking Implementation gap
Lack of funding
Which of the following is least likely to be included in a work package? How long the work package should take to complete A description of work to be performed Overhead expenses How much the work package should cost to complete The person responsible for the work package
Overhead expenses
Which of the following is an advantage of a functional project management organization? Maximum flexibility in the use of staff Good integration across functional units Shorter project duration Strong motivation of project team members Longer project duration
Maximum flexibility in the use of staff
Which of the following cultural characteristics relates to the degree to which management focuses on outcomes rather than on techniques and processes used to achieve those outcomes? Risk tolerance Reward criteria Conflict tolerance Means versus end orientation Open-systems focus
Means versus end orientation
Which of the following cultural characteristics relates to the degree to which employees identify with the organization as a whole rather than with their type of job or field of professional expertise? Member identity Team emphasis Managerial focus Unit integration Control
Member identity
Which of the following is NOT a reason why project management has become a standard way of doing business? Increased need for skilled management of stakeholders outside of organization. Projects need to be done faster. Organizations are doing more project work in-house instead of outsourcing. Organizations are executing more and more projects. Increased product complexity and innovation.
Organizations are doing more project work in-house instead of outsourcing.
All of the following are symptoms of organizations struggling with strategy disconnect and unclear priorities EXCEPT Frequent conflicts between managers. Inadequate resources. Confused employees regarding which projects are more important. Not enough projects within the portfolio to make a profit. People are working on multiple projects and feel inefficient.
Not enough projects within the portfolio to make a profit.
Which of the following is NOT true about an organization's strategy? Strategy determines how an organization will compete. Strategy is implemented through projects. Only top management must understand strategy. Project selection should be clearly aligned with strategy. Project management plays a key role in supporting strategy.
Only top management must understand strategy.
A professional organization for project managers is the PMI. AMA. MIS. IPM. PMBOK.
PMI.
Janet is forecasting how much money her department needs to support a new project. She estimates that two people and $25,000 in expenses will cover her needs. Because management typically insists on reducing forecasts by 20 percent, she increases her estimates to allow for that reduction. Which of the following factors is illustrated in this situation? Padding estimates Planning horizon Project structure People Organization culture
Padding estimates
Organizational culture is best explained as organizational Personality. Hierarchy. Reporting relationships. Background. Management style.
Personality.
Which of the following would be the best method for projects where the final product is not known and the uncertainty is very large? Function point Template Learning curve Phase estimating Apportion
Phase estimating
In the _____________ stage of What is a Project? the project's schedule and budget will be determined. Identifying Defining Planning Executing Closing
Planning
Which of the following activities is NOT considered a project? Developing a new software program Designing a space station Preparing the site for the Olympic Games Production of automobile tires Developing a new advertising program
Production of automobile tires
Which of the following is NOT one of the factors that need to be considered to improve quality of estimates for project times and costs? Planning horizon People Padding estimates Profit Project structure
Profit
From the list below, which is NOT a primary characteristic of organizational culture? Control Team emphasis Profitability Conflict tolerance Risk tolerance
Profitability
Which of the following is NOT true about organizational politics? Project managers should not engage in organizational politics. Politics can have a significant influence on which projects receive funding. Politics exist in every organization. Politics can influence project selection. Politics can play a role in the aspirations behind projects.
Project managers should not engage in organizational politics.
The _________ is used to assist in making project trade-offs among schedule, budget, and performance objectives Responsibility matrix Work breakdown structure Project priority matrix Work package Criterion matrix
Project priority matrix
A project team that operates with a full-time project manager as a separate unit from the rest of the organization is structured using ________ organization. Functional Balanced matrix Weak matrix Strong matrix Projectized
Projectized
Elizabeth is considering how to structure a project team that will not directly disrupt ongoing operations. The project needs to be done quickly and a high level of motivation will be needed in order to do that. For this situation, the ______ organization would be the best choice. Functional Balanced matrix Weak matrix Strong matrix Projectized
Projectized
Jose is forecasting project time and cost for constructing a new building by multiplying the total square footage by a given dollar amount. Which of the following methods is he using? Ratio Template Apportion Function point Learning curve
Ratio
An external view of a Mega Project based upon the outcome of similar projects undertaken in the past is known as: Pareto Charting. The Monte Carlo Method. Reference Class Forecasting. Big Data Analysis.
Reference Class Forecasting.
Which of the following terms is often used to denote a project that a powerful, high-ranking official is advocating? Sacred cow Pet project Political necessity Special undertaking Strategic ploy
Sacred cow
Which of the following would be classified as an organizational external threat? Slowing of the economy Excellent employees Poor product quality Declining facilities High labor costs
Slowing of the economy
Why do project managers need to understand their organization's mission and strategy? To reduce project duration and increase the number of projects implemented So they can make appropriate decisions and adjustments and be effective project advocates It is only important for senior management to understand the organization's mission and strategy. To get their job done and increase opportunities for promotion So that they can make sure the customer is satisfied
So they can make appropriate decisions and adjustments and be effective project advocates
Which of the following cultural characteristics relates to the degree to which work activities are organized around groups rather than individuals? Member identity Team emphasis Managerial focus Unit integration Control
Team emphasis
Two dimensions within the project management process are Technical and sociocultural. Cost and time. Planned and unexpected. Established and new. Unique and reoccurring.
Technical and sociocultural.
The ability of a 911 emergency system to identify the caller's phone number and location is considered to be a Technical requirement. Milestone. Project limit. Project exclusion. Project deliverable.
Technical requirement.
The bottom-up approach for estimating times and costs that uses costs from past projects that were similar to the current project is known as Detailed WBS work package estimates. Template method. Function point method. Time-phased cost estimates. Phase estimating.
Template method.
Who is responsible for determining how tasks will be done in a weak matrix project management structure? The functional manager The project manager Both the functional manager and the project manager are responsible There is no rule established for who takes responsibility. This is negotiated
The functional manager
Which of the following describes the consensus method? Should be used only for projects that require the same task, group of tasks, or product to be repeated several times Uses several people with relevant experience regarding the task at hand to make time and cost estimates Uses pooled experience of senior and/or middle managers to estimate the total project duration and cost Uses the number of square feet to estimate the total cost and time of the project Uses weighted macro variables or major parameters such as the number of inputs or outputs to estimate the total cost and time of the project
Uses pooled experience of senior and/or middle managers to estimate the total project duration and cost
Which are the three different matrix systems discussed in the text? Functional, Weak, Strong Balanced, Functional, Projectized Weak, Strong, Balanced Neutral, Weak, Strong Functional, Neutral, Projectized
Weak, Strong, Balanced
A "Dissemination Mode" is How project schedules are version controlled. A description of what is important to project stakeholders. What defines how project communication is to occur. None of these choices.
What defines how project communication is to occur.
Which of the following questions does the organization's mission statement answer? What are our long-term strategies? What are our long-term goals and objectives? How do we operate in the existing environment? What do we want to become? All of these are answered by the mission statement.
What do we want to become?
How is project scope defined? The length of your project and how much it will cost The deliverables or outputs during the course of the project The range of resources you have available and their capabilities What you expect to deliver to your customer when the project is complete The range of customer expectations
What you expect to deliver to your customer when the project is complete
Which of the following is NOT one of the items that would appear on a project scope statement or checklist? Deliverables Technical requirements Objectives Work breakdown structure Reviews with customer
Work breakdown structure
Jose is looking at a document that outlines the specific deliverables and sub-deliverables required to complete the writing of a technical support manual. He is most likely viewing the Responsibility matrix. Organization breakdown structure. Work breakdown structure. Priority matrix. Work package.
Work breakdown structure.
Which of the following activities is the best example of a project? Processing insurance claims Producing automobiles Writing a policy manual Monitoring product quality Overseeing customer requests
Writing a policy manual
Project Priority Systems can resolve lack of consensus and understanding among top and middle-managers. internal political issues. over-sharing of resources. all of the above.
all of the above.
The strategic activity that focuses on what needs to be accomplished is review and define the organizational mission. analyze and formulate strategies. set objectives to achieve strategy. implement strategies through projects.
analyze and formulate strategies.
Project Management is a style that places a premium on building relationships. including a diverse set of talent. maintenance operations. building relationships and including a diverse set of talent.
building relationships and including a diverse set of talent.
A project lifecycle will only ever consist of four phases. must be dogmatically followed. reduces the amount of planning necessary. can vary based on the industry.
can vary based on the industry
A SWOT analysis provides the Project Manager with a direct linkage to goals. identifiable strategic alternative. potential critical issues facing the organization. identifiable strategic alternative and potential critical issues facing the organization.
identifiable strategic alternative and potential critical issues facing the organization.
When a prioritization team is balancing projects, they consider all factors except for risk. resource demand. leadership style. type of project.
leadership style.
In organizations where a majority of workers perform repetitive operations there is often a lack of job security. singular purpose. a management hierarchy. administrative oversight.
singular purpose.
