Business Quiz: Project Manager Responsibility

The salience model for project stakeholders defines three characteristics: power, urgency, and legitimacy. Influence is not one of the characteristics mapped in the salience model.

The accounting department is referring to a purchase order. A purchase order is a unilateral form of contract that is issued by the buyer (in this case, Terry) to the seller (the vendor) to request the purchase of goods or services. It outlines the details of the purchase, including the quantity, price, and delivery date. Once the seller accepts the purchase order, it becomes a legally binding contract between the buyer and the seller. Therefore, the accounting department is advising Terry to use a purchase order as a unilateral form of contract for purchasing the equipment for her project.

The number of communication channels can be calculated using the formula n(n-1)/2, where n is the number of stakeholders. As of today, there are 45 stakeholders, so the current number of communication channels is 45(45-1)/2 = 990. Next week, 29 new stakeholders will be joining, so the total number of stakeholders will be 45 + 29 = 74. Therefore, the number of communication channels next week will be 74(74-1)/2 = 1711.

Project managers can present project information in many different ways such as histograms, S-curves, and bar charts. However, RACI charts are not a method that project managers typically use to present project performance. RACI charts are used to define and communicate the roles and responsibilities of team members in a project, rather than displaying project performance metrics.

A fixed-price contract is the least risky option for the DSA Project from Sammy's perspective because the price is agreed upon upfront and will not change regardless of any cost overruns or delays. This puts the financial risk on the vendor rather than the project, providing more certainty and predictability in terms of budget and cost management. In contrast, the other contract types involve some form of cost-sharing or cost escalation, which could potentially lead to higher expenses for the project.

The correct answer is Exception report. An exception report is needed for management when there is a significant deviation from the expected values or thresholds. In this case, the cost variance (CV) of -$3,500 indicates that the project is over budget and outside of the acceptable thresholds. Therefore, an exception report is required to highlight this issue and provide recommendations for corrective actions to be taken.

This scenario is an example of staffing requirements. As the project manager, you need to ensure that you have the necessary personnel with the right skills and qualifications to complete the project successfully. In this case, you require an electrician at month 8, which indicates a specific staffing need for a particular role at a specific time in the project timeline. This falls under the category of staffing requirements, as it involves identifying and fulfilling the necessary human resources for the project.

The correct answer is the communications management plan. This document outlines the approach and strategy for how communication will be managed throughout the project. It includes details on what information will be expected from stakeholders and who will receive that information. The communications management plan ensures that the right information is communicated to the right people at the right time, helping to keep stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the project.

The project team should complete lessons learned documentation to help future project teams complete their projects more accurately. By documenting their experiences, successes, and challenges, the project team can provide valuable insights and recommendations for future projects. This documentation can serve as a reference for future teams, helping them avoid mistakes, replicate successful strategies, and improve overall project performance. It also promotes knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the organization.

The union is considered a project stakeholder because it is an external entity that has an interest in the project's outcome and can influence its success. As a project manager, you need to coordinate and seek approval from the union for human resource issues, indicating their involvement in the project and their stake in its results.

This scenario demonstrates the use of the forcing conflict resolution style. Mike, as the project manager, is under pressure to meet the tight schedule and does not have the luxury of considering all possible solutions. Instead, he decides to impose a solution based on the team member with the most seniority, disregarding the disagreement between the two team members. This approach can be seen as forcing because it prioritizes the need for quick decision-making and maintaining the project timeline over resolving the conflict through collaboration or compromise.

Personality conflicts are not likely to be a top concern for the customer because their main focus is on the success of the project. While personality conflicts can impact team dynamics and potentially affect project outcomes, the customer's primary concern is typically related to project priorities, schedule, and cost. These factors directly impact the delivery of the desired business outcomes and the customer's return on investment. Therefore, personality conflicts are less likely to be a top concern for the customer compared to other project-related factors.

The correct answer is transference. Transference refers to transferring the responsibility for managing a risk to another party. In this case, the water sanitation project manager has decided to outsource the handling and installation of the chemicals and filter equipment to an experienced contractor, effectively transferring the risk associated with handling the chemicals to the contractor. This allows the project manager to avoid the risks associated with handling the chemicals themselves and mitigate the potential negative consequences.

Quality assurance (QA) is a process that ensures that the overall project performance meets the defined quality standards. It involves activities such as planning, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of quality control measures to prevent defects or errors in project deliverables. QA focuses on the entire project and aims to identify and address any issues or risks that may impact the quality of the project's performance. It is different from quality acceptance, which refers to the process of verifying that the project deliverables meet the specified requirements.

Ouchi's Theory Z believes that workers need to be involved with the management process. This theory emphasizes the importance of employee involvement, participation, and collaboration in decision-making and problem-solving. It suggests that by involving workers in the management process, organizations can create a sense of ownership, commitment, and loyalty among employees, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. This theory promotes a more participative and inclusive management style, where employees are given opportunities to contribute their ideas, skills, and expertise to the decision-making process.

The given scenario describes coercive power. Coercive power is based on the ability to punish or impose negative consequences on others. In this case, the team members fear negative reviews from the project manager because it can affect their yearly bonus. The fear of negative consequences creates a sense of power and control over the team members, making it an example of coercive power.

The given scenario is an example of the halo effect. The halo effect refers to the tendency to judge someone's overall character or abilities based on a single positive trait or characteristic. In this case, management is assuming that because Tyler is a good database administrator and well-liked, he will also excel as a project manager. The halo effect can lead to biased decision-making as it overlooks other necessary skills and qualifications for the new role.

This situation is an example of a yield-lose solution. The team member waving her arms and saying "Fine, Harold, do it your way" indicates that she is giving in to Harold's preferences, even though she may not agree with them. This suggests that Harold's way of doing things is being prioritized over the opinions and ideas of other team members, resulting in a loss for the team as a whole.

Based on the given information, the project manager has been hired specifically for their vast experience with technology and projects of this nature. This suggests that the project manager has expert power on this project. Expert power is derived from a person's knowledge, skills, and expertise in a particular area, and it is likely that the project team recognizes and respects the project manager's expertise in this field.

The correct answer is "Quality is planned into a project, not inspected in." This response is appropriate because it emphasizes the importance of planning in achieving high quality. By devoting more time to planning, the project manager can ensure that all necessary steps and measures are taken to meet the quality requirements of the project. It highlights the proactive approach of incorporating quality into the project from the beginning, rather than relying on inspections or corrections later on.

The circled area in the illustration represents out-of-control datapoints. This means that these data points are outside the expected range or have deviated significantly from the normal pattern. It could indicate a problem or anomaly in the data that needs to be investigated further.

The Delphi Technique is an appropriate explanation for the given answer because it involves collecting information from a group of experts anonymously. In this scenario, the project manager wants to gather input on potential risks in the design, structure, and intent of the website from experts within the organization. By using an anonymous form to poll the experts and subsequently submitting anonymous polls, the project manager is utilizing the Delphi Technique to gather and analyze expert opinions on the project's risks.

The stakeholder identification process involves identifying all individuals and organizations that may have an impact on or be impacted by the project. The inputs for this process include organizational process assets, which provide information about previous projects and stakeholder management approaches. The project charter is also an input, as it outlines the project's objectives, scope, and key stakeholders. Procurement documents may be needed to identify external stakeholders involved in the procurement process. However, the communications management plan is not directly related to stakeholder identification and is therefore not needed as an input for this process.

The requirement to do the faulty work again is an example of the cost of nonconformance. This refers to the costs incurred when work does not meet the required standards or guidelines. In this case, the faulty work did not conform to the federal guidelines, so it needs to be redone, resulting in additional costs.

Frances, as the project manager of the LKJ Project, will use planning meetings to create the risk management plan. Planning meetings are a common technique used to identify, analyze, and plan for potential risks in a project. During these meetings, the project team can discuss and evaluate various risks, their potential impact, and develop strategies to mitigate or respond to them. By involving key stakeholders and team members in these planning meetings, Frances can ensure that the risk management plan is comprehensive and aligned with the project objectives.

The Monte Carlo technique can determine multiple scenarios by simulating different combinations of risks and their probabilities of impact. It uses random sampling and statistical analysis to generate a range of possible outcomes for the project. This technique helps project managers assess the overall project risk and make informed decisions based on the likelihood and potential impact of different risk events.

The letter of intent indicates that Henry intends to purchase goods or services from the ABN Contracting Company. It is a preliminary agreement that expresses the buyer's intention to enter into a formal contract for the procurement of work on the project. It does not imply any legal action or termination of the contract.

Martha, as the project manager, wants a vendor to provide a single price for all the detailed work. This indicates that she is looking for a document that specifically asks for bids or offers for the work. An Invitation for Bid (IFB) is a document used in procurement to solicit bids from potential vendors or contractors. It outlines the scope of work, requirements, and terms and conditions, and allows vendors to submit their bids for consideration. Therefore, Martha will issue an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to obtain the desired pricing from vendors.

A project risk is an uncertain occurrence that can affect the project for good or bad. This means that the outcome or impact of the risk is not known or predictable. Uncertain risks can introduce both positive and negative consequences, making it important for project managers to identify and manage them effectively. By acknowledging and addressing uncertain risks, project teams can better prepare for potential challenges and opportunities that may arise during the project lifecycle.

Management is asking for a stakeholder engagement assessment matrix. This type of chart will allow Sammy to clearly display the current status of engagement for each stakeholder, as well as the desired level of engagement. It will provide a visual representation of the different stakeholder positions (opposed, in favor, neutral) and help Sammy assess the overall engagement of each stakeholder in the KHG Project.

In this scenario, a letter contract is needed because there is an emergency on the project and the vendor needs to start work immediately. A letter contract is a temporary agreement that allows work to begin before a formal contract is finalized. It is typically used in urgent situations where time is of the essence. A letter contract outlines the basic terms and conditions of the agreement and serves as a temporary solution until a more comprehensive contract can be negotiated and executed.

The change log is an input to the management stakeholder engagement process because it communicates changes to the stakeholders. This means that any updates or modifications regarding the project, its scope, or any other relevant information are shared with the stakeholders through the change log. By keeping the stakeholders informed about any changes, the project manager ensures that they are engaged and aware of the project's progress and any adjustments that may affect them. This helps to maintain effective communication and collaboration between the project team and the stakeholders.

The circled area in the illustration represents the Rule of Seven. The Rule of Seven is a statistical quality control tool used to determine if a process is stable or out of control. It states that if seven consecutive data points fall on one side of the mean, the process may be out of control. This rule helps identify potential issues or variations in a process that may require further investigation or corrective action.

Benchmarking is the correct answer because it involves comparing the performance of different systems or processes to determine which one performs best. In this scenario, the project team is measuring the performance of both computer systems to determine which one is the best fit for the project. Benchmarking allows for a direct comparison and evaluation of the systems' performance, helping the team make an informed decision.

Influence is a management skill because it refers to the ability to persuade or convince others to take a certain course of action or adopt a particular viewpoint. In a project, a manager needs to be able to influence stakeholders, such as team members, clients, or executives, to support and contribute to the project's success. This involves effectively communicating ideas, building relationships, and using persuasion techniques to gain support and cooperation. By having influence, a manager can guide and motivate stakeholders towards achieving project objectives.

The given scenario describes a situation where the project manager's decision to not enforce safety measures has resulted in a team member getting injured and the job site being closed for investigation. This has led to potential delays, fines, and loss of credibility with the customer. This aligns with the concept of "cost of poor quality" as the project is now facing negative consequences due to the lack of adherence to safety standards.

Maria reviewing the project to determine if the project management activities comply with the total quality management program is an example of a quality audit. A quality audit is a systematic and independent examination of a project to determine if it meets the defined quality standards. In this case, Maria is specifically assessing if the project aligns with the organization's total quality management program, ensuring that quality processes and practices are being followed.

The number of channels of communication can be calculated using the formula n(n-1)/2, where n is the number of members. In this case, with 13 members, the current number of channels of communication is 13(13-1)/2 = 78. If seven additional members are added, the new number of members will be 20. Therefore, the new number of channels of communication will be 20(20-1)/2 = 190.

Team members in different geographical locale is an example of a project communication constraint because it can create challenges in terms of coordinating and communicating with team members who are located in different time zones or countries. This constraint may require the use of technology tools and strategies to ensure effective communication and collaboration among team members.

George believes that the relationship between himself and the customer is important because the communication between them can convey the project objectives more clearly than the language in the project contract. This suggests that George values effective communication with the customer in order to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the project goals and expectations. This understanding can help in avoiding misunderstandings, conflicts, and ensure successful project delivery.

Henry is a leading stakeholder because he is actively involved in the project and is willing to contribute his time and effort to ensure its success. He not only supports the project but also takes on additional responsibilities such as communicating with other stakeholders and hosting status meetings. This level of involvement and commitment makes him a leading stakeholder.

Using the roles and responsibilities defined in the ACT Project on the PLY Project can expedite the process of organizational planning. This is because the ACT Project has already established clear roles and responsibilities for team members, which can be directly applied to the PLY Project. By utilizing this existing framework, the project manager can save time and effort in defining new roles and responsibilities, ensuring a smoother and faster planning process.

In this scenario, the process of meeting with the project team to ensure that the project is completed with no deviations from the project requirements is quality planning. Quality planning involves identifying the quality standards and requirements for the project and developing a plan to meet those standards. By meeting with the project team, the project manager is ensuring that everyone is aligned with the project requirements and that the necessary steps are in place to achieve the desired quality outcomes.

Based on the given information, the project manager likely has referent power on this project. Referent power is based on the influence and respect that others have for an individual. In this case, the project team has worked with the project manager in the past and considers them to be an expert and enjoyable to work with. This positive relationship and admiration from the team gives the project manager referent power, as they are able to influence and motivate the team based on their expertise and likability.

The Delphi Technique is an acceptable tool for risk identification because it involves gathering input and opinions from a group of experts anonymously. This helps to eliminate bias and allows for a more objective assessment of risks. The technique encourages open communication and collaboration among the experts, leading to a comprehensive identification and evaluation of potential risks.

A Pareto diagram is a type of chart that is used to display and analyze data in order to identify the most significant factors or causes that contribute to a problem or issue. It is named after Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist, who observed that a small number of causes often account for a large percentage of the effect. The Pareto diagram organizes data in descending order and uses both bars and a line graph to represent the cumulative percentage of each factor. This allows for easy identification of the most important factors that should be addressed in order to achieve the greatest impact.

A lump-sum contract requires the seller to assume the risk of cost overruns. In a lump-sum contract, the seller agrees to complete the project for a fixed price, regardless of any cost increases or overruns that may occur during the project. This type of contract transfers the risk of cost overruns from the buyer to the seller, making it the correct choice for a risk-averse company like Bradley's.

Quality is the process of completing the scope to meet stated or implied needs. This answer best explains the correlation between quality and the project scope. It implies that quality is achieved by ensuring that the project scope is fully and accurately implemented to meet the needs and requirements of the project. This suggests that the project scope plays a crucial role in determining the quality of the project deliverables.

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Design of experiments is a statistical method used to systematically manipulate and control variables in order to identify which variables have the greatest impact on the outcome of a process or system. In the context of Linda's manufacturing project, design of experiments would involve conducting controlled experiments to test different variables and their effects on the quality of the project. By experimenting with these variables, Linda can identify which ones have the most significant impact on quality and make adjustments accordingly to improve the overall quality of the project.

Procurement documents ensure receipt of complete proposals. These documents are created by the project manager and are used to communicate the project requirements to the vendors. They provide detailed information about the project scope, deliverables, timeline, and evaluation criteria. By providing clear and comprehensive instructions, procurement documents help vendors understand the project requirements and submit complete proposals that meet the needs of the project. This ensures that the project manager receives all the necessary information from the vendors to make informed decisions during the procurement process.

The select seller event happens in the Executing process group. This is the phase where the project work is being performed, and one of the tasks in this process group is to select the vendors or sellers who will be participating in the project. This process involves evaluating proposals, conducting negotiations, and ultimately choosing the most suitable sellers for the project.

Risk identification should happen throughout the project life cycle because risks can emerge at any stage of the project. By continuously identifying risks, the project team can proactively address and mitigate them, reducing the chances of negative impacts on the project's objectives. It is important to note that risk identification should not be limited to a specific phase but should be an ongoing process to ensure that new risks are identified and managed effectively.

Distance is an example of noise in the communication model because it can create physical barriers and interfere with the transmission of information. When team members are geographically separated, it can be difficult to communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings or incomplete information.

The utility function refers to an organization's risk tolerance. It is a concept used to measure an organization's willingness to accept or tolerate risks. The utility function helps in determining the level of risk that an organization is willing to accept in order to achieve its objectives. It is a key factor in developing risk management policies as it guides decision-making processes related to risk acceptance or avoidance.

Based on the given information, Marty is 60 percent certain that he can get the facility needed for $45,000, which is $7,000 less than what was planned for. In the table, the Impact Cost/Benefit for Risk Event 6 is 5.35. The answer .60, 7,000, 4,200 matches this information, indicating that Marty has a 60 percent probability of incurring an impact cost/benefit of $7,000, which is $4,200 less than what was planned for.

This scenario exemplifies staffing requirements because it highlights the need for a specific skill set, in this case, a chemical engineer, for a specific duration of time. The project manager is faced with the challenge of finding and hiring a chemical engineer from outside the department to fulfill this requirement. This demonstrates the importance of identifying and fulfilling the necessary staffing needs to successfully execute a project.

The process of sending information from the project manager to the project team is called "transmitting" because in this scenario, the project manager is using face-to-face meetings and web conferencing software to communicate with the team. Transmitting refers to the act of sending or conveying information from one party to another, which aligns with the project manager's communication methods in this case.

Controlling stakeholder engagement involves managing the relationships and communication with stakeholders throughout the project. This includes identifying and addressing any issues or concerns raised by stakeholders. Corrective actions refer to the steps taken to address and resolve any problems or deviations from the project plan. Therefore, it is likely that controlling stakeholder engagement will result in corrective actions being taken to address any issues raised by stakeholders.

The procurement statement of work (SOW) is based on the scope baseline. The scope baseline includes the project scope statement, which defines the project objectives, deliverables, and requirements. The SOW outlines the specific work that needs to be performed by the vendor and aligns with the project's scope baseline. It provides a detailed description of the work to be done, including deliverables, timelines, and any other specific requirements. By basing the SOW on the scope baseline, Mary ensures that the vendor's work aligns with the overall project objectives and requirements.

After conducting research, the project manager has determined that writing their own code will cost $25,000 upfront and $3,000 per month for updates, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. The vendor has offered to write the code for a fee of $5 per user per month, with an estimated 1,200 users per month. Additionally, an in-house accountant will be required, costing an extra $1,200 per month. To determine when it is more cost-effective to write their own code, the project manager needs to compare the cost of using the vendor's solution to the cost of writing their own code. By calculating the total cost for each option, it is determined that after 6 months, it becomes more cost-effective to write their own code.

The project scope statement is a document that outlines the objectives, deliverables, and boundaries of a project. It defines the contracted work, which means it clearly states what work is included and what is not included in the project. This helps the project manager analyze the procurement needs because it provides a clear understanding of what needs to be procured and what resources are required for the project. Additionally, the project scope statement must support the requirements of the project customer, ensuring that the contracted work aligns with the customer's expectations and needs.

Vroom's Expectancy Theory states that individuals are motivated to perform better when they believe that their efforts will lead to desired outcomes or rewards. In this scenario, the workers may see the project conditions as unfavorable, but because they like the project manager, they are likely to be motivated and inspired if they believe that their efforts will be rewarded. This theory emphasizes the importance of rewards and the belief that effort will lead to desired outcomes in motivating individuals to remain productive.

The process described in the question is called quality planning. It involves studying the requirements and creating a plan to implement the deliverables with the appropriate level of quality. Quality planning is an essential step in ensuring that the project meets industry standards and is accepted by the customer. It involves identifying quality objectives, determining the necessary processes and resources, and developing a plan to achieve the desired level of quality. This process helps in proactively addressing quality issues and ensuring that the project is completed successfully.

The correct answer is "Allow project meetings to last as long as needed." This is not a valid rule for project meetings because it can lead to inefficiency and waste of time. Project meetings should have a defined agenda and time limit to ensure that discussions stay focused and productive. Allowing meetings to last as long as needed can result in unnecessary tangents and prolong the decision-making process. It is important to respect everyone's time and ensure that meetings are efficient and effective in achieving project goals.

Lessons learned identification takes place throughout the project life cycle. This means that it is an ongoing process that occurs at various stages of the project. Lessons learned are identified and documented as they occur, allowing the project team to capture valuable insights and experiences in real-time. This helps to improve project performance and avoid repeating mistakes. By conducting lessons learned throughout the project life cycle, the project team can continuously learn and adapt, leading to more successful outcomes.

A project schedule for stakeholder communications is a management skill because it involves planning and organizing the timing and frequency of communication with stakeholders. This skill ensures that the right information is shared with the right stakeholders at the right time, promoting effective engagement and collaboration throughout the project. It requires the ability to prioritize and allocate resources, coordinate activities, and monitor progress to ensure that stakeholders are kept informed and involved in the project.

Lessons learned from previous similar projects will help the project manager complete the needed communications management plan by identifying the stakeholders' communication needs. By reviewing and analyzing the experiences and outcomes of previous projects, the project manager can gain insights into the communication requirements of stakeholders. This information can be used to tailor the communication plan and ensure that the right messages are delivered to the right stakeholders in an effective and efficient manner.

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Quality is prevention-driven means that the focus is on preventing defects and errors from occurring in the first place rather than relying on inspection and rework. This approach emphasizes the importance of planning, training, and using quality tools and techniques to ensure that quality is built into the project process from the beginning. By taking a prevention-driven approach, the project team can reduce the likelihood of costly rework and ensure that the project meets the required quality standards without incurring additional costs.