System and design Exam 1

What type of analysis involves calculating the expected net monetary gain or loss from a project by discounting all expected future cash inflows and outflows to the present point in time? Answers: a. Payback b. Cost of capital c. Net present value d. Cash flow

Net present value

Which characteristic of organizational culture describes the degree to which management's decisions take into account the effect of outcomes on people within the organization? Answers: a. Unit integration b. People focus c. Member identity d. Group emphasis

People focus

In which product life cycle the scope, schedule, and cost are determined early, and changes to scope are carefully managed? Answers: a. Iterative b. Predictive c. Adaptive d. Incremental

Predictive

In what type of organizational structure do project managers have the most authority? Answers: a. Project b. Matrix c. Functional d. Circular

Project

Which project would be compatible with the use of the agile approach? Answers: a. Projects with clear-up front requirements b. Projects that have a fairly rigid completion date c. Projects that have more flexible scheduling d. Projects with inexperienced and dispersed teams

Projects that have more flexible scheduling

Which perspective of an organization focuses on different groups' roles and responsibilities in order to meet the goals and policies set by top management? Answers: a. Symbolic frame b. Structural frame c. Political frame d. Human resources frame

Structural frame

Projects must operate in a broad organizational environment, and project managers need to consider projects within the greater organizational context. Which approach describes the holistic view of carrying out projects within the context of the organization? Answers: a. Reductionism b. Linear analysis c. The silo approach d. Systems thinking

Systems thinking

In which development life cycle do stakeholders define and approve the detailed scope before the start on an iteration? Answers: a. Iterative b. Adaptive c. Hybrid d. Incremental

Adaptive

What process involves identifying and controlling the functional and physical design characteristics of products and their support documentation, and ensures that the descriptions of the project's products are correct and complete? Answers: a. Project management information systems b. Project time management c. NPV analysis d. Configuration management

Configuration management

Which process involves working with stakeholders to create the document that formally authorizes a project? Answers: a. Developing the project management plan b. Developing the preliminary project scope statement c. Performing integrated change control d. Developing the project charter

Developing the project charter

Which of the following refers to a set of principles that guides decision making based on personal values of what is considered right and wrong? Answers: a. Civics b. Laws c. Ethics d. Politics

Ethics

A Gantt chart is the same as a project management plan. Answers: True False

False

A SWOT analysis, being a linear process, cannot be performed using the nonlinear mind mapping technique. Answers: True False

False

A milestone list is an output associated with the Project Scope Management knowledge area. Answers: True False

False

A project manager's primary role is to provide the funding for a project. Answers: True False

False

Effective program managers recognize that managing a project is much more complex than managing a program. Answers: True False

False

Individual projects always address strategic goals whereas portfolio management addresses tactical goals. Answers: True False

False

Initiating and closing tasks are usually the longest and require the most amount of resources and time. Answers: True False

False

Internal stakeholders include groups affected by the project such as government officials or concerned citizens. Answers: True False

False

It is mandatory for project managers working on large information technology projects to be experts in the field of information technology. Answers: True False

False

Most people believe that the underlying causes of many companies' problems can be traced to its organizational structure. Answers: True False

False

Opportunities and directives are essentially the same thing. Answers: True False

False

Project work is most successful in an organizational culture where activities are organized around individuals. Answers: True False

False

Projects that address broad organizational needs are likely to fail. Answers: True False

False

Questions about how a team will track schedule performance is related to a project's scope. Answers: True False

False

The ROI is always positive. Answers: True False

False

The Rational Unified Process (RUP) framework is incompatible with the PMBOK. Answers: True False

False

The kick-off meeting is always held before the business case and project charter are completed. Answers: True False

False

The output of the stakeholder management strategy results is a project charter. Answers: True False

False

The pre-initiation phase of a project using the Scrum method does not involve project charters, stakeholder management strategy, and kick-off meetings. Answers: True False

False

Reporting performance, where project stakeholders can identify any necessary changes that may be required to keep the project on track, is a common part of which process? Answers: a. executing b. monitoring and controlling c. closing d. planning

monitoring and controlling

The project schedule management knowledge area maps to which process group through the activity of schedule control? Answers: a. executing b. initiating c. planning d. monitoring and controlling

monitoring and controlling

A _____ is a tool used in risk management. Answers: a. work breakdown structure b. probability matrix c. critical path analysis d. project organizational chart

probability matrix

In a _____organizational structure, program managers, rather than functional managers or vice presidents, report to the CEO. Their staffs have a variety of skills needed to complete all required tasks within their programs. Answers: a. symbolic b. functional c. matrix d. project

project

Which document recognizes the existence of a project and provides direction on the project's objectives and management? Answers: a. project charter b. directive c. risk register d. stakeholder register

project charter

Which information is included in a business case? Answers: a. policies, procedures, guidelines, and systems that influence a project's success b. project objective, high-level requirements, and time and cost goals c. relevant government or industry standards d. business need for the project

project objective, high-level requirements, and time and cost goals

Team building exercises and motivation techniques are tools used in _____ management. Answers: a. cost b. resource c. procurement d. scope

resource

Fast tracking is an example of a tool used in _____ management. Answers: a. risk b. communication c. quality d. schedule

schedule

Which section of the project plan lists the planned dates for completing key deliverables? Answers: a. schedule b. closing c. budget d. objectives

schedule

A difference between strategic and tactical goals is: Answers: a. strategic goals are more specific than tactical goals. b. tactical goals are more important for a project than strategic goals. c. strategic goals are long-term in nature whereas tactical goals are short-term. d. tactical goals encompass broader dimensions than strategic goals.

strategic goals are long-term in nature whereas tactical goals are short-term.

Which objective is true of projects? Answers: a. They are developed using regressive elaboration. b. They have an indefinite beginning and end. c. They are permanent in nature. d. They have a unique purpose.

They have a unique purpose.

An annual discount factor is a multiplier for each year based on the discount rate and year. Answers: True False

True

Every project should have a well-defined objective. Answers: True False

True

Information systems can help an organization support a strategy of being a low-cost producer. Answers: True False

True

Until the 1980s, project management primarily focused on providing schedule and resource data to top management in the military, computer, and construction industries. Answers: True False

True

Which systems development life cycle model assumes that requirements will remain stable after they are defined? Answers: a. Spiral life cycle b. Prototyping life cycle c. Waterfall life cycle d. RAD life cycle

Waterfall life cycle

When does payback occur? Answers: a. When the net costs are lower than the cumulative benefits b. When the cumulative benefits are double the cumulative costs c. When the net cumulative benefits minus costs equal one d. When the net cumulative benefits equal the net cumulative costs

When the net cumulative benefits equal the net cumulative costs

What important Scrum artifact is used to graphically display progress on each sprint during the monitoring and controlling process? Answers: a. sprint backlog b. burndown chart c. product backlog d. WBS

burndown chart

Project procurement management mainly involves: Answers: a. buying goods and services for a project from outside the performing organization. b. generating, collecting, disseminating, and storing project information. c. making effective use of the people involved with the project. d. identifying and analyzing stakeholder needs while managing and controlling their engagement.

buying goods and services for a project from outside the performing organization.

Which term is used for a formal, documented process that describes when and how official project documents may be modified, the people authorized to make modifications, and the paperwork required for these changes? Answers: a. change control system b. WBS c. project charter d. performance report

change control system

Which process involves gaining stakeholder and customer acceptance of the final products and services and bringing the project, or project phase, to an orderly end? Answers: a. closing b. planning c. monitoring d. executing

closing

The organization recognizes that a new project exists and completes a project charter during which processes for a new project? Answers: a. opening b. controlling c. initiating d. planning

initiating

The project management plan is the output of which project planning process? Answers: a. integration management b. procurement management c. quality management d. scope management

integration management

Leadership style has no impact on the success of virtual teams. Answers: True False

False

NPV analysis is a method for making equal comparisons between cash flows for multi-year projects. Answers: True False

True

Organizational process asset updates are an important output of the closing process of a project. Answers: True False

True

An organization's information technology project selection process should guide the strategic plan. Answers: True False

False

An organizational culture with strong unit integration makes the project manager's job more difficult. Answers: True False

False

Decisions and actions taken in one knowledge area at a certain time rarely affect other knowledge areas. Answers: True False

False

It is necessary that IT project managers have prior technical experience in creating and managing IT products. Answers: True False

False

Managing the triple constraint primarily involves making trade-offs between resources and quality. Answers: True False

False

Project initiation involves taking the actions necessary to ensure that activities in the project plan are completed. Answers: True False

False

Project procurement management primarily involves identifying stakeholder needs while managing their engagement throughout the life of the project. Answers: True False

False

The only responsibility of a project manager is to meet the specific scope, time, and cost goals of a project. Answers: True False

False

Payback period is the amount of time it will take to recoup, in the form of net cash inflows, the total dollars invested in a project. Answers: True False

True

Using a systems approach is critical to successful project management. Answers: True False

True

Which of the following questions reflects the strategic goals of project portfolio management? Answers: a. Are we carrying out projects well? b. Are we investing in the right areas? c. Are projects on time and on budget? d. Do stakeholders know what they should be doing?

Are we investing in the right areas?

Which planning process is associated with project scope management? Answers: a. Planning schedule management b. Performing qualitative risk analysis c. Collecting requirements d. Estimating costs

Collecting requirements

In what type of organizational structure do project managers have the least amount of authority? Answers: a. Circular b. Functional c. Matrix d. Project

Functional

predictive set of steps is used as an overall means to coordinate more detailed steps that are adaptively managed? Answers: a. Predictive b. Incremental c. Hybrid d. Adaptive

Hybrid

Which observation is true of the agile approach to software development? Answers: a. In the agile method, requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration. b. Agile is a predictive model of software development. c. An agile approach sets scope goals, but leaves time and cost goals flexible. d. In the agile approach, requirements must be clearly expressed early in the life cycle.

In the agile method, requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration.

What processes include defining and authorizing a project or project phase? Answers: a. Executing b. Initiating c. Planning d. Monitoring and controlling

Initiating

Project managers and their teams must recognize the effects of any project on the interests and needs of the entire system or organization instead of focusing on the immediate concerns of the project. Answers: True False

True

Project managers must take adequate time to identify, understand, and manage relationships with all project stakeholders. Answers: True False

True

Standards and guidelines to follow when performing project management must be devised by top management. Answers: True False

True

The same organization can have different subcultures. Answers: True False

True

What tool provides a basis for creating the project schedule and performing earned value management for measuring and forecasting project performance? Answers: a. work breakdown structure b. project charter c. cost management plan d. scope statement

work breakdown structure

Which statement is true of project management? Answers: a. It is a simple discipline with a limited scope. b. It does not guarantee successes for all projects. c. It has specific tools which work universally across all kinds of projects. d. Its framework consists solely of project management knowledge areas.

It does not guarantee successes for all projects.

What is the first step in determining the NPV? Answers: a. determine the estimated costs and benefits for the life of the project and the products it produces b. determine the discount rate c. determine the cash flow d. calculate the net present value

determine the estimated costs and benefits for the life of the project and the products it produces

Which processes include acquiring and developing the project team, performing quality assurance, distributing information, managing stakeholder expectations, and conducting procurements? Answers: a. executing b. planning c. monitoring and controlling d. initiating

executing

The symbolic perspective of an organization: Answers: a. focuses on different groups' roles and responsibilities to meet the goals and policies set by top management. b. views the organization as coalitions composed of varied individuals and interest groups. c. focuses on providing harmony between the needs of the organization and the needs of people. d. focuses on the meanings of the culture, language, traditions, and image of the organization.

focuses on the meanings of the culture, language, traditions, and image of the organization.

Initiating processes take place during each phase of a project. Answers: True False

True

Maturity models, statistical methods, and test plans are examples of tools used in quality management. Answers: True False

True

Monitoring and controlling processes overlap all of the other project management Answers: True False

True

Most colleges and universities have very strong functional organizations. Answers: True False

True

What statement is true regarding a return on investment or ROI? Answers: a. It is the result of adding the project costs to the profits. b. It is always a percentage. c. It is always a positive number. d. The lower it is, the better.

It is always a percentage.

What is a difference between low-end and midrange tools of the project management software? Answers: a. Low-end tools provide robust capabilities to handle dispersed workgroups whereas midrange tools do not. b. Midrange tools provide basic project management features whereas low-end tools offer enterprise and portfolio management functions. c. Midrange tools are designed to handle larger projects than low-end tools. d. Low-end tools are designed to handle primarily multiple users, whereas midrange tools are created to handle single users.

Midrange tools are designed to handle larger projects than low-end tools.

_____ refers to a set of shared assumptions, values, and behaviors that characterize the functioning of an organization. Answers: a. Organizational structure b. Line of control c. Chain of command d. Organizational culture

Organizational culture

Which organization provides certification as a Project Management Professional? Answers: a. PMI b. PMS c. PMP d. PMC

PMI

Which project management knowledge area primarily involves generating, collecting, disseminating, and storing project information? Answers: a. Project time management b. Project cost management c. Project procurement management d. Project communications management

Project communications management

Which project management knowledge area ensures that the project will satisfy the stated or implied needs for which it was undertaken? Answers: a. Project time management b. Project cost management c. Project quality management d. Project risk management

Project quality management a. Project time management b. Project cost management c. Project quality management d. Project risk management

Which attribute is true of low-end tools of project management software? Answers: a. They provide basic project management features. b. They are designed for especially large projects with multiple users. c. Their main advantage is that they have unlimited functionality. d. They are referred to as enterprise project management software..

They provide basic project management features.

Which stage of information technology planning outlines business processes that are central to achieving strategic goals and helps determine which ones could most benefit from information technology? Answers: a. resource allocation b. information technology strategy planning c. project planning d. business area analysis

business area analysis

A _____ is a tool used in quality management. Answers: a. critical path analysis b. request for proposal c. probability matrix d. checklist

checklist

Administrative activities, such as archiving project files, closing out contracts, documenting lessons learned, and receiving formal acceptance of the delivered work as part of the phase or project, are often involved in which processes? Answers: a. initiating b. monitoring and controlling c. closing d. executing

closing

The project stakeholder management knowledge area maps to which process group by identifying stakeholders? Answers: a. planning b. initiating c. executing d. monitoring and controlling

initiating

The project scope management knowledge area maps to which process group through the activities of scope validation and scope control? Answers: a. planning b. initiating c. monitoring and controlling d. executing

monitoring and controlling

The project cost management knowledge area maps to which process group through the activities of estimating costs and budget determination? Answers: a. monitoring and controlling b. planning c. executing d. initiating

planning

Which process includes defining project scope, benefits, and constraints? Answers: a. information technology strategy planning b. project planning c. business area analysis d. resource allocation

project planning

Which section of the project management plan describes specific methodologies a project might use and explains how to document information? Answers: a. risk management b. technical processes c. project controls d. management objectives

technical processes