PMI CAPM Exam Questions

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141.

Moira begins the event by illustrating the proposed iteration goals alongside reviewing the higher-priority stories. The development team discusses options for implementation, technical issues, dependencies, and other requirements. They choose the effort to be performed in the next iteration. What type of meeting does this best describe?

  • Iteration planning

  • Status review

  • Phase review

  • Backlog planning

Correct answer: Iteration planning

An iteration planning meeting is used to clarify the details of the backlog items, acceptance criteria, and work effort required to meet an upcoming iteration commitment. An iteration planning meeting is also known as a sprint planning meeting. Iterations are timeboxed cycles of development on a product or deliverable in which all of the work that is required to deliver value is conducted.

142.

You are leading a project that has been impacted by some scheduling constraints. You evaluate the activity durations with the actual tasks to explore mitigation. Which of the following is not a consideration factor when estimating activity durations?

  • Assumption log

  • Number of resources

  • Advances in technology

  • Motivation of staff

Correct answer: Assumption log

Assumption log is not a consideration factor when estimating activity durations; rather, it is a document that may need to be updated based on the estimate activity duration process. An assumption log is a project document used to record all assumptions and constraints throughout the project. Law of diminishing returns, number of resources, advances in technology and motivation of staff are factors for consideration when estimating duration. These are often considered as consideration factors or driving resources. Any type of change to a consideration factor or driving resource that are allocated to the activity will have an effect on the duration. The assumption log is a product document that will need updating when required and is part of the inputs and outputs. It is part of the estimate activity duration process but not a consideration factor or driving resource.

Number of resources is a factor for consideration because the number of resources does not always directly correlate to the duration of an activity, so it must be considered.

Advances in technology is a factor because advances in technology may affect resource needs and how long things take to do.

Motivation of staff is a factor for consideration because understanding a team's tendencies toward procrastination or inefficiency can affect how long work takes to do.

143.

You are in a meeting with senior stakeholders and organizational leaders for your company to discuss the business requirements in alignment with the outstanding projects that are in execution. Which of the following best describes the ability to understand the high-level organizational overview and effectively negotiate and implement decisions and actions that support alignment and innovation?

  • Strategic and business management skills

  • Leadership skills

  • Management skills

  • Technical project management skills

Correct answer: Strategic and business management skills

Strategic and business management skills can also be defined as the skills needed to effectively apply project management knowledge to deliver desired outcomes for projects.

Leadership skills refer to skills used to motivate and guide teams of people toward a goal. Management skills are not part of the PMI Talent Triangle, but management refers to a style that differs from leadership in key ways. Technical project management skills refer to the technical aspects of performing one's role.

144.

You are in a meeting with the project team to evaluate the current schedule of the project. A relationship in which a schedule activity has more than one predecessor is best known as?

  • Path convergence

  • Path divergence

  • Lead

  • Lag

Correct answer: Path convergence

A path convergence is a relationship in which a schedule activity has more than one predecessor. Activities which have various predecessor activities indicate convergence.

A path divergence is a relationship in which a schedule activity has more than one successor. A lead is the amount of time a successor activity can be advanced. A lag is the amount of time a successor activity can be delayed.

145.

You are leading a multi-phased project and during execution, you were overwhelmed with several instances of change requests related to scope creep with a short turnaround time. There were no policies that were created regarding how much time it would take to allow for a change request to be approved or denied. This resulted in difficulties controlling these requests. 

What is the best document to record this situation so that future project managers in the organization won't make the same mistake?

  • Lessons learned register

  • Project website

  • Project communications plan

  • Change request log

Correct answer: Lessons learned register

Scope creep can be a significant problem in any project, and it is important to put policies in place about change requests related to scope early in the project. Documenting the issue that the project manager ran into in the lessons learned register can help not only that project manager but also other project managers in the organization improve their scope control for future projects.

A lessons learned register is used to record knowledge gained during a project, phase, or iteration so that it can be used to improve future performance for the project team and/or the organization. 

146.

Valerie is the project manager for a multi-phased electrical project for her organization. It is important that she's able to clearly and effectively communicate relevant information to key stakeholders throughout the project. She is trying to choose the best communication technology method. What should the focus be on?

  • To ensure that the choice is appropriate for the information that is being communicated

  • To ensure that the communication method is always formal

  • To ensure that the latest technology is always being used

  • To ensure that the least costly technology is always being used

Correct answer: To ensure that the choice is appropriate for the information that is being communicated

The choice of communication technology is an important consideration in the Manage Communications process. As this can vary significantly from project to project and also throughout the life of a project, the focus is to ensure that the choice is appropriate for the information that is being communicated. Communication is the most important factor in engaging with stakeholders effectively.

For example, choosing to hold a formal meeting to update the team on project status each week may not be an effective communication technology for a remote team. It may be better to post updates on an online information management system.

147.

Kai is the new facilitator on a high-priority project. It is imperative that he knows how to communicate effectively throughout the project. Which of the following best describes when and how often stakeholders are communicated with in Agile environments?

  • Regularly and frequently throughout the project lifecycle

  • Early and at set points throughout the project lifecycle

  • After planning and frequently throughout the project lifecycle

  • After communications management has been planned and infrequently during the project lifecycle

Correct answer: Regularly and frequently throughout the project lifecycle

Regularly and frequently throughout the project lifecycle is correct. Projects with high variability benefit from regular and frequent communication with stakeholders. Stakeholders feel involved and are more likely to be highly engaged in projects that provide consistent and open communication about project activities and progress. Stakeholder communication in Agile environments often results in the building of trust earlier than would be expected in traditional project environments.

Early and at set points throughout the project lifecycle is incorrect. Stakeholders should be communicated with early in a project, but this is not the best answer because it implies that only early communication is needed and that there are designated times for communication with stakeholders. In Agile environments, communication is transparent and is done as needed, not at planned intervals.

After planning and frequently throughout the project lifecycle is incorrect. After planning is wrong because it does not allow for stakeholder information and expectation gathering before project planning is complete.

After communications management has been planned and infrequently during the project lifecycle is incorrect. Stakeholders should be communicated with before the communications plan has been developed and communication should be frequent, not infrequent.

148.

The project sponsor is concerned about a particular problem that might occur within your project and asks you to analyze a future problem that might occur. You gather data through various surveys and interviews about previous projects. This information will help you in evaluating the uncertainty of problems that might occur in the future. 

What analysis technique did you best use?

  • Trend analysis

  • SWOT analysis

  • Future analysis

  • Sensitivity analysis

Correct answer: Trend analysis

Trend analysis utilizes a mathematical model to forecast future outcomes derived from historical results. It is used to predict future performance based on previous project results. Trend analysis explores future expected slippages and warns the project manager before the problem in the schedule becomes affected due to the identified trends. The information that is gathered is available at the beginning of the project for the project team to address anomalies. Preventive actions are a result of trend analysis.

149.

A new project is in development at an electrical parts manufacturing and distribution center. The next action item on the to-do list is to develop the scope baseline. Who is responsible for the development of the scope baseline?

  • Project team

  • Project manager

  • Project sponsor(s)

  • Project stakeholder(s)

Correct answer: Project team

The scope baseline is the approved version of a scope statement, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and its associated WBS dictionary. This can only be changed through formal change procedures and is used as a basis for comparison to actual results. It is a component of the project management plan.

The project team is responsible for the development of the scope baseline after they receive feedback from the project's customers and stakeholders. The project team plays a crucial role in detailing the work required, and the project manager ensures that the scope baseline aligns with the overall project objectives and constraints. It is important to note that while the project manager plays a guiding and coordinating role, the detailed development work is undertaken by the project team.

150.

You are a project manager at a company that is known for its unique product. You are asked by the project sponsor to join him in a meeting. The project sponsor provides you with feedback and tells you that he will need a prototype for a revised version within four weeks. What life cycle does this best represent?

  • Iterative

  • Predictive

  • Project management

  • Incremental

Correct answer: Iterative

An iterative life cycle is an approach that allows feedback for unfinished work. The reason for this is to improve and modify that work. Prototypes or Proofs of Concept (PoC) are often utilized in this type of life cycle. This will ultimately improve the outcome of the product.

151.

The project sponsor has asked you to provide a particular analysis report at the next meeting. Which earned value (EV) analysis technique measures the cost of completing the remaining work against the remaining budget?

  • TCPI

  • CPI

  • EAC

  • ETC

Correct answer: TCPI

To Complete Performance Index (TCPI) is a measure of the cost performance that must be achieved with the remaining resources to meet a specified management goal expressed as the ratio of the cost to finish the outstanding work to the budget available.

To calculate the efficiency that must be maintained to complete on plan, use the following formula:

TCPI = (BAC - EV) / (BAC - AC)

  • TCPI > 1.0 is harder to complete
  • TCPI = 1.0 is same to complete
  • TCPI < 1.0 is easier to complete

To calculate the efficiency that must be maintained to complete the current EAC, use the following formula:

TCPI = (BAC - EV) / (EAC - AC)

  • TCPI > 1.0 is harder to complete
  • TCPI = 1.0 is same to complete
  • TCPI < 1.0 is easier to complete

152.

Alex is leading a new project within her organization. She works to define the requirements of time, scope, and cost early on. She is also proactive in mitigating scope creep as much as possible during project execution. What development approach was best utilized for this project? 

  • Predictive approach

  • Hybrid approach

  • Adaptive approach

  • Operational approach

Correct answer: Predictive approach

A predictive approach is utilized when the project and product requirements can be defined, collected, and analyzed at the beginning stages of the project. A predictive approach is often known as the waterfall approach. In this type of project approach, there is often a high level of risk that may require recurring reviews, change control mechanisms, and replanning. There is also a significant investment that is involvement. Scope schedule, cost, resources, and risk are defined at the beginning of the project and are often quite stable. Projects that use this approach oftentimes may have templates from similarly executed projects in the past.

A hybrid approach is a development approach that uses both adaptive and predictive approaches. Some parts of the projects may be derived from a predictive approach and some from an adaptive approach. The hybrid approach is utilized when there is uncertainty or risk that is a result of the requirements. Hybrid approaches may often utilize an iterative or incremental development approach. Iterative approaches are used best for clarifying requirements and exploring options. Incremental approaches are best used to produce a deliverable throughout a series of iterations.

Adaptive approaches are best used when requirements have concerns with high levels of uncertainty and volatility. These requirements are likely to change throughout the performance of the project. Although a clear vision of the project is set at the start, the requirements are refined, detailed, changed, or replaced as a result of obtained feedback or the changing environment. Agile approaches are often considered adaptive approaches.

The operational approach is a made-up term and is not a PMI development approach as a way to create and evolve the product, service, or result during the project lifecycle.

153.

You are leading a website development project and meet the product owner to discuss the current requirements for the iteration. The product owner tells you that the customer is asking to have a feature changed and for you to coordinate with the developers to determine when it should be included in their backlog. 

What development approach was best used to create this project?

  • Adaptive approach

  • Hybrid approach

  • Predictive approach

  • Operational approach

Correct answer: Adaptive approach

Adaptive approaches are best used when requirements have concerns with high levels of uncertainty and volatility. These requirements are likely to change throughout the performance of the project. Although a clear vision of the project is set at the start, the requirements are refined, detailed, changed, or replaced as a result of obtained feedback or the changing environment. Agile approaches are often considered adaptive approaches.

A hybrid approach is a development approach that uses both adaptive and predictive approaches. Some parts of the projects may be derived from a predictive approach and some from an adaptive approach. The hybrid approach is utilized when there is uncertainty or risk that is a result of the requirements. Hybrid approaches may often utilize an iterative or incremental development approach. Iterative approaches are used best for clarifying requirements and exploring options. Incremental approaches are best used to produce a deliverable throughout a series of iterations.

A predictive approach is utilized when the project and product requirements can be defined, collected, and analyzed at the beginning stages of the project. A predictive approach is often known as the waterfall approach. In this type of project approach, there is often a high level of risk that may require recurring reviews, change control mechanisms, and replanning. There is also a significant investment that is involvement. Scope schedule, cost, resources, and risk are defined at the beginning of the project and are often quite stable. Projects that use this approach oftentimes may have templates from similarly executed projects in the past.

The operational approach is a made-up term and is not a PMI development approach as a way to create and evolve the product, service, or result during the project lifecycle.

154.

Magda has just been assigned to a new project. During a meeting with the customer and project sponsor, they tell Magda that a traditional project cycle will not be able to manage this project. Magda, the customer and project sponsor then decide on using a hybrid lifecycle. Which of the following best describes a hybrid lifecycle? 

  • Executing a project with a predictive and adaptive lifecycle 

  • Executing a predictive lifecycle with daily standups

  • Executing an agile project with numerous project managers

  • Executing a project in a waterfall approach

Correct answer: Executing a project with a predictive and adaptive lifecycle 

An adaptive lifecycle is also called an agile or change-driven lifecycle. This lifecycle can be iterative or incremental. The scope of this type of project environment is agreed upon before the start of an iteration. 

An iterative lifecycle's project scope is determined early in the project. However, time and cost estimates are evaluated and modified as the team understands how the product will increase. Iterations will help to develop the product with repeated cycles. The increments will add to the functionality of the product.

In an incremental lifecycle, the deliverable is produced by iterations that successively add functionality within a certain amount of time. The deliverable will include the necessary and sufficient capability that is necessary to be called completed after the final iteration.  

The traditional and waterfall approach to project management is the predictive life cycle. In this type of project environment, the scope, time, and cost are determined at the beginning of the lifecycle. Any incurred changes will be reviewed and managed.

A hybrid lifecycle may include both predictive and adaptive lifecycles. This is determined by evaluating whether the project will need to be executed in this manner. An example would be that particular computer hardware will need to be managed with a predictive lifecycle but the operating system through an adaptive approach.

155.

You are a project manager working on a new software development project. During the project initiation phase, you are tasked with benefit planning to ensure the project delivers value to the organization. 

Which of the following statements about benefit planning are correct? (Choose three)

  • Benefit planning involves identifying and documenting the expected benefits of the project.

  • Benefit planning includes defining how the benefits will be measured and reported.

  • Benefit planning should align with the organization's strategic objectives.

  • Benefit planning is only conducted at the beginning of the project and does not need to be revisited.

  • Benefit planning is solely the responsibility of the project sponsor and does not involve the project manager.

Benefit planning requires a clear identification and documentation of the benefits that the project is expected to deliver. This helps set clear expectations and objectives for the project.

Benefit planning should be an ongoing process throughout the project lifecycle to ensure that the project remains aligned with its intended benefits and to make adjustments as necessary.

It is essential to define the metrics and methods for measuring and reporting the benefits to ensure that the project delivers the expected value and to track progress effectively.

Aligning benefit planning with the organization's strategic objectives ensures that the project contributes to the broader goals and priorities of the organization, enhancing its overall value.

While the project sponsor plays a significant role in benefit planning, the project manager is also involved to ensure that the project is executed in a way that delivers the planned benefits.

156.

You are managing a healthcare IT project using a predictive, plan-based approach. During the planning phase, you need to ensure that the project management plan is comprehensive and includes all necessary components. 

Which of the following elements should you include in your project management plan? (Choose three)

  • Scope management plan

  • Cost management plan

  • Schedule management plan

  • Sprint retrospective

  • Daily standup meeting agenda

The scope management plan is a crucial component of the project management plan. It outlines how the project scope will be defined, validated, and controlled, ensuring that all project work is included and managed effectively.

The sprint retrospective is an artifact used in agile methodologies, not in predictive, plan-based projects. It involves reviewing the sprint to identify improvements for future sprints.

The cost management plan is essential to the project management plan. It details how project costs will be planned, structured, and controlled, ensuring that the project stays within budget.

The daily standup meeting agenda is typically used in agile methodologies to facilitate daily team meetings. It is not a standard component of the project management plan in predictive, plan-based projects.

The schedule management plan is a key element of the project management plan. It describes how the project schedule will be developed, managed, and controlled, ensuring that the project timeline is adhered to.

157.

You are in the process of going through the change management process to implement a requested project change. Which of the following is not needed to evaluate the effects of a change?

  • A project charter

  • A project management plan

  • A complete product scope

  • A complete project scope

Correct answer: A project charter

A project charter is not needed to evaluate the effects of a change; however, it is necessary to have a project management plan, a complete product scope, and a complete project scope.

When changes are requested, it is the project manager's responsibility to determine how the proposed change will impact the project's cost, quality, risks, resources, and customer satisfaction.

158.

Crystelle is in a meeting with an executive manager for her company to explore various ways stakeholders could impact the project. They both came to an agreement to utilize stakeholder analysis. What is the stakeholder analysis best used for?

  • To analyze each stakeholder's potential impact or influence

  • To maintain a list of all the stakeholders

  • To classify each of the stakeholder's attitudes

  • To accommodate the needs of each stakeholder

Correct answer: To analyze each stakeholder's potential impact or influence

Stakeholder analysis is a data analysis technique used in the Identify Stakeholders process. The project manager would use a stakeholder analysis to analyze each stakeholder's potential impact or influence on the project, and they could also use it to determine the best way to manage the stakeholders' impact.

The stakeholder register is used to maintain a list of all the stakeholders and to classify the stakeholders' attitudes toward the project.

159.

You are leading a project and have just completed the planning phase. This was a comprehensive but necessary task to establish the scope of the project to prepare for execution. What process group best represents how the project manager will manage the schedule, budget, risks, quality, and other knowledge areas?

  • When executing the project

  • When initiating the project

  • When planning the project

  • When monitoring and controlling the project

Correct answer: When executing the project

The project manager should be focused on the managing of the schedule, budget, risks, quality, and other knowledge areas while executing the project. This is important to remember for the exam, as many project managers focus on managing the project as a whole and not the individual aspects.

Executing includes processes performed to complete the work defined in the project management plan to satisfy the project requirements. All these processes relate more to the art of project management than to the science of project management. During the execution of this process group, the entire team may come together for the first time.

160.

You are leading a project and in the Plan Procurements phase. You task a project team member with gathering and documenting the names, titles, and business interests of all major participants who will be involved in the project. What will this information be used for?

  • Stakeholder register

  • Requirements documentation

  • Project schedule

  • Work breakdown structure

Correct answer: Stakeholder register

The stakeholder register provides details on the project participants and their interests in the project. Names, titles, and business interests of all known participants make up this register.

Requirements documentation contains important information about project requirements that is considered during planning for procurements and requirements with contractual and legal implications that may include health, safety, security, performance, environmental, insurance, intellectual property rights, equal employment opportunity, licenses, and permits. The project schedule contains information on required timelines or mandated deliverable dates. The work breakdown structure contains the components of work that may be resourced externally.