Project Management Questions and Answers 2024
Project Management Questions and Answers 2024
Project Management Questions and Answers 2024
The project team will need to tailor existing assets to meet the project’s needs. The team
should take advantage of the organization’s existing assets, when appropriate, rather than
procuring new ones. The most effective strategy, in general, is to use existing assets that are
already in use within the organization. Procuring new assets isn't the best strategy and building
a WBS and signing off come after.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://www.pmi.org/disciplined-agile/process/asset-management/asset-management-
practices
2. A project team is arranging user testing to be completed for a project but does not have
a strong enough server to do so. The team orders a new server and postpones user testing.
What should the project manager do moving forward?
The current server does not meet performance requirements for user acceptance testing. The
project team has no choice but to wait for the new server capable of supporting the testing and
then reevaluate timelines for user testing.
The other answer choices are incorrect. User testing is essential and cannot be eliminated;
using the improper infrastructure for testing can lead to invalid test results; and the project
manager may request the server be expedited, but that is not controllable and usually not
feasible due to logistics arrangement.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme, Hybrid (No Date) Robert K.
Wysocki//6/ [Item]
| PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition (2018) PMI/PMI/9.3.1/330 [Item]
3. A research and development department is planning to develop a product that will
introduce a new line of business for the organization. What should the project manager do to
increase the project's chances of success?
A. Start developing the project management plan based on a previous project template
from the project management office (PMO).
B. Conduct an impact analysis of the new initiative to determine how the project should be
rolled out.
C. Plan a working session focusing on the scope, vision, and mission of the initiative.
D. Conduct benchmarking to determine the business viability of the initiative.
Solution: C. Plan a working session focusing on the scope, vision, and mission of the initiative
For any project success its critical to initially define vision and mission of the overall initiative
even before focusing on detailed planning.
Project management plan, determining business viability or impact analysis should be carried
out once the initiative is defined properly
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
O'Reilly Platform (No Date) //Agile for Project Managers, Chapter 2 - Agile concepts/ [Item]
| PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition (2018) PMI/PMI/Project Resource Management/350 [Item]
4. While preparing a project's third progress report, the project manager identifies that the
project will experience delays due to late material deliveries. The two previous project reports
indicated that the project was on track. What should the project manager do next?
A. Discuss it with the project team to determine the most appropriate way to respond.
B. Add it to the issue log and include it in the project report.
C. Contact the procurement manager to expedite delivery of the material.
D. Escalate the issue to the project owner and request a schedule change.
Solution: B. Add it to the issue log and include it in the project report
5. After 20% of a project was completed, the customer made the decision to change the
provider for data center implementation. The new provider project manager requested a
meeting with the customer to clarify how the project will be impacted if the requirements are
not well gathered. Which are the project areas that could be impacted if the requirements are
not well gathered? (Choose 3.)
A. Cost
B. Quality assurance
C. Schedule
D. Quality customer service
E. Quality planning
Data gathering techniques that can be used but are not limited:
Brainstorming
Interviews
Focus groups
Questionnaires and surveys
Benchmarking
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://snippets.pmi.org/snippet/use-process-assets-and-define-scope/ [Item]
6. Since the beginning of a project, the product owner keeps asking during ceremonies
about the budget spent for each product iteration. The product owner seems much more
interested in the cost rather than the product itself. What should the project manager have
done earlier to change the product owner's behavior?
The Project Manager should take this opportunity to mentor the Product owner on the role of
the team[Product Owner being a part of the team] in Agile projects, which appears to have
been missed earlier. Hence this is the correct answer.
The team is not concerned with the budgetary aspects in Agile projects. Hence the remaining
options are incorrect.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
O'Reilly Platform (No Date) //Essential Scrum - chapter 20 - Sprint execution/ [Item]
| The Agile Practice Guide (No Date) PMI/PMI/4/37 [Item Educate stakeholders around why
and how to be agile. Explain the benefits of business value based on prioritization, greater
accountability and productivity of empowered teams, and improved quality from more
frequent reviews, etc.]
7. A project manager is developing a project management plan to submit to the project
sponsor in two weeks. The project sponsor, however, wants to review the early resource
estimates before the deadline. What should the project manager do?
A. Ask the sponsor to wait until the Work breakdown structure (WBS) is done.
B. Share a draft copy of the Budget Estimate Sheet (BES) with the sponsor.
C. Re-share the Statement of Work (SOW) with the sponsor.
D. Share a draft copy of the Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS) with the sponsor.
Solution: D. Share a draft copy of the Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS) with the sponsor.
The RBS is a document that outlines the project's resources, including the types of resources,
the quantities of resources, and the costs of resources. The RBS visualizes how resources are
allocated across employees and teams at every stage of the project. This information would be
more relevant to the sponsor's request than the BES, WBS, and WBS dictionary for reviewing
the early resource estimates.
The other answer choices are incorrect. WBS Dictionary is a document that provides detailed
deliverable, activity, and scheduling information about each component in the work breakdown
structure. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope
of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create
the required deliverables. Statement of work (SOW) is the all-encompassing scope to be carried
out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://standardsplus.pmi.org/posts/Res_14/83b71ea9-307a-4362-9704-19e840cd65f1 [Item]
| Project Management Body of Knowledge (11/02/16) Project Management Institute//9.2.3.3/
[Item The resource breakdown structure is a representation of resources by category and type.
Examples of resource categories include but are not limited to labor, material, equipment, and
supplies. Resource types may include the skill level, grade level, required certifications, or other
information as appropriate to the project.]
8. A project manager sends out requests for regular status meetings and daily standup
meetings during the project setup phase. However, business stakeholders are declining the
meetings. What should the project manager do?
The project manager should first check why the business stakeholders are declining the
meetings. There could be a number of reasons, such as they are not aware of the importance of
the meetings; they are too busy with other work; or they do not see the value in the meetings.
Once the project manager understands the reasons why the meetings are being declined, they
can take steps to address the concerns and ensure that the stakeholders are engaged and that
the meetings are productive.
The other options are incorrect. Re-sharing the communications plan, is not necessary if the
stakeholders have already received the plan.; setting up project team ground rules, is not
relevant to the situation as the stakeholders,not team members, are declining meetings; and
holding a project kick-off meeting, is too early in the project as the project setup phase has not
yet been completed.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
Agile Approaches on Large Projects in Large Organizations (No Date) Brian Hobbs and Yvan
Petit//2/2.7.4 [Item]
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) ///[4.6.3 PLANS]
[2.4.4 COMMUNICATION]
A. Fast tracking
B. Crashing
C. Resource leveling
D. Lead and lag
Solution: B. Crashing
If the scope increases without increasing the schedule, the crashing technique achieves
compression by adding more resources.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, Nineth Edition, 9th edition (2018) Kim
Heldman/Sybex/4/215 [Item]
| Project Management Body of Knowledge (11/02/16) Project Management Institute//6.5.2.6/
[Item Crashing: a technique used to shorten the schedule duration for the least incremental
cost by adding resources. Examples of crashing include approving overtime, bringing in
additional resources or paying to expedite delivery to activities on the critical path.]
10. A customer requested a change to a functionality that is being delivered in the next
iteration. The specialist responsible for this functionality was recently assigned to another
project. What should the project manager do first?
The project manager should negotiate for the resource's availability first. The project manager
should explain to the project sponsor the impact of the customer's request on the project and
the need to have the specialist available to make the change. The project sponsor may be able
to negotiate with the other project manager to have the specialist temporarily assigned to the
current project.
The other answers are incorrect. If the project sponsor is unable to get the specialist's
availability, then the project manager can request a new resource from HR. The project
manager should not tell the customer that the new change is not possible without first trying to
negotiate for the resource's availability or requesting a new resource from HR.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://standardsplus.pmi.org/posts/res_id17_org_article_fix1/3210b0c2-3297-4312-9729-
56382e737be3 [Item]
| PMI.org (2006) //https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/matrix-evolves-internal-
conflicts4043// [Item]
11. What can a project manager do to communicate the formal project announcement and
relevant information to stakeholders, and then gain their commitment?
Stakeholders who have no interest or influence in the project may not be actively involved in
the project, but they may still be affected by the project's outcome. It is important to keep
these stakeholders informed of the project's progress and address any concerns. By closely
monitoring these stakeholders, the project manager can ensure that they are not negatively
impacted by the project and that they are aware of the project's progress.
The other answer choices are incorrect. Highly encouraging these stakeholders is not necessary
because they are not interested in the project, so they are unlikely to be persuaded to become
more involved. Attentively focusing on these stakeholders is not necessary because they are
not influential, so they do not need to be given a lot of attention. Visibly harnessing these
stakeholders is not necessary. These stakeholders are not interested in the project, so they are
unlikely to be willing to help the project succeed.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/engaging-stakeholders-project-success-11199
13. The team and product owner are reviewing user stories in the iteration planning
meeting. While reviewing stories, it is identified that some of the high-value stories have more
associated risks. What should the agile project manager do?
A. Recommend that the team include risky stories in early iterations rather than later ones.
B. Recommend that the team choose stories with low risk for easy completion to keep
team motivation high.
C. Work with the product owner to decide on the stories that should go during the
iteration.
D. Use the Pareto analysis to decide which stories can be completed the fastest.
Solution: A. Recommend that the team include risky stories in early iterations rather than later
ones
Risk management should be iterative in agile projects. Any risk items or stories that are
identified as higher risks should be addressed earlier by adding them in appropriate sprints
rather than to wait for the risks to hit the project.
The other answer choices are incorrect. Focusing on low risk stories will leave out the high risk
stories that should be prioritized; the team, not the product owner, should determine the
stories; Pareto analysis is not the right tool to use.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
O'Reilly Platform (No Date) //10 Agile Risk Management/ [Item Agile for Project Managers : ]
| O'Reilly Platform (No Date) //7/ [Item Lean-Agile Software Development, Guy Beaver]
14. A project manager is leading a project with seven key stakeholders. What should the
project manager consider as the most important part of stakeholder management?
Relationships between the project manager, the project’s stakeholders, and the project team
are very important. The most critical part of stakeholder management is relationships.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/project-relationships-stakeholder-circle-8092 [Item
Project relationships are those relationships that occur between the project manager and the
project’s stakeholders as well as those that occur among the project stakeholders themselves.
This network, comprising all the relationships both within and around the project ( Bourne &
Walker, 2003; Briner, Hastings & Geddes, 1996; Frooman, 1999), forms the project
environment, or sphere of influence and support, on which a project depends for its very
existence and has to be managed.]
15. A project manager has just started building the team for a huge and complex project.
The project manager is highly interested in having effective communication with their large
team. What should the manager do to achieve this?
Building relationships with your stakeholders also helps to build trust between you, them, and
your project team – and trust around the project. Trust is a key component of effective
communication with others. Stakeholders who feel they can trust you are more apt to share
information with you and be engaged in the project.
The other options are incorrect. Organizing team activities to help team members express their
interests, might help to build morale and teamwork, but it would not necessarily improve
communication. Using timely and clear assessment of the situation with team members is
important, but it is not enough on its own. The project manager also needs to have a process
for sharing information with team members. Allowing free exchange of ideas and opinions
between team members is important, but it is not enough on its own. The project manager also
needs to have a process for ensuring that all team members are aware of the project's progress
and that they have a way to communicate their ideas and concerns.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/managing-communications-effectively-efficiently-5916
[Item Arredondo, 2000). ]
16. A project team often asks questions about the rationale for their work and how the
client perceives their progress and deliverables. What should the project manager do to
build trust and get the team engaged?
A. Share feedback and invite team members to status meetings with the stakeholders.
B. Assure the team that the client is happy and you are handling the expectations.
C. Present the project plan and progress report to the team with regular updates when
revised
D. Compare the pending tasks to the completed tasks so the team has a sense of
accomplishment.
Solution: A. Share feedback and invite team members to status meetings with the stakeholders
The concern is based on the relationship with the client so we should engage the team
members on that process of the project.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
Effective PM: Trad, Agile, Extreme (2015) Robert K. Wysocki/Wiley/Chapter 10: Agile Project
Management/Implementing APM Projects [Item Adding more functions and features to the
solution and implementing them at the same time sounds great. The client and the end user
can benefit from whatever business value can be attained, experience the solution unfolding
over short time periods, work with the solution, and provide valuable feedback to the
developers about further additions and changes to the solution. But there is another side to this
story, and that is the implementation of a constantly evolving solution. Iterations and cycles are
short duration—2 to 4 weeks is typical. The end users will give up and surrender if you expect
them to change how they do their work by implementing a new solution every few weeks. How
about your organization? What is its organizational velocity? Can it absorb change that fast?
Most can't or won't. So what are the client and the project manager to do? Getting frequent
client feedback is critical to discovering the complete solution and ultimately to project success,
but the organization can't absorb change as fast as the APM models would like. There is also
the question of the project team's ability to support frequent releases. Training,
documentation, and a support group are needed. Let's see, what release are you using
again?https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/effective-project-
management/9781118729311/9781118729311c10.xhtml]
| https://snippets.pmi.org/snippet/7-ways-to-build-your-leadership-skills/ [Item]
17. A supplier for a regulatory project is responsible for making the component changes. The
supplier is unlikely to meet the project schedule. Based on the risk response plan, the project
manager secured stakeholder approval to use paper forms until the component changes go
live. It is still possible, however, that the paper form changes may not be ready in time.
Which risk type is the project manager facing in this situation?
A. Secondary risk
B. Residual risk
C. Primary risk
D. Compliance risk
Solution: B. Residual risk
The correct answer is a residual risk.
Residual risks are the leftover risks that are expected to remain after the planned response of
risk has been taken. In this case, the residual risk is the chance that the paper form changes
may not be ready in time; there isn't much the project manager can do to prevent this delay.
A residual risk is a risk that remains after risk responses have been implemented.
A secondary risk is a risk that arises as a direct result of implementing a risk response.
Risk responses, when implemented, can have potential effects on the objectives and as such,
can generate additional risks. These are known as secondary risks and are analyzed and planned
for in the same way as those risks that were initially identified. There may be residual risks that
remain after the responses are implemented. The risk is that the supplier is unlikely to meet the
project schedule. Even after consulting the risk response plan, it is still possible that the risk
remains.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/overall-project-risk-assessment-models-1386 [Item]
| PMI.org (2016) //https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/isd-project-performance-residual-
risk-10223// [Item]
The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects (2019)
Solution: C. Integrate skills development activities.
When a project manager needs to assign new resources to an existing project team, it is
important to integrate skills development activities into the project execution phase. This will
help to ensure that all team members have the skills and knowledge they need to do their jobs
effectively and meet project requirements on time. A highly skilled and capable team is more
likely to work effectively and meet project requirements on time. Skills development activities
ensure that team members are equipped to handle their roles and responsibilities competently.
The other options are incorrect because they are not the most immediate actions to ensure the
team's effectiveness during the execution phase of the project.
Creating accessible library services is incorrect because it does not directly address the team's
skills and capabilities and does not ensure effectiveness in the execution phase.
Conducting brainstorming sessions is incorrect because they are not directly related to skills
development or ensuring the team's effectiveness.
Monitoring team cohesiveness is important for assessing team dynamics and collaboration, but
it is not a proactive way to ensure the team works effectively and meets project requirements
on time. The project manager should focus on helping the new resources integrate into the
team and develop the skills they need.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
The AMA Handbook of Project Management, Third Edition (No Date) /AMACOM/12/Fast Track
to Teaming [Item]
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) /// [2.4.3 PROJECT TEAM COMPOSITION AND
STRUCTURE] [2.4.1 INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT]
19. A vendor informs a project manager that the project's equipment can be delivered earlier
than anticipated. The project manager recognizes that this is an opportunity to complete the
project ahead of schedule.
What should the project manager do next?
A. Request management approval.
B. Use the equipment offered.
C. Revise the project schedule.
D. Determine if there is a risk.
Solution: D. Determine if there is a risk
The project manager should determine if there is a risk before making any decisions. The early
delivery of equipment could create a risk if the project team is not prepared to use it or if the
vendor is unable to meet the quality standards. The project manager should assess the impact
of the early delivery on the project schedule and budget, and review the vendor's quality
assurance process to ensure that the equipment meets the project's requirements.
The other answer choices are incorrect. Requesting management approval is important, but it
should not be done before the project manager has determined if there is a risk. Using the
equipment offered could create a risk if the project team is not prepared to use it or if the
vendor is unable to meet the quality standards. Revising the project schedule should not be
done before the project manager has determined if there is a risk.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition (2018) PMI/PMI// [Item]
| PMBoK, Sixth edition (2021) PMI/PMI/3, 9 and 11/ [Item Identify Risks
Acquire Resources]
20. The project manager is having difficulties persuading stakeholders to adopt new technlogy
in the project.
What should the project manager have done to avoid this resistance?
A. Invest in stakeholders' communication
B. Provide technical support to stakeholders
C. Propose an agreement to stakeholders
D. Engage stakeholders as early as possible
Solution: D. Engage stakeholders as early as possible
The best way to avoid resistance to new technology is to engage stakeholders as early as
possible. This means involving them in the decision-making process from the beginning and
giving them a chance to provide input on the new technology. By engaging stakeholders early
on, the project manager can assess their needs and concerns, address objections, build trust
and rapport, and get their buy-in.
The other answer choices are incorrect. Investing in stakeholders' communication is important,
but it is not enough to avoid resistance. The project manager also needs to engage stakeholders
early on. Providing technical support to stakeholders may help to address some of their
concerns, but it is not enough to overcome their resistance. Proposing an agreement with
stakeholders may be a good way to get their buy-in, but it is not as effective as engaging them
early on.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/improve-stakeholder-management-9901 [Item Utilizing
change management tools and techniques can help a project or program manager more
effectively identify, plan, and engage stakeholders. This targeted approach can strengthen
stakeholder assessment capabilities to build a better stakeholder management plan,
communications plan, schedule, budget, and other project management tools. It can also help
build value into the delivery of the changes themselves by strengthening adoption]
21. A project incurs a 4-week delay. If delayed another 2 weeks or longer, the project will be
penalized. In order to be able to deliver on time, the team is offered an appealing financial
compensation and 2 days of vacation.
What theory is being applied?
A. Achievement theory
B. Expectancy theory
C. Maslow’s theory
D. Contingency theory
Solution: B. Expectancy theory
Expectancy theory proposes that employees are motivated when they are given assignments
they feel confident they can achieve, when they value the compensation you offer and when
they believe you will compensate them as promised.
The aim of need achievement theory is to explain why certain individuals are more motivated
to achieve than others.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a theory of motivation which states that five categories of
human needs dictate an individual's behavior. Those needs are physiological needs, safety
needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs.
The contingency theory emphasizes the importance of both the leader's personality and the
situation in which that leader operates.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/motivating-construction-productivity-learning-
disciplines-5731 [Item Expectancy theory argues that the motivational force to perform or
expend effort is a multiplicative function of the expectancies that individuals have concerning
future outcomes and the value they place on those outcomes.]
| PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, Nineth Edition, 9th edition (2018) Kim
Heldman/Sybex/9/408 [Item]
22. A supplier reports that they are over capacity, which may delay their delivery. What should
the project manager update?
A. Risk register
B. Stakeholder register
C. Issue log
D. Project schedule
Solution: A. Risk register
PMBoK Sixth Edition Chapter 4 and 11 states: "
11.2.3.1 RISK REGISTER
The risk register captures details of identified individual project risks. The results of Perform
Qualitative Risk Analysis, Plan Risk Responses, Implement Risk Responses, and Monitor Risks
are recorded in the risk register as those processes are conducted throughout the project. The
risk register may contain limited or extensive risk information depending on project variables
such as size and complexity.
On completion of the Identify Risks process, the content of the risk register may include but is
not limited to:
List of identified risks. Each individual project risk is given a unique identifier in the risk register.
Identified risks are described in as much detail as required to ensure unambiguous
understanding. A structured risk statement may be used to distinguish risks from their cause(s)
and their effect(s).
Potential risk owners. Where a potential risk owner has been identified during the Identify Risks
process, the risk owner is recorded in the risk register. This will be confirmed during the
Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis process.
List of potential risk responses. Where a potential risk response has been identified during the
Identify Risks process, it is recorded in the risk register. This will be confirmed during the Plan
Risk Responses process.
Additional data may be recorded for each identified risk, depending on the risk register format
specified in the risk management plan. This may include: a short risk title, risk category, current
risk status, one or more causes, one or more effects on objectives, risk triggers (events or
conditions that indicate that a risk is about to occur), WBS reference of affected activities, and
timing information (when was the risk identified, when might the risk occur, when might it no
longer be relevant, and what is the deadline for taking action).
4.4.3.1 LESSONS LEARNED REGISTER
The lessons learned register can include the category and description of the situation. The
lessons learned register may also include the impact, recommendations, and proposed actions
associated with the situation. The lessons learned register may record challenges, problems,
realized risks and opportunities, or other content as appropriate.
The lessons learned register is created as an output of this process early in the project.
Thereafter it is used as an input and updated as an output in many processes throughout the
project. The persons or teams involved in the work are also involved in capturing the lessons
learned. Knowledge can be documented using videos, pictures, audios, or other suitable means
that ensure the efficiency of the lessons captured.
At the end of a project or phase, the information is transferred to an organizational process
asset called a lessons learned repository"
Therefore, the correct answer is: "Risk Register", because that is where all the risks related to
the project should be recorded.
The Distractors are correctly worded and accepted
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
PMBoK, Sixth edition (2021) PMI/PMI/4 and 11/ [Item Risk Register and Lessons Learned
Register]
| PMBOK Guide--Fifth Edition (5th) PMI/PMI/11.6/349 [Item]
®
| Project Risk Management Guidelines: Managing Risk in Large Projects and Complex
Procurements (2005) Dale Cooper, Stephen Grey, Geoff Raymond and Phil Walker/John Wiley &
Sons/7/ [Item]
23. Which is the process that the project manager performs to prioritize individual project risks
for further analysis or action by assessing their probability of occurrence and impact, as well as
other characteristics?
A. Quantitative Risk Analysis
B. Qualitative Risk Analysis
C. Identify Risks
D. Plan Risk Management
Solution: B. Qualitative Risk Analysis
The choices list four processes within Risk Management. They are done in the order of 1) Plan
Risk Management, 2) Identify Risks, 3) Qualitative Risk Analysis, 4) Quantitative Risk Analysis.
Qualitative Risk Analysis prioritizes identified risks by assessing their probability and impact,
and is relatively simple, compared to Quantitative Risk Analysis. Quantitative analysis uses
mathematical models to calculate risk responses, and can be time consuming and expensive.
Therefore, only the highest priority risks are advanced to quantitative analysis.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://standardsplus.pmi.org/posts/idbeta5/13aec16b-9482-47f7-88e6-72e3449b604f [Item
This process allows you to prioritize individual project risks for further analysis or action so you
can focus your energy on the risks that pose the greatest threat to the project.]
24. A project's outcome is highly sensitive to and dependent upon financial market activity.
Therefore, the company's financial advisor delivers daily exchange-rate forecasts. The project's
budget was planned using a conservative scenario with high exchange-rate variations. The
project manager now wants to review this budget to update the probability and impact of a
possible new scenario using current financial conditions.
To what should the project manager refer?
A. Stakeholder register
B. Risk register
C. Lessons learned
D. Marketplace conditions
Solution: B. Risk register
The correct answer is the risk register.
A risk register is a repository in which outputs of risk management processes are recorded. The
risk register captures details of identified individual project risks. Information in a risk register
can include the person responsible for managing the risk, probability, impact, risk score,
planned risk responses, and other information used to get a high-level understanding of
individual risks.
The other answers are incorrect because they do not contain all of the information needed.
A stakeholder register is incorrect because a stakeholder register is a project document that
includes information about project stakeholders including an assessment and classification of
project stakeholders.
Lessons learned is incorrect because they reflect the knowledge gained during a project, which
shows how project events were addressed or should be addressed in the future, for the
purpose of improving future performance.
Marketplace conditions are factors external to the organization that can enhance, constrain, or
have a neutral influence on project outcomes. Marketplace conditions include competitors,
market share, brand recognition, technology trends, and trademarks. The marketplace
conditions option is incorrect because the company's financial advisor delivers daily exchange-
rate forecasts, and the project manager wants to review the budget to update the probability
and impact of a possible new scenario.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) /// [Item] | PMBoK, Sixth edition (2021) PMI/PMI/11/
[Item Risk Register]
25. Which of the following combination of approaches should a team lead take to have a highly
motivated and high-performing project team? (Choose three)
A. Build strong relationships, Provide context to work and the big picture, Implement
customized incentives.
B. Ensure team peer review is done, Emphasize on team performance management,
Prioritize individual rewards
C. Emphasize on team dynamics, Plan and deliver regular training on team dynamics, Hold
regular team building activities
A. Foster a competitive environment, Prioritize reward for team member excellence, Hold
regular team meetings
Solution: A, B and C. Build strong relationships, Provide context to work and the big picture,
Implement customized incentives, Ensure team peer review is done, Emphasize on team
performance management, Prioritize individual rewards and Emphasize on team dynamics, Plan
and deliver regular training on team dynamics, Hold regular team building activities
Competitive environments don't help with motivation and high performance for all team
members.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://snippets.pmi.org/snippet/motivate-teams-to-achieve-better-outcomes/ [Item]
26. Due to increased price volatility, a vendor asks the project manager of a large development
project to make a price change that will affect the project contract.
What should the project manager do?
A. Request the change control board (CCB) to meet with the vendor to discuss the change.
B. Execute the price change requested by the vendor and update the project contract.
C. Comply with the vendor's request and update the project management plan.
D. Analyze the impact and submit a formal change request, if appropriate.
Solution: D. Analyze the impact and submit a formal change request, if appropriate.
The project manager should thoroughly asses how the proposed price change will affect various
aspects of the project, including scope, budget, schedule, and quality. If it is determined that
the vendor's request would significantly impact the project, such as changes to the project's
cost, scope, or schedule, the project manager should submit a formal change request.
Submitting a formal change request is the appropriate way to document and communicate the
proposed change to relevant stakeholders and decision-makers.
Requesting a meeting with the CCB and the vendor is not the most efficient approach. It is
important to keep the CCB informed of any potential changes to the project, but the project
manager should first assess the impact of the price change before requesting a meeting.
Complying with the vendor's request and executing the price change without prior analysis and
approval disregards the need to understand how the change affects the overall project. The
price change may significantly impact the project's scope, budget, schedule, and other aspects,
potentially leading to uncontrolled project changes. Further, it is important to get input from all
stakeholders before making a decision.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) PMI/PMI/ [2.4.7 CHANGES]
27. A project manager with a directive behavioral orientation is leading a virtual team of
software developers. The project manager wants to build a high-performing team that is
motivated and productive. The team is working on a complex project with a tight deadline.
How should the project manager lead this team?
A. Build rapport and develop strong relationships with team members.
B. Motivate team members with achievement awards.
C. Influence team decisions and control the delivery process.
D. Implement communication channels to announce task completion.
Solution: D. Implement communication channels to announce task completion.
In this situation, the project manager has a directive behavioral orientation and is task-oriented
and results-driven. Directive orientation is characterized by a focus on results, a willingness to
take charge, and a preference for clear and concise communication. These qualities are
essential for a project manager who is responsible for ensuring that a complex project with a
tight deadline is completed successfully.
The other answer choices are incorrect. Building rapport and relationships is aligned with
affiliation orientation, motivating team members is aligned with achievement orientation, and
influencing and controlling team members is aligned with power orientation.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/successful-motivational-techniques-virtual-teams-8161
[Item]
28. A large risk to a project is identified, and the risk management plan is executed. Upon
completion of the approved actions, what should the project manager do?
A. Update the risk management plan.
B. Revise the project schedule and the budget.
C. Update the lessons learned.
D. Identify new risks, and monitor residual risks.
Solution: D. Identify new risks, and monitor residual risks
PMBoK Sixth Edition states: "11.2 IDENTIFY RISKS
Identify Risks is the process of identifying individual project risks as well as sources of overall
project risk, and documenting their characteristics. The key benefit of this process is the
documentation of existing individual project risks and the sources of overall project risk. It also
brings together information so the project team can respond appropriately to identified risks.
This process is performed throughout the project
Identify Risks considers both individual project risks and sources of overall project risk.
Participants in risk identification activities may include the following: project manager, project
team members, project risk specialist (if assigned), customers, subject matter experts from
outside the project team, end users, other project managers, operations managers,
stakeholders, and risk management experts within the organization. While these personnel are
often key participants for risk identification, all project stakeholders should be encouraged to
identify individual project risks. It is particularly important to involve the project team so they
can develop and maintain a sense of ownership and responsibility for identified individual
project risks, the level of overall project risk, and associated risk response actions"
The correct answer is: "Identify new risks and monitor residual risks"
The distractors are valid
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
e-Reads (No Date) ///Modern Corporate Risk Management: A Blueprint for Positive Change and
Effectiveness by Glenn Koller, Chapter 7 - Solutions to the Problems-The Aftermath [Item]
| e-Reads (No Date) ///Practical Project Risk Management: The ATOM Methodology by David
Hillson and Peter Simon, Chapter 9 - Just Do It (Implementation) [Item]
| PMBoK, Sixth edition (2021) PMI/PMI/11/ [Item Identify risks]
| PMBOK Guide--Fifth Edition (5th) PMI/PMI//Chapter A1.7.9 control risk, pg 457 [Item]
®
29. A project manager is leading a project to develop a new system for a government agency
using a predictive approach. The project's governance framework is designed to ensure that the
system meets the needs of the stakeholders and complies with all applicable regulations. The
project manager receives an approved change request related to a project's governance
framework.
What should the project manager do to implement this change?
A. Review the changes to the governance framework and update relevant planning
documents.
B. Recalculate the durations of project activities affected by the change to the governance
framework.
C. Put the project on hold until the impact of the governance framework can be assessed.
D. Submit the formal change request to the project steering committee for final approval.
Solution: A. Review the changes to the governance framework and update relevant planning
documents.
The project manager needs to fully understand the nature and extent of the approved changes.
Without a thorough review, it's impossible to know how these changes will impact the project.
After reviewing the changes, the project manager should update planning documents to ensure
that the project aligns with the new governance framework and maintains alignment with
stakeholder needs and regulatory requirements.
Recalculating the durations of project activities is not necessary until the project manager has
reviewed the changes and determined their impact on the project.
Putting the project on hold is not necessary unless the changes require a major overhaul of the
project plan. Putting the project on hold could be costly and disruptive; the focus should be on
implementing the approved changes effectively.
Submitting the formal change request to the project steering committee is not necessary, as
the change request has already been approved.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
Adv PM: A Structured Approach 4th Ed (Jan 1 2004 12:00AM) Frederick Harrison and Dennis
Lock/Gower Publishing Co.//Change implementation and integration, page 253 [Item]
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) /// [2.5.7 MONITORING NEW WORK AND CHANGES]
30. After weeks of dealing with conflicts, compromising, and achieving the project goal, team
members are focusing on documenting the lessons learned to be shared with stakeholders,
sponsors, and future project teams.
What phase are they most likely in?
A. Forming
B. Storming
C.Performing
D. Adjourning
Solution: D. Adjourning
During this final phase, the successful completion of the project is often celebrated, and the
team members focus on documenting the lessons learned as part of the project closure
activities. A team that has successfully built trusting relationships is likely to be better equipped
to honestly evaluate its processes, issues, and achievements to glean the lessons that can be
shared with stakeholders, sponsors, and future project teams.
The other answer choices are incorrect. They describe prior stages before lessons learned are
documented to be shared with stakeholders, sponsors, and future project teams. The team has
already handled conflicts, made compromises, and achieved the project goal, the team would
then enter the adjourning stage.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
Building a trust-based team (pmi.org)
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) ///[4.2.6.1 Tuckman Ladder]
31. A company, which is conducting a critical bidding process, included a penalty clause in an
agreement specifying that the selected supplier must pay a significant liquidated damages
penalty in the event of non-performance. Given that this bidding process is extremely attractive
to the supplier with a medium risk threshold, how should the supplier's project manager
budget for it?
A.Increase the quote to mitigate the risk and support the above clause.
B.Advise management not to participate in the request for proposals (RFP) since it is a big risk.
C.Advise management to purchase insurance coverage to transfer the risk and include it in the
budget.
D.Record it as a risk in the risk register and review it regularly to avoid the penalty.
Solution: C. Advise management to purchase insurance coverage to transfer the risk and
include it in the budget.
Transferring a risk involves shifting ownership of a threat to a third party to manage the risk
and to bear the impact if the threat occurs. Risk transfer often involves payment of a risk
premium to the party taking on the threat. Transfer can be achieved by a range of actions
including, but not limited to, the use of insurance, performance bonds, warranties, guarantees,
etc. Agreements may be used to transfer ownership and liability for specified risks to another
party. Transferring the risk is a preferable strategy for average risk threshold takers.
Increasing the quote for this project may lead to not getting this project, especially when the
bidding process is attractive for the vendor/supplier with an average risk threshold.
Avoiding the risk solely based on penalty charges is incorrect because the project can't be
eliminated, especially when it is attractive for the vendor/supplier with an average risk
threshold.
Recording the penalty charge as a risk in the risk register alone is not going to help.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition (2018) PMI/PMI/11 Project Risk Management/443
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) ///[2.8.5.1 Threats] [2.8.5 RISK] [2.5.6 WORKING WITH
PROCUREMENTS]
The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects, 2019 [4.6 PLAN RISK
RESPONSES]
| PMI.org (1999) //https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/effective-project-risk-management-
process-5311// [Item]
32. The degree to which risk management is pursued can be the difference between success
and failure. In an attempt to avoid project failure, what risks should be assessed and
categorized?
Project A Project B
During a review in March 2018, it was found that Project B is experiencing problems that had
previously not been identified in its risk management process. With Project A starting
approximately one year prior, what information should be requested from Project A so that
Project B may take preventive and/or corrective actions?
A.Work performance reports
B.Lessons learned repository
C.Issue log
D.Activity list
In Agile project management, story points are a measure of effort and complexity for the work
to be completed. A higher number of story points indicates a larger amount of work. Therefore,
Team 1, which has completed 100 story points, has accomplished more work than Team 2,
which has completed 80 story points. The number of story points completed is a key
performance indicator in Agile projects, and higher values generally indicate better
performance.
The other answer choices are incorrect. The opposite scenario suggests that Team 2 performed
better despite having fewer story points. This challenges the assumption that higher story
points indicate better performance. Team location does not necessarily factor in performance.
In this case, the virtual team performed better than the in-office team.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
O'Reilly Platform (No Date) //14.6.1.7/ [Item Book: Agile foundations]
| O'Reilly Platform (No Date) //2/ [Item Agile Metrics in Action: How to measure and improve
team performance
by Christopher W. H. Davis
Published by Manning Publications, 2015
https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/agile-metrics-
in/9781617292484/kindle_split_020.html]
60. A project team has an after-hours get-together. One of the team members who was
recently hired and new to the team did not receive an invitation to the get-together. At the
next few standups, the new employee is visibly upset and does not participate much during the
sessions.
How should the project manager address this situation?
A. Schedule another after-hours get-together and invite the new team member.
B. Meet with the new team member to talk about their concerns.
C. During the next standup, ask the new team member to participate more.
D. Invite the new team member to meet after-hours to discuss the project.
Solution: B. Meet with the new team member to talk about their concerns
"Meet with the..." (Correct option) The individual may be affected by the situation, however,
the distraction could be something entirely unrelated. While the Servant Leader should
empower the team, this is a sensitive issue which is best handled at an individual level.
The other options do not address the question as there is a lack of investigation into the root
cause.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
Choose Your WoW! A Disciplined Agile Delivery Handbook for Opitimizing Your Way of Working
(January 2019) Scott W Ambler and Mark Lines//7/117 [Item]
| O'Reilly Platform (No Date) //8/ [Item Agile Foundations]
| The Agile Practice Guide (No Date) PMI/PMI//50 [Item "The servant leader together with the
team may decide to address other behaviors."]
61. A project manager is leading Project A, which is a project to update a customer’s database.
The project manager is monitoring international business news and reads of pending legislation
that would require companies to maintain a strict level of protection regarding customer
personal data. This new level of protection is stricter than what Project A currently achieves.
What should the project manager do in this scenario?
A. Meet with the customer to immediately update the level of customer data protection in
the project contract.
B. Bring this information to your organization’s legal department requesting that they
renegotiate the customer’s contract.
C. Note this information in the project risk register and work with the customer and the
sponsor to develop a mitigation plan.
D. Work with the organization’s legal department to update the contract to include
protections against the pending legislation.
Solution: C. Note this information in the project risk register and work with the customer and
the sponsor to develop a mitigation plan
The risk register should be regularly reviewed and as such, including the risk in the risk register
with a mitigation plan will ensure that this risk is regularly monitored and mitigated. There is no
need to update the contract immediately since the legal requirements are not yet certain.
Parking this risk till the next contract negotiation or waiting until the legal requirements are
certain might be too late to act. The risk can potentially turn out to be a non issue.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
Choose Your WoW! A Disciplined Agile Delivery Handbook for Opitimizing Your Way of Working
(January 2019) Scott W Ambler and Mark Lines//Section 2.9/133 [Item]
| PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition (2018) PMI/PMI/11/417 [Item]
62. A project manager is overseeing a project with an extremely tight schedule. During a
meeting, the project stakeholders express concerns about the project's ability to meet critical
business demands.
What should the project manager do in response to these concerns?
A. Work with the sponsor to revise the project scope to address stakeholder concerns.
B. Meet with the project team and stakeholders to identify the minimum viable product
(MVP).
C. Assure the stakeholders that the project is on schedule and will meet all business
demands.
D. Update the schedule and the communication plans to ensure the stakeholders are
updated.
Solution: B. Meet with the project team and stakeholders to identify the minimum viable
product (MVP).
The project manager must address the stakeholders' concerns about the project's ability to
meet critical business demands. Defining the minimum viable product would give the
stakeholders an overview of the business value it will deliver within the timeline. By focusing on
delivering the MVP first, the project team can increase the chances of meeting critical business
requirements, even with a tight schedule. Meeting with the project team and stakeholders
promotes collaboration, aligns priorities, and ensures that the project remains on track to meet
key business objectives.
The other options are incorrect because they do not appropriately address the stakeholders'
concerns.
Working with the sponsor to revise the project scope without understanding the minimum
viable product would not resolve the issue. Before taking action, the project manager must
understand the full scope of the stakeholders' concerns and the potential impact of any
changes to the scope. It is also important to get input from the project team to ensure that any
changes to the scope are feasible.
Assuring the stakeholders that the project is on schedule and will meet all business demands
does not address their concerns and may lead to mistrust. It's important to provide reassurance
based on actions and strategies.
Updating the schedule and communication plans does not directly address the stakeholders'
concerns. Updating the schedule and communication plan may or may not be necessary, and
can only be determined once the MVP is identified.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
Essential Scrum: A Practical Guide to the Most Popular Agile Process (No Date) Kenneth S.
Rubin//17/Product Roadmap Definition [Item]
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) /// [3.3 EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS]
[3.3.1 LIFE CYCLE AND DEVELOPMENT APPROACH SELECTION]
63. A project approval committee is concerned about a project plan that will take three years to
complete. The committee is concerned that the deliverable may not meet industry needs and
may be less valuable than anticipated.
What can the project manager do to demonstrate the value of the deliverable to stakeholders?
A. Add an additional sprint to the timeline for potential modifications.
B. Have the project team build a prototype to share with stakeholders.
C. Record the committee's expressed concerns in the issue log.
D. Add the committee to the communication management plan.
Solution: B. Have the project team build a prototype to share with stakeholders.
Building a prototype is one of the best ways to demonstrate the value of a deliverable to
stakeholders. Prototypes provide a tangible representation of the final product, allowing
stakeholders to visualize how it will work and look, which helps them understand its
functionality and usability. By sharing the prototype with stakeholders, the project team can
gather early feedback and make necessary adjustments to align the deliverable with industry
needs and expectations. It also helps mitigate risks related to delivering a final product that
may not meet stakeholders' requirements.
The other options are incorrect because they do not directly address the committee's concerns.
Adding an additional sprint may allow the project team to make modifications to the
deliverable, but it does not guarantee that the deliverable will meet industry needs or be
valuable to stakeholders. Extending the timeline can increase project duration and costs, which
might not be acceptable to stakeholders or necessary to address the value concern.
Recording the committee's concerns in the issue log captures the concerns but doesn't actively
address them or provide a tangible demonstration of value.
Adding the committee to the communication management plan will ensure that they are kept
informed of the project's progress, but it doesn't inherently address the committee's specific
concerns about the deliverable's value.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) /// [2.4.2 PLANNING VARIABLES – Page 53]
64. A project manager is assigned to join a several year project mid-way. The project was
stopped years ago due to organizational change and a local financial crisis. It has now been
restarted. 70% of the budget is already consumed. The performance indices are CPI= 0.42 and
SPI= 0.2.During a meeting with stakeholders, the project manager also finds there are major
scope changes that could lead to delay.
What is the best course of action to take as project manager?
A. Change the earned value management tracking technique.
B. Change the contract according to new changes.
C. Negotiate scope changes with stakeholders and keep it minimized as possible.
D. Close this project and request a new project from the project sponsor.
Solution: D. Close this project and request a new project from the project sponsor
"Close this project...(Correct option)"Since there have been issues in the past and major scope
changes are anticipated, its better to close this project and charter a new project.
"Change the earned value management..." Changing the performance measurement technique
will not affect the project performance and there is no issue with the adopted performance
measurement technique i.e.; Earned Value Management.
"Change the contract..." Change the contract is incorrect as the changes are yet to be evaluated
and finalized.
"Negotiate scope changes..." with stakeholders is incorrect as it will not rectify the issues that
have occurred in the past and may lead to stakeholders disengagement.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
Agile Practice Guide (2017) PMI/PMI// [Item]
| PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition (2018) PMI/PMI// [Item]
65. A project manager is working on a new project that is expected to take 12 months to
complete. Due to the condensed timeline, the team must ensure that the small group of
stakeholders is actively engaged throughout the project. What should the project manager
emphasize as the most important activities in effective stakeholder engagement? (Choose 2)
A. Building the stakeholder map and maintaining it as the project progresses.
B. Prioritizing stakeholders and revisiting assumptions annually.
C. Creating more hierarchical structures among stakeholders.
D. Engaging key stakeholders and building their commitment to the project.
Solution: A and D. Building the stakeholder map and maintaining it as the project progresses
and Engaging key stakeholders and building their commitment to the project.
Building a stakeholder map is important because it helps the project manager to identify all of
the stakeholders, understand their interests and needs, and determine how they can be
engaged throughout the project.
Engaging key stakeholders is important because they can have a significant impact on the
success or failure of the project. By engaging them early and often, the project manager can
build their support and ensure that they are committed to the project's success.
The other options are incorrect because they are not as important in this case.
Prioritizing stakeholders and revisiting assumptions annually is a good practice, but it is not as
critical for a small group of stakeholders with a condensed timeline. Further, the project is only
intended to take 12 months to complete, so revisiting assumptions annually is not necessary.
Creating more hierarchical structures among stakeholders can be helpful in some cases, but it is
not necessary in this case.
This question and rationale were developed in reference to:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/engaging-stakeholders-project-success-11199 [Item
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/engaging-stakeholders-project-success-11199]
PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition (2022) /// [2.1.1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT]