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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

PMI PMP Exam Questions

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21.

A team is developing a hotly anticipated gaming software release for a popular gaming console. Several weeks into the project, the manufacturer of the gaming console announces a recall because of the risk of potential electrical fires caused by a short in one of the components of the console. This will affect the release of the product and potentially some of the code itself. The team works with the product owner to refine the stories based on these changes and unknowns. Which of the following BEST describes what the team has updated?

  • Backlog

  • Risk register

  • Scope

  • Lesssons learned register

Correct answer: Backlog

Backlog is correct because it is the ordered list of the work of a project in story form. Backlogs are refined and updated as a project progresses and work is able to be defined.

Risk register is incorrect because it is not comprised of stories.

Scope is incorrect because, although it may be affected by the recall described in the question, it is not a set of stories to be refined.

Lessons learned register is incorrect because it is used to record knowledge gained during a project, phase, or iteration. It does not record user stories.

22.

A team member approached Tanya with a proposal to add a feature to the product that would incur only a nominal cost and add one day to the overall project schedule. Tanya knows the customer did not request this change and understands that the testing group is fully assigned. There is no room in their schedule for even half a day of additional task work. She also knows the customer has indicated that adherence to this project's planned schedule will factor into their willingness to contract with Tanya's company for future work. She explains to the team member that the additional feature will not be added because of these factors. Which of the following BEST describes Tanya's approach?

  • Appropriate: Tanya has based her decision on the essential business objectives of the project.

  • Appropriate: Project changes should never affect the schedule.

  • Appropriate: Project changes should never affect cost.

  • Inappropriate: The customer should have been approached about the change.

Correct answer: Appropriate: Tanya has based her decision on the essential business objectives of the project.

A crucial component of effective strategic and business management skills is being able to understand and explain to others the essential business aspects of a project. In this example, Tanya kept the organization's objectives in mind when she declined to add the feature.

"Appropriate: Project changes should never affect the schedule" and "Appropriate: Project changes should never affect cost" are incorrect. Changes can affect schedule and cost as long as they are approved and implemented effectively.

Approaching the customer about the change is incorrect because the essential business aspects of the project indicate that Tanya's company is more likely to get future work with this customer if there is no change to this project's schedule.

23.

As the project manager, what document provides you with the authority to apply organizational resources to a project?

  • Project charter

  • Project management plan

  • Procurement management plan

  • Business case

Correct answer: Project charter

It is the project charter that authorizes the project manager to apply organizational resources to a project after its approval.

The project management plan describes how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled.

The procurement management plan describes how a project team will obtain goods and services from outside the organization.

The business case includes information about the project's objectives and how the project will contribute to the business goals.

24.

Chloe is a project manager for a project that is in the closing process, and she has just documented the lessons learned. What is the NEXT step Chloe should take in the closing process?

  • Apply appropriate updates to organizational process assets (OPA)

  • Obtain acceptance by the customer or sponsor

  • Perform team members' assessment

  • Close out all procurement activities

Correct answer: Apply appropriate updates to organizational process assets (OPA)

Order of the Closing Process:

  1. Obtain acceptance by the customer or sponsor.
  2. Conduct post-project or phase-end review.
  3. Record the impact of tailoring to any process.
  4. Document lessons learned.
  5. Apply appropriate updates to organizational process assets (OPA).
  6. Archive all relevant docs in the PMIS to be used as historical data.
  7. Close out all procurement activities, ensuring termination of all relevant agreements.
  8. Perform team members' assessments and release project resources.

25.

Noel is in a meeting with her team and is trying to decide whether to include new software into their process flow or update the existing software. The team will need to account for all levels of uncertainty with their decision. What is Noel's BEST course of action?

  • Use the decision tree analysis

  • Use the risk matrix

  • Use the issue log

  • Use expert judgment

Correct Answer: Use the decision tree analysis

This analysis is used to evaluate the best possible set of actions. The decision tree analysis uses quantification and supports decision-making during unclear conditions.

"Use the risk matrix" is incorrect. This matrix is used for mapping the probability and impact of risks.

"Use the issue log" is incorrect. The issue log is not an artifact to analyze uncertainty, it is a record of materialized issues.

"Use expert judgment" is incorrect. This is a technique that can be used in the decision tree analysis.

26.

Moore is a project manager for a small firm and conducts the daily sync meeting with the team to establish activities for the day. During the meeting, an argument occurs between two of the team members. They are disputing requirements on various procurement documents. What will Moore have to do NEXT?

  • Capture the information on the issue log

  • Submit a change request on the outcome

  • Reference the quality control matrix

  • Capture the information in the lessons learned

Correct answer: Capture the information on the issue log

The issue log will be the document to capture all issues that arise in the project. Recording what happened in the meeting in this log will be what's needed first. 

Submitting a change request on the outcome or referencing the quality control matrix are not necessary at this point, as the issue is related to procurement documents and not the project's scope or objectives.

Capturing the information in the lessons learned may be helpful after the issue has been resolved, but it should not be the first course of action.

27.

Company X has identified a stakeholder for Project C who is highly interested in the project, has high influence, and is a supporter of the project. Which of the following is the best method for managing this stakeholder?

  • The stakeholder should be involved in the team meetings, reported to, and provided with the information they request.

  • The stakeholder should be invited to participate in the project's risk management process.

  • The stakeholder should be given clear requirements and reports on the project's progress.

  • The stakeholder should be invited to join the project management team.

Correct answer: The stakeholder should be involved in the team meetings, reported to, and provided with the information they request

The best method for managing a stakeholder who is highly interested in the project, has high influence, and is a project supporter is to involve them in the team meetings, report to them, and provide them with the information that they request. This stakeholder is not only highly motivated and interested in the project but has the influence to make key decisions; therefore, he should have full knowledge of the project and be provided the necessary information to make decisions.

While inviting the stakeholder to participate in the project's risk management process or giving them clear requirements and reports on the project's progress can also be helpful, involving them in the team meetings and keeping them informed is the most effective method for managing this type of stakeholder.

Inviting the stakeholder to join the project management team is not necessary or appropriate in this situation.

28.

Bamidele works at a firm where her responsibilities include selecting the right projects and programs, prioritizing work, and providing the necessary resources. Her primary objective is to manage all the programs, projects, and operations to meet the organization's strategic objective.

What type of work is Bamidele performing?

  • Portfolio management

  • Program management

  • Project management

  • Operations management

Correct Answer: Portfolio management

A collection of projects, programs, subsidiary portfolios, and operations are contained in a portfolio. The primary objectives that are listed in the scenarios dictate that portfolio management is being conducted.

Bamidele is performing a broader management way of just focusing on programs, projects, or operations alone.

29.

Maria is conducting activities to close out her project. The stakeholders are happy with the result of the project but pointed out a couple of minor setbacks that occurred. Maria wants to ensure she captures what happened so the team can learn from it for future projects. What is the NEXT step Maria should take?

  • Finalize the lessons learned register

  • Develop the final project report

  • Finalize the quality control plan

  • Celebrate the project team's achievements

Correct answer: Finalize the lessons learned register

The lessons learned need to be finalized in the register before being entered into the lessons learned repository. This is an organizational process asset that includes historical information about project activities. The closeout report includes the lessons learned register.

The quality control plan is developed during the planning phase.

Maria should celebrate the achievements with the team after addressing the setbacks pointed out by the stakeholders.

30.

A project manager is engaging a consultant for a short-term data analysis project. The work hours required are uncertain. Which contract type should the project manager opt for to manage the consultant's payment effectively?

  • Time and Materials (T&M) contract

  • Fixed-price contract

  • Cost-reimbursable contract

  •  Indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract

Correct answer: Time and Materials (T&M) contract

A Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the most suitable for short-term consultancy projects with uncertain work hours. It enables payment based on the actual hours worked and materials used, offering flexibility in managing consultancy fees.

A fixed-price contract does not accommodate the uncertainty in work hours and locks in costs. 

A cost-reimbursable contract allows for reimbursement of actual costs but may not manage short-term consultancy payments as effectively as a T&M contract. 

An indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract is intended for ongoing, undefined delivery quantities and is not suitable for short-term projects with uncertain work hours​​​​.

31.

A deadline is approaching, and a team member is running behind schedule with their task. The project manager reminds them that they're one of the most skilled members of the team. The project manager asks if they can put in an extra couple of hours today to catch up on the task so that the whole team can celebrate the on-time delivery with a happy hour tomorrow. Which two types of power best describe the project manager's actions?

  • Ingratiating and reward-oriented

  • Avoiding and guilt-based

  • Positional and persuasive

  • Expert and relational

Correct answer: Ingratiating and reward-oriented

Ingratiating and reward-oriented are types of power used by the project manager to motivate the team member. A compliment is given (ingratiating) and an incentive is offered (happy hour).

Avoiding and guilt-based powers are not employed in this scenario; avoiding is the refusal to participate, and guilt-based imposes a sense of obligation.

Positional power is based on formal positions, and persuasive power involves the ability to make arguments that motivate people toward a particular action.

Expert and relational describe powers from a high level of specialty or training and commonalities like networking and personal or professional connections.

32.

Rowen is in a meeting with various project managers within his department to improve processes within the organization. Rowen presents the program's mission and authority relationships. A new stakeholder asks Rowen what the mission and authority relationships represent to the current organization.

What is Rowen's BEST choice for an answer?

  • Enterprise environmental factors

  • Organizational process assets

  • Matrix organization

  • Quality assurance

Correct answer: Enterprise environmental factors

The program's mission statement and authority relationships are external to the project team and project managers. All factors or conditions that lie outside the project but within the organization are considered enterprise environmental factors.

"Organizational process assets" is incorrect. It refers to the processes, policies, procedures, and knowledge bases specific to the organization.

"Matrix organization" is incorrect. It refers to a type of organizational structure where employees report to both functional and project managers.

"Quality assurance" is incorrect. It refers to the process of ensuring that project deliverables meet the required quality standards.

33.

Kyle is attempting to solve organizational problems by using specific predefined methods, without challenging the methods in light of experience. What is Kyle doing?

  • Single-loop learning

  • Double-loop learning

  • Continuous improvement

  • Single-loop improvement

Correct answer: Single-loop learning

Single-loop learning involves problem-solving through the application of predefined methods with limited consideration for reevaluating these methods in response to evolving experiences and insights. In this form of learning, individuals primarily rely on established procedures and guidelines as they encounter challenges, aiming to reach solutions efficiently within the framework of their existing knowledge and practices. In single-loop learning, the emphasis is on problem resolution within the boundaries of known methodologies, often without a deep exploration of whether these methods remain optimally effective in changing circumstances.

Double-loop learning, on the other hand, involves questioning and challenging underlying assumptions and beliefs to identify and address root causes of problems.

Continuous improvement is a broader concept that involves ongoing efforts to improve processes and systems over time.

Single-loop improvement is not a used term in project management.

34.

During the course of your project, several subject-matter experts (SMEs) were brought in to consult on best practices. You want to capture the specific tasks and subjects on which each SME gave the most useful information. Where can you document these key stakeholders and the results of their consultations so that future projects can benefit from their expertise?

  • Lessons learned register

  • Stakeholder register

  • Stakeholder engagement plan

  • Project management plan

Correct answer: Lessons learned register

Although these key SMEs will be documented or mentioned in the stakeholder register, stakeholder engagement plan, and project management plan, the lessons learned register will capture specific information such as the subjects where the SMEs were most useful and the results of their consultations so that future projects can benefit.

35.

Antonia is managing a project and is in the process of figuring out the budget. Her project requires parts that are manufactured by vendors overseas. A new law within the country where the vendor resides is being implemented that changes economic policy. What is Antonia's BEST course of action?

  • Capture the changes in the exchange rates

  • Change the business case

  • Access the management reserves

  • Capture the information in the lessons learned

Correct answer: Capture the changes in the exchange rates

The changes that occur in another country's economic condition can cause exchange rates to be very dynamic. The cost of goods purchased overseas is ultimately affected by the changes in exchange rates. The project manager will need to evaluate and keep track of the exchange rate as the project budget is developed.

The business case is a document issued by the sponsor that doesn't include external business factors or change logs.

The question doesn't suggest this law will increase the project costs so accessing the management reserves is incorrect.

The lessons learned register is updated after an analysis of the impact of the issue and what the team can do to avoid similar scenarios.

36.

Sarah is working on an Agile project. Her project sponsor is looking for detailed estimates for her project. What should Sarah say to her project sponsor?

  • Detailed estimates are reserved for the short-term planning horizon in a just-in-time fashion.

  • Detailed estimates cannot be provided for projects being executed in an Agile environment.

  • Detailed estimates can only be provided once the full scope of the project has been defined.

  • Detailed estimates are subject to change as the requirements of the project change and evolve.

Correct answer: Detailed estimates are reserved for the short-term planning horizon in a just-in-time fashion.

Projects in high-variability environments where the scope has not been fully defined will not benefit from detailed cost estimates. Lightweight estimation methods can be used to generate a fast, high-level forecast of project labor costs, which can then be easily adjusted as change arises. Detailed estimates are typically only done on short-term planning horizons.

Detailed estimates can be provided in an Agile environment, but they will not be as accurate or relevant as the project progresses.

While detailed estimates may be more accurate once the full scope of the project has been defined, Agile projects prioritize adaptability and flexibility, and waiting for the full scope to be defined is not feasible.

The main requirements and objectives of the project do not often change. 

37.

You are working on a super competitive project in the medical industry. There are safety-critical product components that require additional documentation and conformance checking beyond what the general Agile project management framework suggests. Given the criticality of the successful outcome of your project, which of the following project management frameworks/approaches might be best suited for your project?

  • Hybrid approach

  • Kanban framework

  • Waterfall approach

  • Scrum framework

Correct answer: Hybrid approach

A hybrid approach combines Agile and possibly predictive approaches to attain the benefits Agile brings to the table, such as iterative development and collaboration. It also layers in the necessary rigor that may be necessary for projects where additional safety and conformance considerations need to be addressed.

A Kanban framework will not be best suited for this project as it is primarily focused on visualizing and managing workflow rather than addressing the specific needs of safety-critical product components.

The Waterfall approach is a traditional project management framework that is characterized by a linear, sequential approach to project management.

The Scrum framework is an Agile project management framework that is focused on iterative development and continuous improvement. While it may be suitable for some projects, it is not the best fit for a project with safety-critical product components that require additional documentation and conformance checking.

38.

As you are planning your project, you realize that some wisdom is going to be needed to understand the complex rules of all the stakeholders involved. You decide to put together several focus groups to utilize the talent in your organization and gain subject matter expertise. This is an example of what tool and technique?

  • Expert judgment

  • Surveying

  • Meetings

  • Stakeholder polling

Correct answer: Expert judgment

Expert judgment is an important tool and technique used in the Plan Stakeholder Engagement process. It can aid the project manager and project team in identifying each stakeholder's level of interest and involvement in the project. Focus groups are one way to leverage subject matter expertise within your organization.

Meetings are also a tool and technique used in the Plan Stakeholder Engagement process, but they alone do not address knowledge transfer.

Surveying and stakeholder polling are not techniques used in this process.

39.

A project manager is new to an organization with a corporate culture that prides itself on teamwork, an informal atmosphere, and an equal share of voice from all levels of staff. The project manager attempts to reinforce scheduling constraints by relying on the authority of managers over subordinates. This is ineffective because the influence of team members is seen as more or less equal, despite differences in titles within the organization. Which aspect of politics did the project manager disregard?

  • Power

  • Authority

  • Negotiation

  • Positivity

Correct answer: Power

Power was disregarded. The team is comprised of different roles and titles, but each has equal power in this scenario. Since all roles are viewed as equal in this organization, there is not enough of a power difference between managers and subordinates to rely on as a means of motivation. It is important to learn about and understand an organization's structures and culture to effectively manage projects in it.

Authority is part of politics, but it relates to a person's expertise and mastery as opposed to their ability to influence and control.

Negotiation is the ability to broker acceptable outcomes, not influence them.

Positivity can be part of politics, but elements of politics are not fully positive or negative on their own.

40.

A media organization has contracted with Tim's organization to undertake a project to produce international versions of their product in 10 languages. The project activities are moving along and Tim is collecting and documenting information about each deliverable group's progress. He is creating forecasts for the project sponsor, distributing work performance reports to relevant team members and stakeholders, and planning presentations for key stakeholders. Which process is Tim performing?

  • Manage communications

  • Monitor communications

  • Plan communications

  • Control communications

Correct answer: Manage communications

Manage communications is correct because the activities of collection, creation, distribution, storage, and monitoring of project information are part of communications management. Since Tim is not developing communication models or determining if the communication methods are effective, we know he is in the managing phase, not planning or controlling phase.

Monitoring and controlling communications come after the active manage communications process, which Tim is engaged in now.

Planning communications comes earlier in the process.

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