Stockton PMP Mock Exam

1. You are managing a large hotel construction project in another state. You are about to fly out to an important client meeting when you realize that you've lost your wallet and thus are unable to board your flight. Missing the meeting will cause your project to fall significantly behind schedule and postponing the meeting is not an option. A co-worker that looks similar to you offers to loan you his ID, so that you can board the flight and make your meeting. What should you do?

Postpone the meeting

Use your co-worker's ID and board the flight

Make up an excuse, such as a death in the family, to cover up for your mistake

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
Choice A is the correct answer. The ethical and legal thing to do in this situation is be honest with the client. The question states that postponing the meeting is not an option, so you can't choose choice B. Using your co-worker's ID to board the flight would be illegal. Choice D is incorrect also, because being dishonest is never an appropriate option. As a project manager you should always follow the law and be honest.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
Choice A is the correct answer. The ethical and legal thing to do in this situation is be honest with the client. The question states that postponing the meeting is not an option, so you can't choose choice B. Using your co-worker's ID to board the flight would be illegal. Choice D is incorrect also, because being dishonest is never an appropriate option. As a project manager you should always follow the law and be honest.

2. You are submitting a status report to your external customer. Which form of communication should you use?

Formal verbal

Formal written

Informal verbal

Informal written

Monitoring & Controlling - Communications Management
All project reports and any procurement related communications should be formal written.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Communications Management
All project reports and any procurement related communications should be formal written.

3. What is the purpose of a project charter?

To formally authorize a project or a phase and document initial requirements which satisfy the stakeholder’s needs and expectations.

To document how the project will be planned, executed, monitored/controlled, and closed.

To link the project, which is going to be planned, executed, and monitored/controlled to the ongoing work of the organization.

Initiating - Integration Management
Project Charter formally authorizes a project or a phase and documenting initial requirements that satisfy the stakeholder's needs and expectations. (PMBOK, p.45)

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
Project Charter formally authorizes a project or a phase and documenting initial requirements that satisfy the stakeholder's needs and expectations. (PMBOK, p.45)

4. What form of communication should a customer use to express their acceptance of the project deliverables?

Informal verbal

Formal written

Formal verbal

Informal written

Closing - Integration Management
Formal acceptance should always be formal written.

Explanation

Closing - Integration Management
Formal acceptance should always be formal written.

5. What is included in the scope baseline?

Project scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary

Scope management plan, and project scope statement

Scope management plan, project scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary

WBS and WBS dictionary

Planning - Scope Management
The scope baseline includes the project scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
The scope baseline includes the project scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary.

6. A major problem with this type of organization structure is that when the project is finished the team is terminated. What type of organization structure does this refer to?

Balanced Matrix

Projectized

Functional

Weak Matrix

Executing - Human Resource Management
In a Projectized organizational structure the project team reports to only one boss and is tasked with working solely on the one project. One major problem with this type of structure is what to do with the team members when the project is completed. One way this is handled is to terminate the employment of all team members.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
In a Projectized organizational structure the project team reports to only one boss and is tasked with working solely on the one project. One major problem with this type of structure is what to do with the team members when the project is completed. One way this is handled is to terminate the employment of all team members.

7. A project manager is trying to complete a software development project, but cannot get enough attention for the project. Resources are focused on completing process-related work and the project manager has little authority to properly assign resources. What form of organization must the project manager be working in?

Functional

Matrix

Strong Matrix

Coordinated

Executing - Human Resource Management
In a functional organization, project managers have little to none of authority and resource availability.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
In a functional organization, project managers have little to none of authority and resource availability.

8. You are in the process of hiring 2 new project managers for upcoming projects at your company. You discover that one of the applicants has lied about being PMP certified. With that one exception, he is actually the most qualified applicant. What should you do?

Hire him since he is the most qualified person

Report him to PMI because lying about having the PMP is unethical

Do nothing because it's none of your business

Report him to the police because lying on a resume is fraud

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
If someone lies about being PMP certified you should report them to the PMI. You would definitely not hire him. You should not ignore it, as choice C suggests, because this is a violation of PMI ethics and should be reported. You would not call the police, because lying on a resume is not illegal.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
If someone lies about being PMP certified you should report them to the PMI. You would definitely not hire him. You should not ignore it, as choice C suggests, because this is a violation of PMI ethics and should be reported. You would not call the police, because lying on a resume is not illegal.

9. You are managing a large construction project and need to make changes to the contract. Once the changes are complete, you need to give a presentation to management to explain the changes. What types of communication should you use?

Formal written, formal verbal

Informal written, formal verbal

Formal written, informal verbal

Informal written, informal verbal

Executing - Communications Management
Whenever making changes to a contract you should use formal written. When you make a presentation you use formal verbal.

Explanation

Executing - Communications Management
Whenever making changes to a contract you should use formal written. When you make a presentation you use formal verbal.

10. You are in the process of installing a new heating and cooling system in an office building when you realize that because of the way the exhaust fan is situated, winds over 30 MPH will cause the AC unit to not vent nor work properly. You decide to not change anything and continue as planned. What strategy did you choose?

Exploit

Accept

Transfer

Mitigate

Planning - Risk Management
Since you have chosen to not do anything different, you have decided to accept the risk.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
Since you have chosen to not do anything different, you have decided to accept the risk.

11. All of the following are part of the scope baseline except the:

Project scope management plan

Project scope statement

Work breakdown structure

Work breakdown structure dictionary

Planning - Scope Management
Scope baseline is an approved specific version of the detailed scope statement, work breakdown structure (WBS), and its associated WBS dictionary.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
Scope baseline is an approved specific version of the detailed scope statement, work breakdown structure (WBS), and its associated WBS dictionary.

12. You are managing a project to build a bridge across the bay. The previous project had cost overruns because the project team underestimates the winds and harsh weather conditions on the bay. The lessons learned from the previous project can be found in which of the following places?

Organizational process assets

Records management system

Project management software

Enterprise environmental assets

Initiatling - Integration Management
The lessons learned documents would be found in the organizational process assets. The term records management system only applies to procurements. The term project management software is found in cost and time management. Enterprise environmental factors are the environment around you that are usally intangible.

Explanation

Initiatling - Integration Management
The lessons learned documents would be found in the organizational process assets. The term records management system only applies to procurements. The term project management software is found in cost and time management. Enterprise environmental factors are the environment around you that are usally intangible.

13. During a project team meeting, a team member suggests an enhancement to the scope that is beyond the scope of the project charter. The project manager points out that the team needs to concentrate on completing all the work and only the work required. This is an example of what?

Change management process

Scope management

Quality analysis

Scope decomposition

Planning - Scope Management
Project scope management includes the processes required to ensure that the project includes all the work required, and only the work required, to complete the project successfully.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
Project scope management includes the processes required to ensure that the project includes all the work required, and only the work required, to complete the project successfully.

14. You are managing a project that will move your company's data to a new state of the art data center. The biggest risk your team has identified is the risk of losing important customer records data during the move. Fortunately, most of the data is also stored on paper forms. However the cost to input the records would be very expensive. To address this risk you create a backup of the entire customer database as of last week and purchase an insurance policy to pay for the cost to input data for the past 7 days. Which type of risk response strategy are you using?

Mitigate and transfer

Mitigate and enhance

Mitigate and share

Mitigate and avoid

Planning - Risk Management
Creating a backup of the data is an example of mitigation. Mitigation is a plan you'll implement if things go wrong to make sure the impact is minimized. The insurance policy is an example of transfer. The risk of the cost to input that data is being transferred to a third party.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
Creating a backup of the data is an example of mitigation. Mitigation is a plan you'll implement if things go wrong to make sure the impact is minimized. The insurance policy is an example of transfer. The risk of the cost to input that data is being transferred to a third party.

15. When managing a project team, what is the best way to handle conflict in a team environment?

You should address the conflict early and in private using a direct and collaborative approach

You should address the conflict in front of the whole team to ensure that everyone knows about it

You should wait as long as possible to see if the conflict will go away by itself

When you are resolving a conflict, you should compare it to any past conflicts

Executing - Human Resource Management
Conflict should be addressed early and usually in private. Therefore, choices B and C are incorrect. Conflict resolution should focus on the present, not the past, as choice D suggests.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Conflict should be addressed early and usually in private. Therefore, choices B and C are incorrect. Conflict resolution should focus on the present, not the past, as choice D suggests.

16. You have just been assigned as project manager for a large software development project. This one-year project is about halfway done. The project team consists of 10 employees from subcontractors and 25 of your company's employees. You want to understand who is responsible for doing what on the project. Where would you find such information?

Responsibility assignment matrix

Resource histogram

Gantt chart

Project organization chart

Executing - Human Resource Management
The responsibility assignment matrix maps who will do the work, whereas the resource histogram (choice B) shows the number of resources used in each time period. In its pure sense, a Gantt chart (choice C) shows only task and calendar date. An organizational chart (choice D) shows who reports to whom.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
The responsibility assignment matrix maps who will do the work, whereas the resource histogram (choice B) shows the number of resources used in each time period. In its pure sense, a Gantt chart (choice C) shows only task and calendar date. An organizational chart (choice D) shows who reports to whom.

17. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the project charter?

It defines the project scope

It authorizes work to begin on the project

It completely describes the work to be done on the project

It describes the business case and reason for doing the project

Initiating - Integration Management
The main purpose of the project charter is to grant formal authority for work to begin on a project. The charter may include some aspects of the other answer choices, but choice B is the best answer.

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
The main purpose of the project charter is to grant formal authority for work to begin on a project. The charter may include some aspects of the other answer choices, but choice B is the best answer.

18. You are managing a project to develop a new mobile phone. Even though it's not in the requirements, you decide to add the feature to be able to use the phone in any country without changing the SIM card. What is this feature called?

Scope creep

Gold plating

Prototypes

Alternatives identification

Planning - Scope Management
Adding unwanted and undocumented features to a product is called gold plating. Scope creep is where stakeholders or customers continuously add requirements to the project. Prototypes are a requirements documentation technique. Alternatives identification is the process of identifying defferent ways to complete the work on a project.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
Adding unwanted and undocumented features to a product is called gold plating. Scope creep is where stakeholders or customers continuously add requirements to the project. Prototypes are a requirements documentation technique. Alternatives identification is the process of identifying defferent ways to complete the work on a project.

19. You are managing a project with the following EVM metrics: AC = $24,000, EV = $30,000 and PV = $28,000. Which of the following statements is true?

The project is over budget and ahead of schedule

The project is within budget and behind schedule

The project is over budget and behind schedule

The project is within budget and ahead of schedule

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
For this question you need to calculate CPI and SPI, which will tell you if you are over or under budget and if you are within or behind schedule respectively. CPI = EV / AC = $30,000/$24,000 = 1.25 thus your project is within budget. SPI = EV / PV = $30,000/$28,000 = 1.07 thus your project is ahead of schedule.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
For this question you need to calculate CPI and SPI, which will tell you if you are over or under budget and if you are within or behind schedule respectively. CPI = EV / AC = $30,000/$24,000 = 1.25 thus your project is within budget. SPI = EV / PV = $30,000/$28,000 = 1.07 thus your project is ahead of schedule.

20. You are the project manager for a retail clothing company and are responsible for setting up new stores. One of your team members, Bob, has been acting up lately. He often times is in a bad mood and has been creating a lot of conflict. You hear a rumor that he is having personal issues with his spouse, but that is no excuse for his behavior. How should you approach this situation?

Call an intervention so the entire team can tell him how his behavior has impacted the team

Send him an email informing him that his behavior is inappropriate

Schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss the issue in private

Setup a meeting with Bob and his wife to try to help them resolve their differences

Executing - Human Resource Management
The first thing you should always do when there is a behavior or performance problem with one of your team members is to discuss it one-on-one in private. While interventions might be great for drug and alcohol problems, they are not appropriate in the workplace. Email is too impersonal and you always want to discuss performance issue face-to-face. Meeting with Bob and his wife is out of the question and totally inappropriate - as a project manager you should draw a clear line between work and personal life and not interfere in Bob's marriage.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
The first thing you should always do when there is a behavior or performance problem with one of your team members is to discuss it one-on-one in private. While interventions might be great for drug and alcohol problems, they are not appropriate in the workplace. Email is too impersonal and you always want to discuss performance issue face-to-face. Meeting with Bob and his wife is out of the question and totally inappropriate - as a project manager you should draw a clear line between work and personal life and not interfere in Bob's marriage.

21. You are the project manager for a large biotech company. One of your Asian team member, Chang, makes a racist comment about a white woman on the team. Your company policy is to report such comments to HR. This is the first time you have heard such racist comments on your team and don't expect it will happen again. What should you do?

Reprimand Chang during the next team meeting

Reprimand Chang in private and report his conduct to HR

Ignore the comment, because racist comment does not affect the project

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
The appropriate response is to reprimand Chang in private and follow company policy. Choices A and D are incorrect, because regardless of how often or towards whom, racist and sexist comments are not to be tolerated.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
The appropriate response is to reprimand Chang in private and follow company policy. Choices A and D are incorrect, because regardless of how often or towards whom, racist and sexist comments are not to be tolerated.

22. Which of the following is a deliverable oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be completed on a project?

SOW

WBS

Scope statement

Network diagram

Planning - Scope Management
This should be an easy one if you read the PMBOK. The definition of the WBS is a deliverable oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be completed on a project.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
This should be an easy one if you read the PMBOK. The definition of the WBS is a deliverable oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be completed on a project.

23. You have just been assigned to a new project and have been given the project statment of work and the project charter. The first thing you must do is:

Create a project scope statement

Identify all the stakeholders

Analyze projct risk

Begin work on the project management plan

Initiating - Integration Management
Once the project charter is created, the next step is to identify the stakholders.

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
Once the project charter is created, the next step is to identify the stakholders.

24. You are managing a project at a water treatment plant. Your team is having conflicts about things like who takes meeting minutes, what time to arrive at work, inappropriate work language, and workplace dress code. Which of the following would help resolve these issues?

Projectized organization structure

Rewards and recognition

Ground rules

Sensitivity training

Executing - Human Resource Management
Ground rules help the team understand what behavior is acceptable and what is not. Ground rules could help to resolve the issues listed in the question.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Ground rules help the team understand what behavior is acceptable and what is not. Ground rules could help to resolve the issues listed in the question.

25. Being assigned as a project manager, you noticed during project execution that conflicts arise in the team on both technical and interpersonal levels. What is an appropriate way of handling conflicts?

Conflicts distract the team and disrupt the work rhythm. You should always smooth them when they surface.

A conflict should be handled in a meeting so that the entire team can participate in finding a solution.

Conflicts should be addressed early and usually in private, using a direct, collaborative approach.

You should use your coercive power to quickly resolve conflicts and then focus on goal achievement.

Executing - Human Resource Management
Conflict should be addressed early and usually in private, using a direct, collaborative approch. If disruptive conflict continues, formal procedures may be used, including disciplinary actions. (PMBOK, p.239)

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Conflict should be addressed early and usually in private, using a direct, collaborative approch. If disruptive conflict continues, formal procedures may be used, including disciplinary actions. (PMBOK, p.239)

26. You are the project manager for an accounting project. You have requested 2 senior-level auditors to assist you on your project, but the accounting director assigns 2 very junior team members that lack the necessary skills to complete the work. How should you respond?

Go to the accounting director's manager and ask for the senior resources you need

Do the best you can with the junior team members

Ask your manager to talk with the accounting director

Executing - Human Resource Management
The appropriate course of action is always to try to resolve the issue directly with the person you have the problem with, thus D is the correct answer. You should never go to outside parties, as suggested in choices A and C, until you have first tried to resolve the issue yourself. Choice B is clearly wrong, because you know the junior resources are not up to the task.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
The appropriate course of action is always to try to resolve the issue directly with the person you have the problem with, thus D is the correct answer. You should never go to outside parties, as suggested in choices A and C, until you have first tried to resolve the issue yourself. Choice B is clearly wrong, because you know the junior resources are not up to the task.

27. Government regulations that will limit your options as a project team are best described as?

Bureaucracies

Constraints

Workarounds

Assumptions

Planning - Human Resource Management
Union contracts and government regulations that are imposed on your project are examples of constraints. Constraints are anything that limits your options on a project.

Explanation

Planning - Human Resource Management
Union contracts and government regulations that are imposed on your project are examples of constraints. Constraints are anything that limits your options on a project.

28. You are managing a project on a Time and Materials contract that is budgeted thru the end of the year. You expect your work will be completed by December 13th, but if you end the engagement early there is a good chance your contract will not be renewed for the next quarter. What should you do?

Complete the project on December 13, even if it means losing the contract.

Ask the customer for an early completion bonus.

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
The ethical thing to do is be honest and complete the project early, even if you lose the contract as a result. Choice A is unethical and choice C is not appropriate. Choice D is not correct, because you should not be working on things that are not in scope.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
The ethical thing to do is be honest and complete the project early, even if you lose the contract as a result. Choice A is unethical and choice C is not appropriate. Choice D is not correct, because you should not be working on things that are not in scope.

29. Stakeholders are best described as?

People or organizations who ask you to do work

People or organizations who are actively involved in or affected by the project

People who approve the project

People who provide the financial resources for the project

Initiating - Communications Management
The definition of a stakeholder is anyone who is actively involved in or anyone who is positively or negatively affected by the porject. Not all stakeholders ask you to do work on the project; not all stakeholders necessarily approve the project; not all stakeholders provide the financial resources for the project.

Explanation

Initiating - Communications Management
The definition of a stakeholder is anyone who is actively involved in or anyone who is positively or negatively affected by the porject. Not all stakeholders ask you to do work on the project; not all stakeholders necessarily approve the project; not all stakeholders provide the financial resources for the project.

30. Who is the most appropriate person to approve the project charter?

Customer

Sponsor

Stakeholders

Project manager

Initiating - Integration managemer
The sponsor is responsible for approving the project charts.

Explanation

Initiating - Integration managemer
The sponsor is responsible for approving the project charts.

31. What is true regarding projects?

A project is a unique service undertaken to create a temporary product

A project is a unique endeavor undertaken to create a temporary service

A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service

A project is a temporary product undertaken to create a unique endeavor or service

Initiating - Integration Management
Choice C is the PMBOK definition of a project (p. 5).

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
Choice C is the PMBOK definition of a project (p. 5).

32. You are preparing for the PMP exam when a colleague of yours who has already passed the PMP offers to tell you all of the answers he remembers from when he took the exam. What should you do?

Accept his offer so that you can pass the exam

Decline his offer and report him to PMI

Accept his offer and post everything he tells you to your blog so that others can benefit

Decline the offer

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
Divulging the answers to the PMP exam is cheating. Since your colleague is a PMP, you should report him to PMI.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
Divulging the answers to the PMP exam is cheating. Since your colleague is a PMP, you should report him to PMI.

33. What is the name for the lowest level of the WBS?

Activity

Deliverable

Work package

Node

Planning - Scope Management
The work package is the name for the lowest level in the WBS.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
The work package is the name for the lowest level in the WBS.

34. Your project was suddenly terminated after a major design flaw was found in one of the component that you delivered to the customer. What should you do next?

Stop work, document the lessons learned, and then release the team

Offer the customer box seat tickets to a professional sporting event and try to get him to reinstate your contract

Keep the team working on the project to fix the problems and try to get the project reinstated

Stop work and release the team immediately

Closing - Integration Management
If your project gets terminated early you should immediately stop work and document the lessons learned. After the lessons learned are documented you can release the team. Choice B is suggesting a bribe, which is not appropriate. Choice C is not correct either; you should not work on the project if it is canceled. You need your team to document the lessons learned so choice D is incorrect.

Explanation

Closing - Integration Management
If your project gets terminated early you should immediately stop work and document the lessons learned. After the lessons learned are documented you can release the team. Choice B is suggesting a bribe, which is not appropriate. Choice C is not correct either; you should not work on the project if it is canceled. You need your team to document the lessons learned so choice D is incorrect.

35. Which of the following is not a result of performing stakeholder analysis?

Understanding who might impact or might be impacted by the project

Determining a strategy for how to best manage various stakeholders

Understanding who will be responsible for completing the work

Understanding stakeholder attitudes

Initiating - Communications Management
Remember stakeholder analysis is done at the beginning of a project - at that point we don't know what work is required yet, so how could we assign responsibility. Choice A is the main reason for doing this process and is documented in the stakeholder register. Choice B and D are included in the stakeholder management strategy, which is the other output of this process.

Explanation

Initiating - Communications Management
Remember stakeholder analysis is done at the beginning of a project - at that point we don't know what work is required yet, so how could we assign responsibility. Choice A is the main reason for doing this process and is documented in the stakeholder register. Choice B and D are included in the stakeholder management strategy, which is the other output of this process.

36. You are the project manager of a marketing intelligence project and you are 75% complete with the project. At this point in the project you really cannot change much as it's almost complete. A new chief marketing officer (CMO) has been hired at your company and he will obviously be affected by your project. What should you do?

Complete the project and show the CMO the results when you are finished

Meet with the CMO to discuss his requirements

Add the CMO to the weekly status report distribution list

Stop all work on the project until you get approval from the new CMO to continue

Executing - Communications Management
The appropriate response is to meet with the CMO to discuss his requirements. You should not ignore the new CMO, a key stakeholder on your project, as suggested in choice A. Also, simply adding him to the weekly status report distribution list is insufficient - you need to understand his requirements. Choice D is too dramatic. You should continue working on your project and try to schedule a meeting with the new CMO as soon as possible.

Explanation

Executing - Communications Management
The appropriate response is to meet with the CMO to discuss his requirements. You should not ignore the new CMO, a key stakeholder on your project, as suggested in choice A. Also, simply adding him to the weekly status report distribution list is insufficient - you need to understand his requirements. Choice D is too dramatic. You should continue working on your project and try to schedule a meeting with the new CMO as soon as possible.

37. Which of the following are strategies for responding to positive risks?

Share, accept, mitigate, enhance

Mitigate, accept, share, exploit

Share, accept, enhance, exploit

Share, accept, transfer, enhance

Planning - Risk Management
The four types of strtegies for responding to positive risks are share, accept, enhance, and exploit.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
The four types of strtegies for responding to positive risks are share, accept, enhance, and exploit.

38. Your change control board (CCB) has just approved a change request. What is the next thing you should do?

Analyze the impact of the change

Inform stakeholders of the change approval

Update the project plan to reflect the change

Manage the project based on the approved change

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The first thing you should do after a change request is approved is to update the project documents. Once the documents are updated, then you can inform the stakeholders. After that you can go back to work and manage the project based on the approved change. Choice A is clearly wrong, because you always analyze the impact of a change prior to submitting a change request (that is likely the first question you will be asked by the CCB - what's the impact to your project?).

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The first thing you should do after a change request is approved is to update the project documents. Once the documents are updated, then you can inform the stakeholders. After that you can go back to work and manage the project based on the approved change. Choice A is clearly wrong, because you always analyze the impact of a change prior to submitting a change request (that is likely the first question you will be asked by the CCB - what's the impact to your project?).

39. Which of the following best describes the purpose of Integrated Change Control on a project?

To prevent changes from occurring

To help the project manager make tough decisions

To provide a framework to approve, reject, and manage changes

To eliminate scope creep

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The correct answer is choice C. The main purpose of the Perform Integrated Change Control process is to provide a framework to approve, reject, and manage changes on a project. Choices A and D might be desirable, but they are not the main purpose of Perform Integrated Change Control. Choice B is also incorrect. Project Managers ofter have to make tough decisions, but unfortunately Integrated Change Control is not designed for that.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The correct answer is choice C. The main purpose of the Perform Integrated Change Control process is to provide a framework to approve, reject, and manage changes on a project. Choices A and D might be desirable, but they are not the main purpose of Perform Integrated Change Control. Choice B is also incorrect. Project Managers ofter have to make tough decisions, but unfortunately Integrated Change Control is not designed for that.

40. You are working in a country where it is customary to pay for a police escort to a dangerous area of town. You have an important meeting in that part of town that cannot be delayed or your project will be severely impacted. A colleague tells you it's perfectly acceptable to pay for the service, but you are worried that it might be considered a bribe. What is the appropriate response?

Pay the police for the escort, because it could be dangerous not to

Refuse the police escort service, because it is a bribe

Postpone your meeting, so that you can ask management for advice

Cancel the meeting

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
Choice A is the correct answer. You should pay for the escort service. In this case the escort is not a bribe because it is customary in that country. A bribe typically involves doing something illegal or gaining special favors (such as being awarded a contract), which is not the case here. Plus it would be dangerous not to accept the escort. The question states that you cannot delay the meeting, so choices C and D are incorrect.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
Choice A is the correct answer. You should pay for the escort service. In this case the escort is not a bribe because it is customary in that country. A bribe typically involves doing something illegal or gaining special favors (such as being awarded a contract), which is not the case here. Plus it would be dangerous not to accept the escort. The question states that you cannot delay the meeting, so choices C and D are incorrect.

41. You are managing a project and a team member comes across a major risk. Based on the team member's assessment the risk has a fairly high probability and impact of occurring. What should you do first?

Call a team meeting to discuss the risk

Transfer the risk by hiring an external vendor to do the work

Reprimand the team member for even bringing up the risk

Document the risk in the risk register

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
The first thing you should always do when you identify a new risk is add it to the risk register. You may very well want to call a meeting quickly, but the first thing you should do is document that the risk exists by putting it in the risk register. You would not transfer the risk, as suggested in choice B, until you had documented it and done some analysis. Obviously choice C is not correct - you always want an open policy for identifying risks.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
The first thing you should always do when you identify a new risk is add it to the risk register. You may very well want to call a meeting quickly, but the first thing you should do is document that the risk exists by putting it in the risk register. You would not transfer the risk, as suggested in choice B, until you had documented it and done some analysis. Obviously choice C is not correct - you always want an open policy for identifying risks.

42. Which of the following contracts has the most risk to the Seller?

Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

Fixed Price with Economic Prices Adjustment (FP-EPA)

Cost plus fixed fee (CPFF)

Time and Material (T&M)

Executing - Procurement Management
The seller has the most risk under a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract. In this type of contract the seller is required to do all of the work for a set price. Regardless of what happens to underlying materials costs, the seller must complete the work for the fixed price in the contract. The other types of contracts have clauses that shift some of the risk back to the buyer in the event that prices go up.

Explanation

Executing - Procurement Management
The seller has the most risk under a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract. In this type of contract the seller is required to do all of the work for a set price. Regardless of what happens to underlying materials costs, the seller must complete the work for the fixed price in the contract. The other types of contracts have clauses that shift some of the risk back to the buyer in the event that prices go up.

43. You are managing a large software project for a bank and are about 50% done with the work when a new stakeholder is identified. It turns out the stakeholder will be highly impacted by the new software project. You have a tight deadline and the requirements are already firmly set. What should you do?

Ignore the stakeholder

Meet with the stakeholder to inform them of your project

Meet with the stakeholder to gather their requirements

Find someone to blame for not identifying the stakeholder earlier

Initiating - Communications Management
The correct course of action would be to meet with the stakeholder and document their requirements. You might get lucky and already have all of their requirements taken into consideration. At the very least, you will understand what is missing and if time permits be able to work on thier requirements. Ignoring the stakeholder and searching for someone to blame are obviously inappropriate responses. Simply informing the stakeholder of your project and not gathering their requirements, as suggested in choice B, would not be appropriate either.

Explanation

Initiating - Communications Management
The correct course of action would be to meet with the stakeholder and document their requirements. You might get lucky and already have all of their requirements taken into consideration. At the very least, you will understand what is missing and if time permits be able to work on thier requirements. Ignoring the stakeholder and searching for someone to blame are obviously inappropriate responses. Simply informing the stakeholder of your project and not gathering their requirements, as suggested in choice B, would not be appropriate either.

44. You have just gained formal approval for your project and are asking around to see who else might be impacted by your project. What process group are you performing?

Initiating

Planning

Executing

Monitoring and Controlling

Initiating - Communications Management
The question is describing the Identify Stakeholders process, which is done in the Initiating process group.

Explanation

Initiating - Communications Management
The question is describing the Identify Stakeholders process, which is done in the Initiating process group.

45. Pareto charts help the project manager to

Foster a more creative team

Focus their attention on the primary causes of quality issues

See patterns in defect rates over time

Perform resource leveling on the project

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Pareto charts are a combined bar chart (ordered by frequency) and line chart (showing cumulative defect). Pareto charts help the project manager see which causes of defects are causing the most number of defect. You may also hear the term 80/20 rule, which is used with Pareto charts and refers to the fact that often times 80% of the issues are caused by 20% of the reasons. Choice A is irrelevant to the question. Choice C is referring to run charts. For choice D you would use a simple bar chart (aka histogram).

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Pareto charts are a combined bar chart (ordered by frequency) and line chart (showing cumulative defect). Pareto charts help the project manager see which causes of defects are causing the most number of defect. You may also hear the term 80/20 rule, which is used with Pareto charts and refers to the fact that often times 80% of the issues are caused by 20% of the reasons. Choice A is irrelevant to the question. Choice C is referring to run charts. For choice D you would use a simple bar chart (aka histogram).

46. You are working as a project manager and are currently looking at a chart that shows you the type and number of resources that you need over a period of time. Your goal is to smooth out your resources so you can avoid the peaks and valleys. What type of chart are you looking at?

Run chart

Resource histogram

Resource calendar

Staffing management plan

Planning - Human Resource Management
The question is describing resource leveling, which is the process of smoothing out resource utilization over time. You would use a resource histogram (bar chart) to do resource leveling. Resource histogram is a form of resource calendar, which in turn is a part of a staffing management plan.

Explanation

Planning - Human Resource Management
The question is describing resource leveling, which is the process of smoothing out resource utilization over time. You would use a resource histogram (bar chart) to do resource leveling. Resource histogram is a form of resource calendar, which in turn is a part of a staffing management plan.

47. You are working on a large construction project as a project manager and have just found an opportunity to save a lot of money on your project. Which of the following is an example of exploiting the opportunity?

Partnering with anthor company to take advantage of the opportunity

By changing your project approach to ensure that you achieve the full benefits of the opportunity

Hiring workers in another country to work long hours in poor conditions for very low pay

By taking out an insurance policy to reduce your project costs

Planning - Risk Management
Exploiting means you actively go after the opportunity. Choice A is describing sharing. Choice C is using the word exploit in a common sense and non project management usage, which is not how you should answer questions on the PMP exam. Choice D is describing transferring, which is a negative risk strategy and should not be used for opportunities.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
Exploiting means you actively go after the opportunity. Choice A is describing sharing. Choice C is using the word exploit in a common sense and non project management usage, which is not how you should answer questions on the PMP exam. Choice D is describing transferring, which is a negative risk strategy and should not be used for opportunities.

48. When working as a project manager there are many things around you that can impact the project's ability to be successful including the corporate culture, infrastructure, marketplace conditions, the number and type of resource available, workplace attitudes, etc. These are referred to as?

Organizational process assets

Enterprise environmental factors

Lesson learned

Constraints

Initiating - Integration Management
The question lists just a few of the many enterprise environmental factors listed in the PMBOK fourth edition on page 14.

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
The question lists just a few of the many enterprise environmental factors listed in the PMBOK fourth edition on page 14.

49. Defects found late in the project are

Easy to fix

Expensive to fix

Catastrophic to the project

The project manager's fault

Executing - Quality Management
As time passes in a project, defects become more expensive to repair. Also remember that stakeholder influence and risk decreases as time passes.

Explanation

Executing - Quality Management
As time passes in a project, defects become more expensive to repair. Also remember that stakeholder influence and risk decreases as time passes.

50. You work for a company that develops software using agile methodologies. You decide to take a training course in agile project management. What is this an example of?

Developing project team

Contributing to the project management body of knowledge

Enhancing personal professional competencies

Lessons learned

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
Whenever you educate yourself by taking training in the field of project management this is called enhancing personal professional competencies. As a PMP you are expected to continually develop your skills and knowledge by earning 60 hours of project management education every 3 years.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
Whenever you educate yourself by taking training in the field of project management this is called enhancing personal professional competencies. As a PMP you are expected to continually develop your skills and knowledge by earning 60 hours of project management education every 3 years.

51. You are working as a project manager on a construction project. You determine that there is a 40% risk of a flood during a critical period in the project. If the flood occurs it will damage $40,000 worth of equipment. It will also cost an extra $10,000 to drain the water out of the construction site. You also note that there is a 35% chance that having a small amount of rain will help the landscaping around the construction site, which will save you $10,000 in irrigation costs. What is the EMV?

-$16,500

-$23,500

$40,000

$50,000

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
The formula for Expected Monetary Value (EMV) is Probability * Impact. In this case we take the cumulative impact of a flood, which is $40,000 plus $10,000 or $50,000 multiplied by the 40% probability to get a $20,000 loss. Then we do the same for teh second scenario $10,000 times 35% or a $3,500 gain. Then we net the two values $20,000 loss plus a $3,500 gain to get a loss of $16,500.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
The formula for Expected Monetary Value (EMV) is Probability * Impact. In this case we take the cumulative impact of a flood, which is $40,000 plus $10,000 or $50,000 multiplied by the 40% probability to get a $20,000 loss. Then we do the same for teh second scenario $10,000 times 35% or a $3,500 gain. Then we net the two values $20,000 loss plus a $3,500 gain to get a loss of $16,500.

52. You are managing a project for a pharmaceutical company to develop a new flu vaccine that could save millions of lives. Which of the following would you use if you wanted to analyze actual versus planned results?

Status report

Variance report

Trend report

Forecast report

Executing - Communications Management
Variance reports are used to compare planned versus actual. Status reports typically look at status for the current period. Trend reports show performance plotted over time. Forecasts try to predict the future project performance.

Explanation

Executing - Communications Management
Variance reports are used to compare planned versus actual. Status reports typically look at status for the current period. Trend reports show performance plotted over time. Forecasts try to predict the future project performance.

53. Two of your team members, Jane and Carlos, are arguing about a design issue. Jane tells Carlos that if he doesn't do things her way, she won't help him with any of his project tasks anymore. This is an example of?

Compromise

Forcing

Smoothing

Withdrawal

Executing - Human Resource Management
This is an example of forcing. Jane is forcing Carlos to do things her way.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
This is an example of forcing. Jane is forcing Carlos to do things her way.

54. You are analyzing risks on your project using numeric values. What are you doing?

Qualitative risk analysis

Quantitative risk analysis

Identifying risks

Response strategy analysis

Planning - Risk Management
Quantitative risk analysis is the process of numerically analyzing risks. Whenever you see the keywork numeric, you should automatically think quantitative.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
Quantitative risk analysis is the process of numerically analyzing risks. Whenever you see the keywork numeric, you should automatically think quantitative.

55. You are working on a project in a weak matrix organization. Who has the authority in this type of structure?

Sponsor

Functional manager

Project manager

Customer

Planning - Human Resource Management
In a weak matrix organization the functional manager has the authority.

Explanation

Planning - Human Resource Management
In a weak matrix organization the functional manager has the authority.

56. Who manages the integration on a project?

Project manager

Project team

Sponsor

Stakeholder

Executing - Integration Management
Integration is one of the primary responsibilities of the project manager.

Explanation

Executing - Integration Management
Integration is one of the primary responsibilities of the project manager.

57. Everything has been going smoothly on your project until this morning. A fire broke out at the job site as a result of a lightning strike from an unusual summer thunderstorm and has destroyed quite a bit of the work completed to date. You review your Risk Management Plan and do not find any mention of this type of occurance. This is an example of

Poor risk planning which failed to identify this as a risk

An unidentified risk which will be covered by a management reserve

A risk which should have been identified during qualitative analysis

An unidentified risk which will be covered by a contingency reserve

Planning - Risk Management
Management reserves are for responding to unidentified risks. It is impossible to identify all risks, therefore some will remain unidentified. Contingency reserves are for responding to identified risks.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
Management reserves are for responding to unidentified risks. It is impossible to identify all risks, therefore some will remain unidentified. Contingency reserves are for responding to identified risks.

58. You are managing a project and one of your vendors submits a deliverable that you feel is incomplete. He disagrees and insists that his work is done and refuses to do any further work on it. How should you handle this situation?

Accept the work as completed

Have a mediator help resolve the issue

File a lawsuit to force the vendor to complete the work or pay you damages

Follow the claims administration procedures for resolving such conflicts

Closing - Procurement Management
This is a conflict related to a contract. The appropriate course of action is to use the claims administration procedures, which defines how to handle these types of conflicts.

Explanation

Closing - Procurement Management
This is a conflict related to a contract. The appropriate course of action is to use the claims administration procedures, which defines how to handle these types of conflicts.

59. You are the project manager for the Regional Railroad project. The project is to build a railroad linking the East side of your city with the downtown area. Part of the project will be to remodel the existing downtown train station. You are preparing a review of the current project performance and have the following measurements: PV = 250, AC = 350, EV = 300. What do you know about this project?

SV is positive number which means you have completed more work than you had planned to date.

You do not have enough information to calculate EAC.

SV is a negative number which means the project is ahead of schedule.

ETC is a positive number, which means the project will finish over budget.

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
SV is a positive number and is calculated as EV - PV which is 300 - 250 = 50. A positive SV means that the project is ahead of schedule, meaning you have completed more work to date than planned.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
SV is a positive number and is calculated as EV - PV which is 300 - 250 = 50. A positive SV means that the project is ahead of schedule, meaning you have completed more work to date than planned.

60. Two of your team members are arguing over a technical issue on your project. You suggest that they put their differences aside and offer to take them both to lunch. Which conflict resolution technique did you use?

Withdrawel

Compromise

Confronting

Smoothing

Executing - Human Resource Management
This is an example of smoothing, which occurs when you try to gloss over the issue or change the subject. As a good project manager this is not your best option, because the problem still exists and will likely come up again. The better option would have been to confront the problem, which would involve sitting down, discussing options, and trying to solve the problem. Withdrawal is where one party shuts down or walks away from the conversation. Compromise is where both parties give something up and meet in the middle.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
This is an example of smoothing, which occurs when you try to gloss over the issue or change the subject. As a good project manager this is not your best option, because the problem still exists and will likely come up again. The better option would have been to confront the problem, which would involve sitting down, discussing options, and trying to solve the problem. Withdrawal is where one party shuts down or walks away from the conversation. Compromise is where both parties give something up and meet in the middle.

61. Your project has the following schedule network paths: A-D-F-H, B-D-F-H, C-E-F-H, and C-E-G-H. Tasks have the following durations: A=10, B=8, C=6, D=4, E=12, F=6, G=3, H=4. What is the critical path?

22

24

25

28

Planning - Time Management
The critical path is the chain of activities with the longest duration path. In this case it is path C-E-F-H with a duration of 28 days.

Explanation

Planning - Time Management
The critical path is the chain of activities with the longest duration path. In this case it is path C-E-F-H with a duration of 28 days.

62. An important aspect of success criteria is that it should be quantifiable. Which of the following is an example of quantifiable success criteria?

The product has high quality

A ten percent reduction in production costs

The customer is happy with the results

A large increase in sales

Initiating - Integration Management
Quantifiable means measurable and thus is typically numeric. The only answer choice that can be accurately measured is choice B, because it has a number in it. All of the other answer choices are subjective.

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
Quantifiable means measurable and thus is typically numeric. The only answer choice that can be accurately measured is choice B, because it has a number in it. All of the other answer choices are subjective.

63. You are taking measurements and plotting the results on a control chart. What process are you performing?

Perform quality assurance

Perform quality control

Plan quality

Monitor and control project work

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Remember that quality control is when you do the actual testing and measurement. Quality assurance is when you audit the process to make sure you are following the correct quality policies and procedures. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the types of charts and graphs you would use in both of these processes - sometimes that is your only clue.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Remember that quality control is when you do the actual testing and measurement. Quality assurance is when you audit the process to make sure you are following the correct quality policies and procedures. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the types of charts and graphs you would use in both of these processes - sometimes that is your only clue.

64. You have a disagreement with a stakeholder over the technical approach to your project. Where should you document this?

Status report

Risk register

Issues log

It should not be documented

Monitoring & Controlling - Communications Management
Issues are any point or matter in dispute. A disagreement over the technical approach used on your project would be an issue, thus it should be documented in the issue log.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Communications Management
Issues are any point or matter in dispute. A disagreement over the technical approach used on your project would be an issue, thus it should be documented in the issue log.

65. You are testing quality on your project and you want to see trends over time. Which chart would be appropriate for this?

Ishikawa diagram

Run chart

Pareto chart

Control chart

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Run chart graphically display data points over time and would be the appropriate choice to see trends over time.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Run chart graphically display data points over time and would be the appropriate choice to see trends over time.

66. You identify a risk to your project and come up with a risk response strategy to mitigate the risk. However, after implementing the response strategy there is still some risk that remains. What is this called?

Left-over

Contingent

Secondary

Residual

Planning - Risk Management
Risk that remains after you implement your risk response strategy is called residual risk. You don't necessarily need to have a response strategy for residual risk, because your initial risk response strategy should encompass your best possible approach.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
Risk that remains after you implement your risk response strategy is called residual risk. You don't necessarily need to have a response strategy for residual risk, because your initial risk response strategy should encompass your best possible approach.

67. Which of the following is the output from the Communications Planning process?

Project records

Communications management plan

Performance reports

Communication models

Planning - Communications Management
Communications management plan is the output of the Plan Communications process. Communication models are the tools and techniques used in the Plan Communications process.

Explanation

Planning - Communications Management
Communications management plan is the output of the Plan Communications process. Communication models are the tools and techniques used in the Plan Communications process.

68. You are in the process of closing your project. What is the correct order of event?

Get formal acceptance, write lessons learned, release the team, close the contract

Release the team, get formal acceptance, write lessons learned, close the contract

Close the contract, write lessons learned, get formal acceptance, release the team

Close the contract, get formal acceptance, release the team, write lessons learned

Closing - Integration Management
The first thing to remember is that you need your team to complete the work for formal acceptance and also to write the lessons learned. You don't need your team to close a contract. Obviously you should get formal acceptance before you write the lessons learned.

Explanation

Closing - Integration Management
The first thing to remember is that you need your team to complete the work for formal acceptance and also to write the lessons learned. You don't need your team to close a contract. Obviously you should get formal acceptance before you write the lessons learned.

69. You are having lunch with a coworker, a fellow PMP, who is from a different country. He tells you that in his country women are not allowed to hold leadership roles, so he only promotes men. You tell him that sexual discrimination is wrong, but he refuses to listen and continues to only promote men. What should you do?

Report him to the PMI

Do nothing, you are not responsible for the integrity of others

Report him to management, because he is violating company policy

Meet with him to try to talk some sense into him

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
You should report him to the PMI. He is clearly persistent in his discrimination of women. Choice B is obviously incorrect; you should never turn a blind eye to clear ethics violations. Choice D is wrong, because you already met with him and explained that it is wrong. Choice C might be a correct response in many situations, but the question does not mention what the company policy is and thus the more correct choice is A. Remember on the exam to choose the PMBOK answer over common sense.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
You should report him to the PMI. He is clearly persistent in his discrimination of women. Choice B is obviously incorrect; you should never turn a blind eye to clear ethics violations. Choice D is wrong, because you already met with him and explained that it is wrong. Choice C might be a correct response in many situations, but the question does not mention what the company policy is and thus the more correct choice is A. Remember on the exam to choose the PMBOK answer over common sense.

70. You are a project manager of a project close to completing delivery of the final product when an important stakeholder contacts you about a requirement that seems to be missing from the project scope. You schedule a meeting with them to discuss the specifics of the requirement and the possible options for handling it. During the meeting the conversation becomes somewhat heated when the stakeholder demands to know when the requirement will be completed. What is the best way to handle this situation?

Use the conflict resoulution technique of Smoothing to examine the alternatives and identify a win-win solution

Recognize the stakeholder as a blocker and leave the meeting room to avoid further conflict with a stakeholder

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The CCB must review and approve all Change Requests. Explaining this fact and then assisting with the completion of the Change Request is the best way to handle this. The technique of Smoothing does not involve examing alternatives and is not win-win. Withdrawing during a conflict is never the best option. Agreeing to personally handle the request and to ensure it's completed as soon as possible sets an unrealistic expectation that it is already approved.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The CCB must review and approve all Change Requests. Explaining this fact and then assisting with the completion of the Change Request is the best way to handle this. The technique of Smoothing does not involve examing alternatives and is not win-win. Withdrawing during a conflict is never the best option. Agreeing to personally handle the request and to ensure it's completed as soon as possible sets an unrealistic expectation that it is already approved.

71. You have several very low impact and probability risks on your project. Which term best describes these?

Reserves

Residual risks

Threats

Watchlist

Planning - Risk Management
Risks that have a very low impact and very low probability of occurring are put on a watchlist. Basically you just keep an eye on them.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
Risks that have a very low impact and very low probability of occurring are put on a watchlist. Basically you just keep an eye on them.

72. When should you do the monitor and control project work process?

As each deliverable is completed

As soon as all deliverables are completed

Immediately after direct and manage project execution

Continuously throughout the project

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
Remember that you do monitoring and controlling throughout the entire project.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
Remember that you do monitoring and controlling throughout the entire project.

73. Which of the following types of conflict resolution is considered a win-lose?

Smoothing

Punishment

Forcing

Confronting

Executing - Human Resource Management
Forcing is a win-lose, because one party forces their view onto another party. The party doing the forcing gets exactly what they want, but the other party gets nothing of what they want. This is a bad way to handle conflicts. Smoothing is a lose-lose, because the issue is simply avoiding and will likely come back up later. Punishment is not a conflict resolution technique; it is a form of power. Contronting is where you solve the problem/issue to find a solution that makes both parties happy and is the best way to handle conflict.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Forcing is a win-lose, because one party forces their view onto another party. The party doing the forcing gets exactly what they want, but the other party gets nothing of what they want. This is a bad way to handle conflicts. Smoothing is a lose-lose, because the issue is simply avoiding and will likely come back up later. Punishment is not a conflict resolution technique; it is a form of power. Contronting is where you solve the problem/issue to find a solution that makes both parties happy and is the best way to handle conflict.

74. You are the project manager for a large project under contract with the government. The contract is a five-year, multi-million dollar project and was signed six months ago. You were not involved in contract negotiations or setting up procedures for managing changes, but now you are swamped with changes from the customer and from people inside your organization. Who is normally responsible for formally reviewing major changes to the project/contract?

The project manager

The contracting legal department

The change control board (CCB)

Senior management

Monitoring & controlling - Integration Management
Change control board (CCB) is normally responsible for reviewing, evaluating, approving, delaying, or rejecting changes to a project. Although the project manager is given authority to approve certain type of change requests, choice C is a better answer.

Explanation

Monitoring & controlling - Integration Management
Change control board (CCB) is normally responsible for reviewing, evaluating, approving, delaying, or rejecting changes to a project. Although the project manager is given authority to approve certain type of change requests, choice C is a better answer.

75. Susan has just been appointed as the project manager for this software project and realizes that no WBS has been created and the project is entering the construction phase. What should she do?

She should report this to senior management and start work on the construction phase

She should get details from WBS dictionary to create the WBS

The WBS should be created first and then construction work started

She should refuse to manage the project without a WBS

Planning - Scope Management
The problem here is that the WBS had not been prepared. The correct choice C states that she should first create a WBS and then start the contruction phase. Choice A talks about reporting the matter to senior management but that does not solve the problem. Choice B talks about finding information from the WBS dictionary, but the WBS dictionary is dependent on the WBS. Choice D is also wrong as it talks about refusing to manage the project, which does not solve the problem. Moreover, the role of project manager is one of a proactive problem solver.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
The problem here is that the WBS had not been prepared. The correct choice C states that she should first create a WBS and then start the contruction phase. Choice A talks about reporting the matter to senior management but that does not solve the problem. Choice B talks about finding information from the WBS dictionary, but the WBS dictionary is dependent on the WBS. Choice D is also wrong as it talks about refusing to manage the project, which does not solve the problem. Moreover, the role of project manager is one of a proactive problem solver.

76. What would a resource histogram show that a RACI matrix would not?

The person in charge of each activity

Time

Activity

Interrelationships

Planning - Human Resource Management
The RACI matrix shows the relationship between resources and work packages. A resource histogram shows resource utilization over time.

Explanation

Planning - Human Resource Management
The RACI matrix shows the relationship between resources and work packages. A resource histogram shows resource utilization over time.

77. You are in the process of wrapping your project up. Which of the following should you consult to determine when and how to release the team?

Human resource plan

Staffing management plan

RACI matrix

Activity list

Planning - Human Resource Management
The staffing management plan contains information about staff acquisition and release. The RACI matrix and activity lists would not tell you how to release the team members. The staffing management plan is part of the human resource plan, but the more precise answer is the staffing management plan.

Explanation

Planning - Human Resource Management
The staffing management plan contains information about staff acquisition and release. The RACI matrix and activity lists would not tell you how to release the team members. The staffing management plan is part of the human resource plan, but the more precise answer is the staffing management plan.

78. You are working on a creative design project, but your company doesn't have the best software to complete the work by the deadline. If your team had the CreativeDesign version 4.0 software, it would greatly speed up your delivery. Unfortunately, the software is very expensive and you don't have the budget to purchase it. A team memeber tells you that he has a software license for CreativeDesign 4.0 from when he was in college and has offered it to you for use on your project. How should you handle this situation?

Accept the offer and use the software to complete your project on time

Purchase the software from an authorized vendor

Decline the offer and accept that the project may be late

Report your team member to the software vendor for software piracy

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
The correct answer is choice C. You should decline to use the software, because doing so would be illegal. You were told that you don't have budget to buy the software, so choice B is not an option. You would not report your team member for piracy, because by not accepting his offer he has not done anything wrong yet. You should inform your team member that unathorized use of the software and his offer to use it illegally is inappropriate.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
The correct answer is choice C. You should decline to use the software, because doing so would be illegal. You were told that you don't have budget to buy the software, so choice B is not an option. You would not report your team member for piracy, because by not accepting his offer he has not done anything wrong yet. You should inform your team member that unathorized use of the software and his offer to use it illegally is inappropriate.

79. You are managing a datacenter infrastructure project. You have spent $250,000 out of a total budget of $600,000. You have completed 30% of the work thus far, but according to the schedule you should have completed 40% of the work. Which of the following best describes the situation?

Your project is over budget and behind schedule

Your project is over budget and ahead of schedule

Your project is under budget and behind schedule

Your project is under budget and ahead of schedule

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
This is an EVM question. The amount spent is the Actual Cost (AC). The work completed of 30% is the same as Earned Value (EV). The work you were supposed to complete of 40% is the Planned Value (PV). To answer this question you simply need to calculate Cost Variance (CV) and Schedule Variance (SV). CV = EV - AC or $180,000 - $250,000 = ($70,000), which means your project is over budget. SV = EV - PV or $180,000 - $240,000 = ($60,000), which means your project is behind schedule.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
This is an EVM question. The amount spent is the Actual Cost (AC). The work completed of 30% is the same as Earned Value (EV). The work you were supposed to complete of 40% is the Planned Value (PV). To answer this question you simply need to calculate Cost Variance (CV) and Schedule Variance (SV). CV = EV - AC or $180,000 - $250,000 = ($70,000), which means your project is over budget. SV = EV - PV or $180,000 - $240,000 = ($60,000), which means your project is behind schedule.

80. Which of the following best describes the Scope Verification process?

It is the process of ensuring the WBS is completely defined

It is the process of formalizing acceptance of the completed project deliverables

It is the process of breaking down the project work into smaller, more manageable components

It is a key part of the requirements analysis process

Monitoring & Controlling - Scope Management
Scope Verification typically occurs near the end of the project and is the process of formalizing acceptance of the completed project deliverables. In other words it is the process of verifying that the project deliverables meet the documented project requirements.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Scope Management
Scope Verification typically occurs near the end of the project and is the process of formalizing acceptance of the completed project deliverables. In other words it is the process of verifying that the project deliverables meet the documented project requirements.

81. You are managing a research project and have just received a change from the customer that will be cheap and easy to implement. What is the first thing you should do?

Ask your manager for approval

Go to the change control board

Evaluate the impacts to the other project constraints

Implement the change immediately

Executing - Integration Management
The first thing you should do is evaluate the impact to all of the project constraints. It's very possible that the change could impact quality negatively or have an impact to one of the other project constraints, such as resources, risk, etc. Once you identify the full impact to the project, you can issue a change request to get approval from the change control board. You would never implement the change immediately as choice D suggests.

Explanation

Executing - Integration Management
The first thing you should do is evaluate the impact to all of the project constraints. It's very possible that the change could impact quality negatively or have an impact to one of the other project constraints, such as resources, risk, etc. Once you identify the full impact to the project, you can issue a change request to get approval from the change control board. You would never implement the change immediately as choice D suggests.

82. You are the project manager of a project that is under a CPPC contract. You are reviewing the following data: BAC=375, EAC=350, AC=250, EV=275, and PV=275. Which of the following statements is true at this time?

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
The contract is a Cost Plus Percentage of Cost and the Estimate at Completion is 25 less than the Budget at Completion therefore the project will coming under budget so A is the correct answer.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
The contract is a Cost Plus Percentage of Cost and the Estimate at Completion is 25 less than the Budget at Completion therefore the project will coming under budget so A is the correct answer.

83. What is the word you would use to describe the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the following successor activities?

Critical chain method

Free float

Total float

Lag

Planning - Time Management
Free float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the following successor activities. Total float is similar, but it is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the entire project.

Explanation

Planning - Time Management
Free float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the following successor activities. Total float is similar, but it is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the entire project.

84. Parametric estimating is best described as which of the following?

A weighted average method of estimating costs or durations

Using a previous project as a starting point and making adjustments for know differences to calculate the cost or duration

Using a statistical relationship (such as cost per unit) to calculate the cost or duration

Breaking an activity down into smaller components that are easier to estimate, then aggregating the costs or durations

Planning - Cost Management
Choice C is the correct answer. Parametric estimating is when you use a statistical relationship (such as cost per unit) to calculate the cost or duration. Choice A describes three-point estimates (PERT), choice B describes Analogous estimating, and choice D describes buttom-up estimating.

Explanation

Planning - Cost Management
Choice C is the correct answer. Parametric estimating is when you use a statistical relationship (such as cost per unit) to calculate the cost or duration. Choice A describes three-point estimates (PERT), choice B describes Analogous estimating, and choice D describes buttom-up estimating.

85. You are managing a highway construction project and you are trying to determine if the project is ahead or behind schedule. Which of the following would be most helpful?

The schedule baseline

Work performance information

Schedule network diagram

Reserve analysis

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
The most helpful information in this scenario would be work performance information, which would include things like which activities have been completed, percentage of completion, activity start dates, etc. The schedule baseline and schedule network diagrams are planning documents and would not include current progress information. Reserve analysis would not be helpful either.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
The most helpful information in this scenario would be work performance information, which would include things like which activities have been completed, percentage of completion, activity start dates, etc. The schedule baseline and schedule network diagrams are planning documents and would not include current progress information. Reserve analysis would not be helpful either.

86. You have just received formal authorization to start your project. What should you do next?

Start work on the project

Develop the project charter

Collect the requirements

Identify the stakeholders

Initiating - Integration Management
If you just received formal authorization, then that means you already have a project charter and it has been approved. The next step would be to identify the stakeholders. Collecting requirements would come later in planning and you wouldn't start work (i.e. executing) until you have finished planning.

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
If you just received formal authorization, then that means you already have a project charter and it has been approved. The next step would be to identify the stakeholders. Collecting requirements would come later in planning and you wouldn't start work (i.e. executing) until you have finished planning.

87. You are the project manager at a healthcare services company. Two of your team members are having an argument that has escalated into yelling. How should you handle the conflict?

Confronting

Avoiding

Smoothing

Accommodating

Executing - Human Resource Management
As a project manager you should always confront problems - this will allow you to resolve the argument and work your way through the issues. Avoiding just puts the problem off until later. Smoothing is where you make everyone feel good, but dodge the real issue (like how politicians behave). Accommodating is another word for smoothing.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
As a project manager you should always confront problems - this will allow you to resolve the argument and work your way through the issues. Avoiding just puts the problem off until later. Smoothing is where you make everyone feel good, but dodge the real issue (like how politicians behave). Accommodating is another word for smoothing.

88. One of your vendors has not completed the work required on the project and you have exhausted all other options to resolve the dispute. Which of the following is not an appropriate option?

Lawsuit

Arbitration

Mediation

Procurement audit

Closing - Procument Management
If you have exhausted all other options to resolve the dispute, then you may consider mediation, arbitration, or even a lawsuit to resolve the dispute. A procurement audit is just a structured review of the procurement process, and would not be helpful to resolve a dispute.

Explanation

Closing - Procument Management
If you have exhausted all other options to resolve the dispute, then you may consider mediation, arbitration, or even a lawsuit to resolve the dispute. A procurement audit is just a structured review of the procurement process, and would not be helpful to resolve a dispute.

89. You are reviewing a control chart for your project. Which of the following best describes out of control?

One data point about the mean

One data point above the control limit

One data point within the control limits

Seven or more data points within the control limits

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Choice B is the correct answer. A data point that falls above or below (outside) the control limits on a control chart would be out of control. Choice D is not out of control, because the rule of seven says that the 7 data points must be consecutively on one side (either above or below) the mean.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Choice B is the correct answer. A data point that falls above or below (outside) the control limits on a control chart would be out of control. Choice D is not out of control, because the rule of seven says that the 7 data points must be consecutively on one side (either above or below) the mean.

90. You are working as a project manager on a construction project and you have identified a risk that you will run out of plywood because the building has odd angles and that will result in 20% more scrap than normal. You decide to go to the supply house and buy 20% more plywood than originally planned. Which strategy are you using?

Avoidance

Mitigation

Transference

Acceptance

Planning - Risk Management
This is an example of mitigration. By purchasing the extra materials you avoid the risk of running out. Often times mitigate will sound like a backup plan. It is not transfernce because you are not transferring the risk to a third party. It is not avoidance, because you are not changing the plan (instead you are just adding a backup plan). Usually avoidance will involve implementing an alternate plan, such as using a different material where the scrap can be reused.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
This is an example of mitigration. By purchasing the extra materials you avoid the risk of running out. Often times mitigate will sound like a backup plan. It is not transfernce because you are not transferring the risk to a third party. It is not avoidance, because you are not changing the plan (instead you are just adding a backup plan). Usually avoidance will involve implementing an alternate plan, such as using a different material where the scrap can be reused.

91. Which of the following is considered the triple constraints?

Cost, schedule, and scope

Cost, schedule, and resources

Cost, schedule, and communication

Cost, schedule, and quality

Executing - Integration Management
The triple constraints are cost, schedule (time), and scope. They are typically drawn in a triangle with each leg of the triangle representing one of the three constraints. If you make a change to one leg, the other two have to change as well. For example, if you increase scope you will likely increase cost or schedule, or both.

Explanation

Executing - Integration Management
The triple constraints are cost, schedule (time), and scope. They are typically drawn in a triangle with each leg of the triangle representing one of the three constraints. If you make a change to one leg, the other two have to change as well. For example, if you increase scope you will likely increase cost or schedule, or both.

92. Which of the following BEST defines high quality?

A product that doesn't have any documented defects

A product that last for 25 years

A product that passes all quality tests

A product that satisfies the quality requirements

Planning - Quality Management
The correct answer is D. The definition of high quality is a product that meets the agreed upon quality requirements and standards. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they can all be true and at the same time quality can be low. Just because a product passed the tests and no defects were found does not mean it is high quality - perhaps the tests were designed poorly and as a result no defects were found. Choice B may sound good, but what if the product was supposed to last 30 years or more.

Explanation

Planning - Quality Management
The correct answer is D. The definition of high quality is a product that meets the agreed upon quality requirements and standards. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they can all be true and at the same time quality can be low. Just because a product passed the tests and no defects were found does not mean it is high quality - perhaps the tests were designed poorly and as a result no defects were found. Choice B may sound good, but what if the product was supposed to last 30 years or more.

93. You just delivered a product to your customer, when you receive an email informing you that the end result is unacceptable. The customer says that a crucial component is missing, but you know that component was not in the original plan. Also, the product passed all quality tests. How should you respond?

Repair the product to include the missing component at no charge to the customer, because the customer is always right.

Perform the work and bill the customer for the added cost.

Meet with the customer to document the missing component, and then issue a change request to complete the required work.

Inform the customer that since the product passed all quality tests and passed scope verification, it is complete.

Executing - Integration Management
The correct answer in this situation is choice C. Before you do anything that involves a deviation from the original plan, you should document the change and issue a change request. Only after the change request has been approved should you begin working on it. Because of this, choices A and B are clearly incorrect. Choice D is also incorrect. Just because a product passed the quality and scope verification processess does not mean the product will meet the customer's approval. Something clearly was missed here and thus you should work to try and resolve it.

Explanation

Executing - Integration Management
The correct answer in this situation is choice C. Before you do anything that involves a deviation from the original plan, you should document the change and issue a change request. Only after the change request has been approved should you begin working on it. Because of this, choices A and B are clearly incorrect. Choice D is also incorrect. Just because a product passed the quality and scope verification processess does not mean the product will meet the customer's approval. Something clearly was missed here and thus you should work to try and resolve it.

94. All of the following are characteristics of the project management plan except which one?

Gantt chart

Collection of subsidiary plans

Must be approved by the sponsor and stakeholders

Progressive elaboration

Planning - Integration Management
The project management plan is not simply a Gantt chart showing the schedule. The project management plan includes all subsidary plans, must be approved by the sponsor and stakeholders, and is progressively elaborated.

Explanation

Planning - Integration Management
The project management plan is not simply a Gantt chart showing the schedule. The project management plan includes all subsidary plans, must be approved by the sponsor and stakeholders, and is progressively elaborated.

95. Which of the following best defines high quality?

Adding additional features to make the customer happy

Being aligned to the organization's strategic goals

Meeting or exceeding the documented requirements

Meeting or exceeding the customer's expectations

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Quality is best defined as the degree to which the project meets the requirements. Adding extra features (also called gold plating), as suggested in A, does not make something high quality and is typically frowned upon because you are inappropriately using project resources on nonessential features. Choice B is not relevant to quality, but is important for a project to consider when defining the charter. Choice D has to do with success criteria. Success criteria is a measure of meeting customer expectaations, while quality is a meaure of meeting requirements.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Quality is best defined as the degree to which the project meets the requirements. Adding extra features (also called gold plating), as suggested in A, does not make something high quality and is typically frowned upon because you are inappropriately using project resources on nonessential features. Choice B is not relevant to quality, but is important for a project to consider when defining the charter. Choice D has to do with success criteria. Success criteria is a measure of meeting customer expectaations, while quality is a meaure of meeting requirements.

96. What is the main purpose of the WBS dictionary?

It contains additional information about each WBS component

It provides a framework for how to create the WBS

It tracks time and cost on a project

It contains additional information about each activity

Planning - Scope Management
The main purpose of the WBS dictionary is to store additional information about each WBS component. This can include things like work package name, ID, responsible organization, schedule milestones, quality requirements, cost estimates, required resources, code of accounts identifier, etc.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
The main purpose of the WBS dictionary is to store additional information about each WBS component. This can include things like work package name, ID, responsible organization, schedule milestones, quality requirements, cost estimates, required resources, code of accounts identifier, etc.

97. You are in the process of executing your project and need to know when it will be completed. You have the following activity durations on your project: A=8, B=14, C=6, D=6, E=12, F=6. You also know that D is dependent on A and B. Task F is a successor of D and E. Task C is a predecessor of task E. Based on this information what is the critical path and what is the float of task A?

Critical path is BDF and the float of task A is 6

Critical path is ADF and the float of task A is 0

Critical path is CEF and the float of task A is 0

Critical path is BDF and the float of task A is 2

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
For this question you need to draw out the schedule network diagram based on the information provided. You would have the following paths: A to D, B to D, C to E, D to F and E to F. You would then need to use the durations provided to do a forward and backwards path analysis. The end result is that the critical path is BDF and the float of task A is 6.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
For this question you need to draw out the schedule network diagram based on the information provided. You would have the following paths: A to D, B to D, C to E, D to F and E to F. You would then need to use the durations provided to do a forward and backwards path analysis. The end result is that the critical path is BDF and the float of task A is 6.

98. Pareto charts are used to determine which of the following?

The number of defects being created by 20% of the causes

The specific samples are violating the Rule of 7

The relationship between two variables

The number of standard deviations away from the mean of 20% of the defects

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Mangement
Pareto charts use the 80/20 rule which states that 80% of the problems are from 20% of the causes. The Rule of 7 is used with Control charts and Scatter diagrams compare two variables. Pareto charts don't use standard deviation.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Mangement
Pareto charts use the 80/20 rule which states that 80% of the problems are from 20% of the causes. The Rule of 7 is used with Control charts and Scatter diagrams compare two variables. Pareto charts don't use standard deviation.

99. You are responsible for ensuring that your seller's performance meets contractual requirements. For effective contract administration, you should

Hold a bidders conference

Establish the appropriate contract type

Conduct procurement performance reviews

Develop a statement of work

Monitoring & Controlling - Procurement Management
A procurement performance review is a structured review of the seller's progress to deliver porject scope and quality, within cost and on schedule, as compared to the contract. The objective is to identify performance successes or failures, progress with respect to the procurement statement of work, and contract non-compliance.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Procurement Management
A procurement performance review is a structured review of the seller's progress to deliver porject scope and quality, within cost and on schedule, as compared to the contract. The objective is to identify performance successes or failures, progress with respect to the procurement statement of work, and contract non-compliance.

100. You are Performing Quality Control on a project. Which of the following would you NOT use in this process?

Quality audits

Inspection

Cause and effect diagram

Pareto chart

Executing - Quality Management
Quality audits are not part of the Perform Quality Control process. You use Quality Audits during the Perform Quality Assurance process.

Explanation

Executing - Quality Management
Quality audits are not part of the Perform Quality Control process. You use Quality Audits during the Perform Quality Assurance process.

101. Which of the following statements about contingency reserves is false?

Contingency reserves may be set aside for known unknowns

Contingency reserves may be set aside for unknown unknowns

Contingency reserves are normally included in the project's cost and schedule baselines

Planning - Risk Management
The correct answer choice is C. Management reserves, not contingency reserves, are funds set aside for unplanned changes to project scope and cost, i.e. unknown unknowns.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
The correct answer choice is C. Management reserves, not contingency reserves, are funds set aside for unplanned changes to project scope and cost, i.e. unknown unknowns.

102. You are meeting with the quality assurance (QA) manager to discuss the results of the quality audit of your project. The QA manager informs you that your team has not been following the proper quality policies outlined in the quality plan and as a result might be increasing the likelihood for defects. You feel that even though the team is not following the quality policy, they are still doing a good job. How should you handle this situation?

You should make a note in your lessons learned document

Go to the functional managers of your team members and ask them to ensure the team members follow the policy

You should document corrective actions and submit a change request

Ignore the QA manager because your team is doing a good job

Executing - Quality Management
The correct course of action when you identify that you are not doing things according to plan is to recommend a corrective action to the change control board. Choice B might very well be the end result of your corrective action, but it's important to take your corrective action to the change control board for approval. Choice D is obviously not a good way to handle this (even though it might be your first instinct).

Explanation

Executing - Quality Management
The correct course of action when you identify that you are not doing things according to plan is to recommend a corrective action to the change control board. Choice B might very well be the end result of your corrective action, but it's important to take your corrective action to the change control board for approval. Choice D is obviously not a good way to handle this (even though it might be your first instinct).

103. You are looking at data points on a control chart in real time and notice 7 consecutive points above the mean, but within the control limits. What is this called and what does it mean?

This is called assignable cause and it means you have identified a defect

This is called common cause and it means the variation is predictable

This is called quality assurance and it means you are doing your job

This is called the rule of 7 and it means your process is headed out of control

Executing - Quality Management
If you identify 7 consecutive data points on a control chart that are above the mean and within the control limits, then that means your process is headed out of control. The same is true of 7 consective data points below the mean and within the control limits. This is called the rule of 7.

Explanation

Executing - Quality Management
If you identify 7 consecutive data points on a control chart that are above the mean and within the control limits, then that means your process is headed out of control. The same is true of 7 consective data points below the mean and within the control limits. This is called the rule of 7.

104. You have two key stakeholders on your project that are always arguing. If one makes a suggestion, the other disagrees even if it's a good idea. Which group creativity technique should you use?

Delphi techique

Focus groups

Brainstorming

Team building exercises

Planning - Scope Management
The best way to handle this situation would be to utilize the Delphi technique, which is where you separate the two parties and gather their requirements individually. This is known as blind requirements gathering, because neither party knows what the other is saying and thus cannot disagree. This can also be useful if you feel that team members are not willing to share thier honest opinions in an open forum.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
The best way to handle this situation would be to utilize the Delphi technique, which is where you separate the two parties and gather their requirements individually. This is known as blind requirements gathering, because neither party knows what the other is saying and thus cannot disagree. This can also be useful if you feel that team members are not willing to share thier honest opinions in an open forum.

105. You are managing a project to install a new robot at a car manufacturer. You are very comfortable with the installation, but the electrical is not your team's area of expertise. You decide it is too big of a liability to do the electrical yourself and hire a subcontractor to do the electrical work for you. This is an example of what?

Delegation

Tranference

Avoidance

Mitigation

Planning - Risk Management
This is an example of the risk transfer response strategy. When you take a risk and transfer it to a third party, this is called transferring your risk.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
This is an example of the risk transfer response strategy. When you take a risk and transfer it to a third party, this is called transferring your risk.

106. You are the manager of the Easy Peezy Lemon Squeezy drink company. You have just produced a cost performance baseline. Which process have you just finished?

The Estimate Cost process, which is the process of aggregating the estimated costs of individual activities or work packages

The Determine Budget process, which is the process of aggregating the estimate costs of individual activitiies or work packages

Planning - Cost Management
The Determine Budget process creates the cost performance baseline. The Estimate Cost process focuses on costs of activities and work packages which are eventually rolled up during the Determine Budget process. The Plan Cost process does not exist.

Explanation

Planning - Cost Management
The Determine Budget process creates the cost performance baseline. The Estimate Cost process focuses on costs of activities and work packages which are eventually rolled up during the Determine Budget process. The Plan Cost process does not exist.

107. You are managing a project that will produce the next new supercomputer. As each new unit is produced your team is taking measurements and recording them in a control chart. Which of the following results should you be least concerned with?

A data point that is just above the upper control limit

Seven consecutive data points above the mean, but within the control limits

A data point that is just below the lower control limit

Seven consecutive data points on either side of the mean, but within the control limits

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Choice D is describing a natural random pattern of points that fall on either side of the mean. This is not a cause for concern to the project manager. Choice B, where 7 points fall consecutively on one side of the mean, should be of concern as this shows a process potentially headed out of control. Choices A and C are both problems as well, since both represent data points that fall outside the control limits.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Choice D is describing a natural random pattern of points that fall on either side of the mean. This is not a cause for concern to the project manager. Choice B, where 7 points fall consecutively on one side of the mean, should be of concern as this shows a process potentially headed out of control. Choices A and C are both problems as well, since both represent data points that fall outside the control limits.

108. What is the range of a rough order of magnitude (ROM)?

+/- 10%

+/- 25%

+/- 50%

+/- 100%

Planning - Cost Management
According to the PMBOK 4th edition page 168, a rough order of magnitude (ROM) is a range of +/- 50%.

Explanation

Planning - Cost Management
According to the PMBOK 4th edition page 168, a rough order of magnitude (ROM) is a range of +/- 50%.

109. Regarding change, the project manager's attention is best spent doing which of the following?

Informing the sponsor and stakeholders of changes

Tracking and recording changes

Building relationships with the change control board members

Preventing unnecessary changes

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
As a project manager you should try to be proactive and prevent changes, thus choice D is the correct answer.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
As a project manager you should try to be proactive and prevent changes, thus choice D is the correct answer.

110. Your project is currently in the initiating process group. Which of the following is not something you should do at this point in time?

Document the reason for doing the project

Define how work will be executed to accomplish the project objectives

Identify project success criteria

Document high-level risks

Initiating - Integration Management
All choices are done during the initiating process group when developing the project charter, except for choice B. You would not do choice B until planning when you are developing the project management plan.

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
All choices are done during the initiating process group when developing the project charter, except for choice B. You would not do choice B until planning when you are developing the project management plan.

111. You are called to a bidder conference to bid on part of a telecommunications project. Your job as project manager will be to manage the hardware installation piece of the project. At the conference you see a former colleague that is bidding on the wiring part of the job. You know that the integration between the wiring and the hardware can be a bit tricky and all firms competing for these two pieces of work will have to pad their bids due to the increased risk. You decide to work with your former colleague and submit one combined bid that is lower than anyone else's to ensure you get the work. This is an example of what type of risk response strategy?

Mitigating

Transferring

Sharing

Exploiting

Planning - Risk Management
This is an example of sharing. The new job you are bidding on is an opportunity. You decide to share the opportunity with your former colleague's company to ensure you get the work. Both companies will benefit from getting the job.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
This is an example of sharing. The new job you are bidding on is an opportunity. You decide to share the opportunity with your former colleague's company to ensure you get the work. Both companies will benefit from getting the job.

112. Which of the following is true about the project SOW?

If the project is being done for an external customer, it is usually written by the customer

If the project is internal, it is written by the project manager after receiving the Project Scope Statement

It is written by the seller as the response to a RFP

It is written by the buyer in response to a RFQ

Planning - Scope Management
A Statement of Work (SOW) is a narrative description of the products or services to be delivered. For external projects, it is usually written by the customer. For internal projects, it is written by the project sponsor. While an RFQ could include an SOW, it would be provided along with it and not as a response.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
A Statement of Work (SOW) is a narrative description of the products or services to be delivered. For external projects, it is usually written by the customer. For internal projects, it is written by the project sponsor. While an RFQ could include an SOW, it would be provided along with it and not as a response.

113. You are managing an IT project for a law firm. You are using a computer program to analyze your risks. The program does random iterations to compute probability distributions. What tool are you using?

EVM analysis

Monte Carlo analysis

Sensitivity analysis

Probability and impact matrix

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
Monte Carlo analysis is a computer based program that does thousands of random iterations to compute probability distributions for risk on a project.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
Monte Carlo analysis is a computer based program that does thousands of random iterations to compute probability distributions for risk on a project.

114. You are managing the implementation of a new accounting software at your company. Two of your stakeholders have a disagreement of when to do the kickoff meeting. One wants to do it before planning begins and the other wanted to do it at the end of planning. They compromise and do it half-way between. Both agree to the solution, but still insist their view is right. What is another name for a compromise?

Lose-lose

Win-lose

Win-win

Negotiation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Compromises are quick solutions done without any problem solving. A compromise is considered a lose-lose, because both parties have to give something up. Neither party gets what they want in a compromise.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Compromises are quick solutions done without any problem solving. A compromise is considered a lose-lose, because both parties have to give something up. Neither party gets what they want in a compromise.

115. Mary, one of your project team members was instrumental in helping to complete a significant milestone under budget and ahead of schedule. As a reward for doing a great job you buy Lisa lunch the following day. The following week, Max, another team member whom you have been friends with prior to this project is congratulated by the customer for doing an exceptional job of navigating a very volatile meeting of stakeholders to a successful conclusion. Max stops by your office and asks if you are busy for lunch and if you'd like to spend some time catching up and talking about old times. What is your most appropriate response?

Executing - Human Resource Management
Taking Max to lunch to formally congratulate him is the most appropriate response. It's important that you are consistent with how you reward the members of your team and be open and honest with them. Declining to go and not telling Max the real reason or accepting and then not telling the others is not being honest with your team members nor setting a good example in front of Max. If a team member is a friend, as long as your relationship is disclosed and you are consistent with the way you reward all of the team members, it shouldn't be a problem.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Taking Max to lunch to formally congratulate him is the most appropriate response. It's important that you are consistent with how you reward the members of your team and be open and honest with them. Declining to go and not telling Max the real reason or accepting and then not telling the others is not being honest with your team members nor setting a good example in front of Max. If a team member is a friend, as long as your relationship is disclosed and you are consistent with the way you reward all of the team members, it shouldn't be a problem.

116. Risk Monitoring and Control should be a continuous process throughout your project. Which of the following is not true?

Risk identification and monitoring is the responsibility of the entire project team.

Residual risks are risks that remain after risk responses have been implemented.

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
Risk mitigation is a technique associated with threats and seeks to decrease the probability or impact of a negative risk.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
Risk mitigation is a technique associated with threats and seeks to decrease the probability or impact of a negative risk.

117. Which of the following does not contain any information about the project requirements or the characteristics of the product?

Requirements documentation

Project charter

Requirements management plan

Project statement of work

Initiating - Integration Management
Remember that a management plan is a how-to document. The requirements management plan describes how you will go about collecting requirements; it does not contain actual requirements. The project statement of work contains information about the characteristics of the product, the project charter includes high-level requirements, and the requirements documentation contains the detailed requirements.

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
Remember that a management plan is a how-to document. The requirements management plan describes how you will go about collecting requirements; it does not contain actual requirements. The project statement of work contains information about the characteristics of the product, the project charter includes high-level requirements, and the requirements documentation contains the detailed requirements.

118. Which of the following is not used to create the document that will be used to gain formal authorization to start the project?

Business case

Project statement of work

Contract

Scope statement

Initiating - integration Management
The question is asking for the inputs of the develop project charter process. These include the business case, project statement of work, contract, enterprise environmental factors, and organizational process assets. The scope statement is created later during the planning process.

Explanation

Initiating - integration Management
The question is asking for the inputs of the develop project charter process. These include the business case, project statement of work, contract, enterprise environmental factors, and organizational process assets. The scope statement is created later during the planning process.

119. You are a project manager in the process of negotiating a contract, but you have no idea how long the work will take or how much materials will be required. Which type of contract would be best suited for this situation?

Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF)

Fixed Price (FP)

Cost Plus Percentage of Costs (CPPC)

Time and Materials (T&M)

Planning - Procurement Management
First, if it is not stated, you should always assume that you are the buyer. When you have a contract and are not sure how long or how much materials will be required, it's best to use a Time and Materials (T&M) type of contract.

Explanation

Planning - Procurement Management
First, if it is not stated, you should always assume that you are the buyer. When you have a contract and are not sure how long or how much materials will be required, it's best to use a Time and Materials (T&M) type of contract.

120. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the WBS?

It organizes the project team and shows reporting structures

It assigns work to individual team members

It makes the project easier to estimate and manage

It describes in detail the project's deliverables

Planning - Scope Management
The correct answer is choice C. The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the work to be completed on a project and the main purpose is to make time and costs easier to estimate. Choice A describes the purpose of a project organization chart. Choice B describes a Work Authorization System. Choice D describes the Project Scope Statement.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
The correct answer is choice C. The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the work to be completed on a project and the main purpose is to make time and costs easier to estimate. Choice A describes the purpose of a project organization chart. Choice B describes a Work Authorization System. Choice D describes the Project Scope Statement.

121. You are currently working on the Conduct Procurements process and are trying to select the appropriate seller. You have been instructed by management to choose the lowest bidder. However, the lowest bidder has a reputation for low quality craftsmanship. The second lowest bidder offers the best quality in the industry and has only a 1% higher price point. The third lowest bidder is 30% higher than the best price, but is owned by your cousin who promised you a 10% commission for choosing his company. How should you handle this situation?

Select the lowest bid, regardless of the potential quality issues

Select the highest bid (your cousin's bid), because you'll personally gain from it

Select the second lowest bid, because it's the best quality and only costs 1% more

Ask the second highest bidder to revise their bid to match the lowest price

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
In the question you were clearly instructed by management to choose the lowest bidder. Thus choice A is the correct answer. Obviously B is wrong, because that would be considered personal gain, which is an ethics violation. You should disclose the relationship to management immediately to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Choice D would also be inappropriate. Bids are confidential and should never be shared. Choice C is tempting, but if you read the question it's clear that price is the main concern for management and should be your sole deciding factor. Remember on the exam that you should always follow the rules outlined in the question and not try to come up with creative solutions.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
In the question you were clearly instructed by management to choose the lowest bidder. Thus choice A is the correct answer. Obviously B is wrong, because that would be considered personal gain, which is an ethics violation. You should disclose the relationship to management immediately to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Choice D would also be inappropriate. Bids are confidential and should never be shared. Choice C is tempting, but if you read the question it's clear that price is the main concern for management and should be your sole deciding factor. Remember on the exam that you should always follow the rules outlined in the question and not try to come up with creative solutions.

122. Developing an accurate project schedule is an important part of the planning process. You have used the Critical Path Method to ensure that you identify the critical path within your schedule network. Which of the following statements is true?

Planning - Time Management
The Critical Chain Method applies resource constraints and schedule buffers to the project schedule to manage uncertainty and protect against slippage. Both the activity on arrow and the activity on node produce the same level of accuracy.

Explanation

Planning - Time Management
The Critical Chain Method applies resource constraints and schedule buffers to the project schedule to manage uncertainty and protect against slippage. Both the activity on arrow and the activity on node produce the same level of accuracy.

123. You are categorizing the deliverables of the project to make the project easier to manage and estimate. What are you doing?

Develop the project scope

Create the WBS

Defining activities

Building an affinity diagram

Planning - Scope Management
The purpose of creating the WBS is to make the project easier to manage and to make it easier to estimate. The WBS is a deliverables oriented breakdown of the project.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
The purpose of creating the WBS is to make the project easier to manage and to make it easier to estimate. The WBS is a deliverables oriented breakdown of the project.

124. A key stakeholder comes to you with what you believe to be a major change to the project. You only have 1-week of buffer in your plan and your project absolutely cannot be late. What should you do?

Inform the stakeholder that due to the tight schedule you cannot make the change

Issue a change request immediately and let the change control board decide

Begin working on the change, because this is a key stakeholder and you should keep her happy

Analyze the impact of the change

Planning - Time Management
The first thing you should do in this case is analyze the impact of the change. You must always analyze the impact before you issue a change request. Choice A is incorrect, because you don't yet know the impact - it might turn out the change can be done in under 1-week.

Explanation

Planning - Time Management
The first thing you should do in this case is analyze the impact of the change. You must always analyze the impact before you issue a change request. Choice A is incorrect, because you don't yet know the impact - it might turn out the change can be done in under 1-week.

125. You are managing a project to create a stage scene for a Broadway play. You are told that one of the requirements is that you must deliver the stage scene by October 20 - the date the Broadway play will take place. Where would you document the October 20 deadline?

In the requirements documentation, because it is a requirement

In the WBS, because it is a deliverables

In the constraints log, because it is a contraint

In the risk register, because it is a risk

Planning - Integration Management
Deadlines are always considered constraints. A constraint is any limitation put on the projecct team. A feature of the stage scene would be a requirement. Deliverables are typically things that you would actually hand over to the customer, such as part of the stage scene. A risk would be the possiblility of not completing the project on time, which was not mentioned in this question.

Explanation

Planning - Integration Management
Deadlines are always considered constraints. A constraint is any limitation put on the projecct team. A feature of the stage scene would be a requirement. Deliverables are typically things that you would actually hand over to the customer, such as part of the stage scene. A risk would be the possiblility of not completing the project on time, which was not mentioned in this question.

126. A cost performance index (CPI) of 0.87 means:

The project is under budget

When the project is completed the project will have spent 87 percent more than planned

The project is only progressing at 87 percent of that planned

The project is only getting 87 cents out of every dollar invested

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
CPI measures how efficiently the project team is using its resources. CPI = 0.87 means that the project has a cost efficiency that provides $0.87 work of work for every project dollar spent to date. It is currently over budget.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
CPI measures how efficiently the project team is using its resources. CPI = 0.87 means that the project has a cost efficiency that provides $0.87 work of work for every project dollar spent to date. It is currently over budget.

127. You are managing a graphic design and print project. There is a 30% chance that the paper you are using will be too thin and you'll have to reprint the presentation, which will cost you an extra $5,000. There is also a 20% chance that the high capacity ink cartridges you are using will last you longer than you expect, which will save you $1,000. What is your Estimated Monetary Value (EMV)?

$4,000

$200

-$1,300

-$1,500

Planning - Risk Management
EMV is calculated by taking event #1 with a cost of $5,000 times the 30% to get negative $1,500. Event #2 with a saving of $1,000 times 20% to get positive $200. Add the two events and you get negative $1,300.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
EMV is calculated by taking event #1 with a cost of $5,000 times the 30% to get negative $1,500. Event #2 with a saving of $1,000 times 20% to get positive $200. Add the two events and you get negative $1,300.

128. You are a project manager and are having a disagreement about an important design issue with another colleague. Before you can seriously discuss the issue your colleague says "forget about it. You're always right. We'll just do it your way." What is the best way to describe how the colleague handled this situation?

She gave up

She deferred

She withdrew

She retreated

Executing - Human Resource Management
In this question, we are looking for the PMBOK term, which would be withdrew. Withdrawal is when someone just gives up and shuts down emotionally, or sometimes they even physically leave the room. This is not an appropriate way to respond. You should always confront your problems.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
In this question, we are looking for the PMBOK term, which would be withdrew. Withdrawal is when someone just gives up and shuts down emotionally, or sometimes they even physically leave the room. This is not an appropriate way to respond. You should always confront your problems.

129. You are in the process of executing your project and need to know when it will be completed. You have the following activity durations on your project: A=6, B=15, C=11, D=8, E=14, F=5, G=4. You also know that D is dependent on A and B. Task F is a successor of D, E, and G. Task C is a predecessor of task E and G. Which of the following is the critical path?

A-D-F

B-D-F

C-E-F

C-G-F

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
For this question you could draw out the schedule network diagram based on the information provided. However, since the only thing we need to calculate is the critical path, we can take a shortcut and just add up the possible durations and choose the longest duration path, which is C-E-F or 30 days.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
For this question you could draw out the schedule network diagram based on the information provided. However, since the only thing we need to calculate is the critical path, we can take a shortcut and just add up the possible durations and choose the longest duration path, which is C-E-F or 30 days.

130. You have the following activity cost estimates: Optimistic = $1,000, Pessimistic = $2,400, Most Likely = $1,400. What is the estimated activity cost?

$1,400

$1,500

$1,600

$2,400

Planning - Cost Management
This question is looking for you to use the PERT formula for 3-point estimate. (O+4ML+P)/6 = $1,500

Explanation

Planning - Cost Management
This question is looking for you to use the PERT formula for 3-point estimate. (O+4ML+P)/6 = $1,500

131. You are measuring quality on your project. Which of the following is 3-sigma and 6-sigma, respectively?

99.999% and 99.7%

95% and 99.999%

99.7% and 99.999%

68% and 95%

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management 6 sigma = 99.999%
Sigma (also known as standard deviation) represents variation from the mean. Sigma percentages are as follows: 1 sigma = 68%, 2 sigma = 95%, 3 sigma = 99.7%, 6 sigma = 99.999%.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management 6 sigma = 99.999%
Sigma (also known as standard deviation) represents variation from the mean. Sigma percentages are as follows: 1 sigma = 68%, 2 sigma = 95%, 3 sigma = 99.7%, 6 sigma = 99.999%.

132. Which of the following does not require formal written communication?

Updating the project plan

Making changes to a contract

Scheduling a meeting

Trying to solve a complex problem

Executing - Communication Management
All answer choices require formal written communication except scheduling of a meeting. Remember updates to project plans and almost anything to do with contracts will require formal written communication.

Explanation

Executing - Communication Management
All answer choices require formal written communication except scheduling of a meeting. Remember updates to project plans and almost anything to do with contracts will require formal written communication.

133. You are the project manager of a project whose stakeholders are risk adverse and cost sensitive. During the decomposition of the WBS into activities, you identify a work package that would benefit from using a subcontractor to perform it. Which of the following statement describes the most likely reason for this?

You identify the work package as having a high risk of failure therefore using a subcontractor would transfer the risk.

You identify the work package as being very costly to complete therefore using a subcontractor would be more economical.

Planning - Risk Management
Because the stakeholders are both risk adverse and cost sensitive, B would be the best choice since it reduces risk and cost.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
Because the stakeholders are both risk adverse and cost sensitive, B would be the best choice since it reduces risk and cost.

134. Your current project involves a large group of stakeholders, some of whom are geographically dispersed. You are worried that it may be very difficult to ensure that they are properly informed of the project status. Which of the following would be the best overall approach to this?

Gather information such as roles, departments, interests, etc. and identify the potential impact or support each stakeholder could generate.

Plan project communications to ensure expectations are properly managed by distributing information accordingly to keep stakeholders properly informed.

Analyze stakeholder interests using quantitative and qualitative techniques to ensure stakeholder relationships can be leveraged to build coalitions and partnerships.

Planning - Communications Management
Plan communicaitons includes all of the above steps so it's the best overall approach to this.

Explanation

Planning - Communications Management
Plan communicaitons includes all of the above steps so it's the best overall approach to this.

135. Where would you store project assumptions, constraints and exclusions?

Requirements document

Project management plan

Project charter

Project scope statement

Planning - Scope Management
The project scope statement includes the product scope description, product acceptance criteria, project deliverables, project exclusions, project assumptions, and project constraints. The project charter and requirements document does have some information about assumptions and constraints (however it is limited), but the only place you would find project exclusions is the scope statement.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
The project scope statement includes the product scope description, product acceptance criteria, project deliverables, project exclusions, project assumptions, and project constraints. The project charter and requirements document does have some information about assumptions and constraints (however it is limited), but the only place you would find project exclusions is the scope statement.

136. As time passes in a project, which of the following does NOT happen?

Cost of change increases

Risk increases

Stakeholder influence decreases

Cumulative project spend increases

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
As time passes in a project the cost of change increases, risk decreases, and stakeholder influence decreases. Cost of change increases because as time passes if you make a change it will likely require rework. Risk decreases because as time passes you complete more work and thus your uncertainty goes down. Stakeholder influence decreases, because you gather information from stakeholders at the beginning of the project and as you go forward you are executing according to the plan rather than according to the whims of the stakeholders.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
As time passes in a project the cost of change increases, risk decreases, and stakeholder influence decreases. Cost of change increases because as time passes if you make a change it will likely require rework. Risk decreases because as time passes you complete more work and thus your uncertainty goes down. Stakeholder influence decreases, because you gather information from stakeholders at the beginning of the project and as you go forward you are executing according to the plan rather than according to the whims of the stakeholders.

137. What is the name of the person responsible for the risk response plan?

Risk manager

Risk controller

Risk registrar

Risk owner

Planning - Risk Management
The person responsible for the risk response plan is the risk owner.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
The person responsible for the risk response plan is the risk owner.

138. You are in the planning phase of a project to build a shopping mall in a small community in a nearby town. You have used bottom-up estimating to determine costs for each activity and have created a cost performance baseline. Which of the following statements is true?

Bottom-up estimating is the most labor intensive and not quite as accurate as parametric estimating.

Bottom-up estimating is the most labor intensive and is more accurate than parametric estimating.

Planning - Cost Management
Bottom-up estimating takes the most time but is the most accurate since it aggregates the cost of every activity. There is no budget performance baseline.

Explanation

Planning - Cost Management
Bottom-up estimating takes the most time but is the most accurate since it aggregates the cost of every activity. There is no budget performance baseline.

139. Which of the following would NOT be included in the communication management plan?

Reporting structures within the organization

Escalation path for resolving issues

Stakeholder communication requirements

Reasons for information distribution

Planning - Communications Management
Choice A is the correct answer because it is not part of communication management plan. Reporting structures are defined in the Human Resource plan. Choices B, C, and D could all be found in the communication management plan.

Explanation

Planning - Communications Management
Choice A is the correct answer because it is not part of communication management plan. Reporting structures are defined in the Human Resource plan. Choices B, C, and D could all be found in the communication management plan.

140. You are a PMP certified project manager for the Federal Reserve bank. Your family owns $1 million in stock in MV community bank and your spouse works on the board of directors. The bank is in touble because of bad loans and you decide to speak with various people at the Federal Reserve to try to get a special loan for MV bank. Which of the following describes this situation?

This is unethical, because it violates the personal gain clause of the PMI code of ethics.

This is unethical, because it violates the conflict of interest clause of the PMI code of ethics.

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
This is a voilation of both the personal gain and conflict of interest clauses of the PMI code of ethics. The $1 million in family owned stock in the bank would be a violation of the personal gain clause, because you would personally benefit from the savior of the bank. The fact that your spouse is a board memeber is a violation of the conflict of interest clause.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
This is a voilation of both the personal gain and conflict of interest clauses of the PMI code of ethics. The $1 million in family owned stock in the bank would be a violation of the personal gain clause, because you would personally benefit from the savior of the bank. The fact that your spouse is a board memeber is a violation of the conflict of interest clause.

141. You are in the process of managing procurement relationships, monitoring contract performance, and making changes/corrections to your contracts. What process are you performing?

Plan procurements

Close procurements

Administer procurements

Conduct procurements

The process you are performing is "Administer procurements." This involves managing procurement relationships, monitoring contract performance, and making changes or corrections to contracts during the procurement phase.

Explanation

The process you are performing is "Administer procurements." This involves managing procurement relationships, monitoring contract performance, and making changes or corrections to contracts during the procurement phase.

142. A project manager is faced with two team members who have a conflicting view of how the work on the project should be done. The project manager sits down with the other two team members and calmly discusses the options and benefits to each method. At the end of the meeting they come up with a solution that both agree to. This is an example of what?

Compromise

Confronting

Forcing

Withdrawal

Executing - Human Resource Management
This is an example of confronting, also known as problem solving. With contronting you discuss all options and work through the problem. Choice A is incorrect because with compromise you just quickly meet in the middle without much real discussion.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
This is an example of confronting, also known as problem solving. With contronting you discuss all options and work through the problem. Choice A is incorrect because with compromise you just quickly meet in the middle without much real discussion.

143. You are the project manager for a highway construction project. Your sponsor has asked for an updated project forecast. The project has spent $100,000 of the total budget of $400,000 and has a CPI of .85. How much more money will you spend on your project?

$470,588

$370,588

$240,000

$340,000

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
This question is asking you to calculate estimate to complete (ETC). The formula for ETC is EAC - AC. So you must first calculate EAC by using the formula BAC/CPI. $400,000/.85 = $470,588. Now you can calculate ETC as EAC - AC = $470,588 - $100,000 = $370,588.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
This question is asking you to calculate estimate to complete (ETC). The formula for ETC is EAC - AC. So you must first calculate EAC by using the formula BAC/CPI. $400,000/.85 = $470,588. Now you can calculate ETC as EAC - AC = $470,588 - $100,000 = $370,588.

144. You are working as a project manager for an advertising project. Your inputs include deliverables, work performance information, checklists, and approved change requests. What PMBOK process are you working on?

Perform Quality Control

Perform Integrated Change Control

Perform Quality Assurance

Close Project or Phase

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Based on the list of inputs provided the only possible answer is choice A. Perform Quality Control process. The checklists should have tipped you off that it involved quality. Plus we need the deliverables and approved change requests during Perform Quality Control so that we can perform tests on item to make sure they were completed correctly.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Based on the list of inputs provided the only possible answer is choice A. Perform Quality Control process. The checklists should have tipped you off that it involved quality. Plus we need the deliverables and approved change requests during Perform Quality Control so that we can perform tests on item to make sure they were completed correctly.

145. You are managing a database design project and just realized that there is a major flaw in your design. Your team determines that fixing the design flaw will result in 2 additional weeks of work, but not fixing it would result in a major security vulnerability that is unacceptable to the customer. What should you do next?

Fix the flaw immediately

Inform the customer of the design flaw

Create a change request

Determine the impact of the change

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The correct answer is choice C. In this question you have already identified the change and doucumented the impact. Thus the next step is to create a change request. You should not begin fixing the problem, as suggested in choice A, until you get approval. Choice B is also inappropriate, because it is not the next step. You should get the change approved first, and then inform the customer of the new plan. The steps in the change process are 1) identify the change, 2) determine the impact, 3) create the change request, 4) perform integrated change control (ask the CCB for approval), 5) update the project documents, 6) manage stakeholder expectations, and 7) manage the project per the new plan.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The correct answer is choice C. In this question you have already identified the change and doucumented the impact. Thus the next step is to create a change request. You should not begin fixing the problem, as suggested in choice A, until you get approval. Choice B is also inappropriate, because it is not the next step. You should get the change approved first, and then inform the customer of the new plan. The steps in the change process are 1) identify the change, 2) determine the impact, 3) create the change request, 4) perform integrated change control (ask the CCB for approval), 5) update the project documents, 6) manage stakeholder expectations, and 7) manage the project per the new plan.

146. You have just been informed that you have been selected as the project manager for the XYZ Widget project. You are told that it's on a very tight schedule and therefore needs to begin as soon as possible. You recall that previous projects for this customer did not go as smoothly as planned with respect to both the budget and schedule so there is a lot of pressure to meet expectations on this new project. Which of the following should you do first?

Initiating - Integration Management
A project is not officially authorized until the Project Charter has been created so no other activites should be started until it has been created. Since you have already been identified as the project manager the Project Charter has already been created. The Scope Statement would not be created until after you have defined all of the requirements.

Explanation

Initiating - Integration Management
A project is not officially authorized until the Project Charter has been created so no other activites should be started until it has been created. Since you have already been identified as the project manager the Project Charter has already been created. The Scope Statement would not be created until after you have defined all of the requirements.

147. You are the project manager of a large global project that has team members spread out across several countries in multiple time zones. Several of the team members in India have been complaininbg about the limited health benefits provided by your company and that they are not able to pay for the care they need given their lower salaries as compared to project team members in the United Sates. Lately they have been somewhat slow to respond to your e-mail requests for status updates and have even missed a few meetings. The most likely explanation for this is?

McGregor's Theory-X

Herberg's Motivation-Hygiene Theory

McGregor's Theory-Y

McClelland's Theory of Needs

Executing - Human Resource Management
Herzberg theorized that pay and benefits act as demotivators and until they are met, employees cannot be motivated. McGregor's Theory-X and Theory-Y theorize employees either dislike work or are self-motivated. McClelland's Theory of Needs says people are motivated by either 1) achievement, 2) affiliation, or 3) power.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Herzberg theorized that pay and benefits act as demotivators and until they are met, employees cannot be motivated. McGregor's Theory-X and Theory-Y theorize employees either dislike work or are self-motivated. McClelland's Theory of Needs says people are motivated by either 1) achievement, 2) affiliation, or 3) power.

148. In a strong matrix organization the role of the project manager is best described as?

Expediter

Full-time

Coordinator

Part-time

Planning - Human Resource Management
In a matrix, strong matrix, and Projectized organization structure the role of the project manager is full-time. According to the PMBOK in a functional organization structure the role of the project manager is part-time and is more like a project coordinator or project expediter.

Explanation

Planning - Human Resource Management
In a matrix, strong matrix, and Projectized organization structure the role of the project manager is full-time. According to the PMBOK in a functional organization structure the role of the project manager is part-time and is more like a project coordinator or project expediter.

149. Your project involves creating a new type of car seat for children that meets Federal safety standards. During the test phase a problem is discovered with the amount of force that the seatbelt can withstand and testing is halted. It's determined that it does not meet the minimum safety standards. Which of the following statement best describes this situation?

This is an example of a project that was authorized as a result of a legal requirement

The problem was discovered during Perform Quality Assurance using a Control Chart when a safety standard variable went out-of-control

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Quality Control activities identify causes of poor product quality. A Control Chart is used to collect and analyze data that indicates the quality of products. Violating the Rule of 7 indicates an out of control process which needs to be investigated. While the project does involve meeting a Federal requirement it is not the best explanation of the current situation.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Quality Control activities identify causes of poor product quality. A Control Chart is used to collect and analyze data that indicates the quality of products. Violating the Rule of 7 indicates an out of control process which needs to be investigated. While the project does involve meeting a Federal requirement it is not the best explanation of the current situation.

150. As the new project manager for the Better Beach Bicycle Company you and the project team are reviewing the WBS which was created by the previous team. After the project was postponed indefinitely the previous project manager and project team were released. You notice that the lowest level nodes of the WBS do not include a list of activities. Which of the following is true?

You realize that the previous project team did not finish the WBS since it should have included the required activities.

This is OK since the lowest level of the WBS should be the work package level.

You realize that the previous project team did not finish the WBS since it should have included the required resources.

Planning - Scope Management
A WBS is a hierarchical decomposition down to the work package level. A WBS never includes resources or activities. Rolling-wave planning starts with a completed WBS and is not used to create one.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
A WBS is a hierarchical decomposition down to the work package level. A WBS never includes resources or activities. Rolling-wave planning starts with a completed WBS and is not used to create one.

151. In which of the following team building stages does the team begin to work together and build good working relationships?

Storming

Performing

Forming

Norming

Executing - Human Resource Management
The 5 stages of team building are Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. Forming is where the team is initially brought together, in Storming the team has disagreement, then during Norming the team begins to work together, in Performing the team operates at optimal performance, and finally in Adjourning the team disbands.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
The 5 stages of team building are Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. Forming is where the team is initially brought together, in Storming the team has disagreement, then during Norming the team begins to work together, in Performing the team operates at optimal performance, and finally in Adjourning the team disbands.

152. Which of the following is not included in configuration management?

Automatic change request approvals

Controlling changes to project deliverable

A method to communication changes to stakeholders

Identification of the functional and physical attributes of the project deliverables

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
Choice B, C, and D are all part of configuration managmeent. Change requests are not and should not be automatically approved.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
Choice B, C, and D are all part of configuration managmeent. Change requests are not and should not be automatically approved.

153. Which of the following best describes a scatter diagram?

Displays the relationship between independent and dependent variable

Plots data points over time

Shows the relationship between causes and defects

Has an upper limit and a lower limit and shows process deviations

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Scatter diagrams graphically show the relationship between 2 variables. Choice B is describing a run chart. Choice C is describing a Fishbone or Ishikawa diagram.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Scatter diagrams graphically show the relationship between 2 variables. Choice B is describing a run chart. Choice C is describing a Fishbone or Ishikawa diagram.

154. Which of the following communcition methods is email considered to be?

Push

Pull

Interactive

Electronic

Planning - Communications Management
Email is a push communication

Explanation

Planning - Communications Management
Email is a push communication

155. Which of the following is not done during the contract closure process?

Lessons learned

Ensuring invoices have been paid

Review of the sellers progress compared to the contract

Ensuring all contractual obligations have been met

Closing - Procurement Management
Choice A, B and D all occur during the contract closure process. Choice C refers to procurement reviews, which occur during the administer procurements process.

Explanation

Closing - Procurement Management
Choice A, B and D all occur during the contract closure process. Choice C refers to procurement reviews, which occur during the administer procurements process.

156. You have recently been brought in to replace the project manager on the Airport Modernization Project. Upon reviewing the project documents you discover that the project is behind schedule and over budget. Your project team has blamed it on the numerous changes that have been requested by the customer that were not in the original scope. What is the most likely cause of this?

The original Scope Statement included assumptions which should always be resolved during project planning

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The integrated change control is designed to handle changes to internal processes among other things and any other new requirements regardless of whether they were initially excluded. Assumptions by definition are factors that are assumed true during the planning process and do not need to be resolved at that point.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The integrated change control is designed to handle changes to internal processes among other things and any other new requirements regardless of whether they were initially excluded. Assumptions by definition are factors that are assumed true during the planning process and do not need to be resolved at that point.

157. Your team is reviewing the entire procurement process to look for successes and failures. What are you doing?

Documenting lessons learned

Conducting a procurement audit

Inspection

Decomposition

Closing - Procurement Management
The process of reviewing the entire procurement process to look for successes and failures is the book definition for Procurement Audits.

Explanation

Closing - Procurement Management
The process of reviewing the entire procurement process to look for successes and failures is the book definition for Procurement Audits.

158. You are using the risk register and trying to find the risk score for each identified risk. Which of the following is not a tool and technique of this process?

Risk data quality assessment

Expected Monetary Value (EMV) analysis

Risk categorization

Probability and impact matrix

Planning - Risk Management
First, you must know what process this question is referring to, which in this case it is talking about Qaulitative Risk Analysis. The keyword Risk Score should have tipped you off. Choice B, Expected Monetary Value (EMV) analysis, is not part of Qualitative Risk Analysis. EMV is done during quantitative analysis. The other answer choices are tools and techniques of Qualitative Risk Analysis. The other tools and techniques are risk probability and impact assessment, risk urgency assessment, and expert judgment.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
First, you must know what process this question is referring to, which in this case it is talking about Qaulitative Risk Analysis. The keyword Risk Score should have tipped you off. Choice B, Expected Monetary Value (EMV) analysis, is not part of Qualitative Risk Analysis. EMV is done during quantitative analysis. The other answer choices are tools and techniques of Qualitative Risk Analysis. The other tools and techniques are risk probability and impact assessment, risk urgency assessment, and expert judgment.

159. You have just completed the work on your project. All of the following must be completed before the project is closed out except which one?

Get formal acceptance of the deliverables from the customer

Document revised risk strategies for all remaining risks to the project

Verify that the product acceptance criteria has been met

Verify that the scope has been completed

Closing - Integration Management
Choice A, C, and D must all be done before completing and closing out a project. You do not need to document revised risks, because when a project is complete the risk is all past. Remember risk is a future event, so when the project closes out there should be no further risk to the project. There may be risk to the product or to future related projects, but that would be something else entirely.

Explanation

Closing - Integration Management
Choice A, C, and D must all be done before completing and closing out a project. You do not need to document revised risks, because when a project is complete the risk is all past. Remember risk is a future event, so when the project closes out there should be no further risk to the project. There may be risk to the product or to future related projects, but that would be something else entirely.

160. You are trying to determine how best to reward your team for a job well done. Where would you find this information?

Reward and recognition plan

Staffing management plan

Human resource plan

Cost management plant

Executing - Human Resource Management
Rewards and recognition are included in the staffing management plan. Technically the staffing management plan is part of the human resource plan, however the more precise answer is the staffing managment plan. On the PMP exam always choose the more precise answer. There is no such thing as a rewards and recognition plan.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Rewards and recognition are included in the staffing management plan. Technically the staffing management plan is part of the human resource plan, however the more precise answer is the staffing managment plan. On the PMP exam always choose the more precise answer. There is no such thing as a rewards and recognition plan.

161. You are working alongside your best friend and a fellow PMP. He tells you that he has been taking boxes of pens and highlighters from the storage cabinet and selling them on eBay. He tells you that it's a big company and they won't miss a few pens, and then asks you if you want to partake in his scheme. What should you do?

Report him to the PMI

Setup an eBay account and join him

Report him to the police

Do nothing

Prefessional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
If you see somebody on your project doing something illegal, you should report him to the police. This applies to everyone, even your best friend. The PMI is not responsible for handling legal matters, so choice A is not correct. Obviously, you should not do choice B as that would be wrong. Choice D might seem tempting since he is your friend, but the right thing to do is report him to the police.

Explanation

Prefessional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
If you see somebody on your project doing something illegal, you should report him to the police. This applies to everyone, even your best friend. The PMI is not responsible for handling legal matters, so choice A is not correct. Obviously, you should not do choice B as that would be wrong. Choice D might seem tempting since he is your friend, but the right thing to do is report him to the police.

162. You are preparing a weekly status report and want to include a forecast for your project. Which of the following would be most helpful?

CPI and SPI

CV and SV

PV and AC

VAC and EAC

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
This question is asking you which metrics would be most helpful for forecasting. The only 2 metrics listed that relate to the future are VAC (Variance at Completion) and EAC (Estimate at Completion). All of the other answer choices have metrics that calculate current or past values on the project.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
This question is asking you which metrics would be most helpful for forecasting. The only 2 metrics listed that relate to the future are VAC (Variance at Completion) and EAC (Estimate at Completion). All of the other answer choices have metrics that calculate current or past values on the project.

163. There are several versions of the project scope statement floating around. Unfortunately, there is no version on the documents so it is creating a lot of confusion as to which document is most up to date. Where would you go to find out which document is correct version?

Version control log

Change control board

Project management plan

Configuration management system

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The configuration management system tracks changes to key documents in the project. Anytime a change is made to important project documents, an entry is made in the configuration management system. There is no such thing as a version control log.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The configuration management system tracks changes to key documents in the project. Anytime a change is made to important project documents, an entry is made in the configuration management system. There is no such thing as a version control log.

164. Which of the following states that changes related to one requirement—scope, time, or cost—will at least influence one other element?

Three-point estimation

Triple constraint

Three wise men

Three needs theory

Executing - Integration Management
The correct answer is Triple Constraint.

Explanation

Executing - Integration Management
The correct answer is Triple Constraint.

165. When should you identify the stakeholders?

At the start of the project

At the start of the planning process group

At the start of each phase

After gathering the requirements

Initiating - Communications Management
Remember you should perform the PMBOK processes for each phase. Technically choice A is also correct, but choice C is more correct. When given the option between broader and more exact definitions, always choose the more exact one.

Explanation

Initiating - Communications Management
Remember you should perform the PMBOK processes for each phase. Technically choice A is also correct, but choice C is more correct. When given the option between broader and more exact definitions, always choose the more exact one.

166. You are the project manager for the Green Thumb Landscaping Company working on a firm fixed priced contract for a customer who is also a personal friend. The installation of the lawn has completed slightly ahead of schedule. The customer notices that you have some leftover grass that will have to be discarded after the project completes, and asks if you can install it in a location not part of the original project. What is the most appropriate response to this?

You politely decline the request since he is a friend and it could be construed as a conflict of interest.

You agree to install the grass after submitting a change request and receiving approval.

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The nature of the request or your relationship with the customer is not a reason to circumvent the change control process. Any change request should be considered using integrated change control.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
The nature of the request or your relationship with the customer is not a reason to circumvent the change control process. Any change request should be considered using integrated change control.

167. The Cost-of-Quality is defined as

Money spent during the project to avoid failures and divided into two categories: Prevention and Appraisal

All costs over the life of the project associated with quality and divided into two categories: Conformance and Nonconformance

Money spent during and after the project to avoid failures and divided into two categories: Internal and External

Planning - Quality Management
Money spent to avoid faulures is the Cost of Conformance. Expected monetary value is used during Risk Analysis

Explanation

Planning - Quality Management
Money spent to avoid faulures is the Cost of Conformance. Expected monetary value is used during Risk Analysis

168. Your project team does not understand the fundamentals of project management. You feel this has the potential to harm your project. You decide to put together a half-day training session to teach PMBOK basics. What is this an example of?

Developing your project team

Contributing to the Project Management Body of Knowledge

Quality prevention costs

Avoiding risk

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
If a question asks you about spreading the word about the PMBOK this is known as contributing to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. The question has a few things in there to throw you off, but remember on the exam you have to choose the best answer.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
If a question asks you about spreading the word about the PMBOK this is known as contributing to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. The question has a few things in there to throw you off, but remember on the exam you have to choose the best answer.

169. You are managing an IT infrastructure project. Your architect has done an excellent job and you want to reward him. You don't have a budget for bonuses, but you know he wants to take an extra day off next month, but he can't because he doesn't have any more vacation days. He has a few sick days, but your company policy does not allow him to use them for vacations. What should you do?

Give him permission to take the extra day off, because you should reward him for his effort

Tell him to just call in sick that day and you won't tell anyone it was a planned vacation

Ask your manager for approval to give him the day off

Don't give him the day off

Professinal & Social Responsibility - Ethics
The correct answer is that you should not give him the day off. The question clearly states that giving him the day off would violate company policy. Telling him to call in sick would be even worse, because now you're adding dishonesty to the corporate policy violation. Choice C might sound ok, but remember as a project manager you should have a lot of authority (unless otherwise stated in the question) and you should not go running to your manager for approval. Plus the question clearly states that using the sick day for a vacation day is a violation of company policy and even your manager cannot violate company policy (yes, even if he's the CEO he should still follow company policy).

Explanation

Professinal & Social Responsibility - Ethics
The correct answer is that you should not give him the day off. The question clearly states that giving him the day off would violate company policy. Telling him to call in sick would be even worse, because now you're adding dishonesty to the corporate policy violation. Choice C might sound ok, but remember as a project manager you should have a lot of authority (unless otherwise stated in the question) and you should not go running to your manager for approval. Plus the question clearly states that using the sick day for a vacation day is a violation of company policy and even your manager cannot violate company policy (yes, even if he's the CEO he should still follow company policy).

170. You are managing a software development project that is behind schedule. Which of the following statements about scheduling is not true?

Fast tracking allows you to do two project phases in parallel to speed up the project delivery

Crashing a non critical path activity will help to speed up the project delivery

Critical chain method is the same as critical

Planning - Time Management
Choice B is a false statement. Crashing a non critical path activity will do nothing to increase the project delivery. As a project manager you should focus your attention on critical path activities, because increasing those can speed up the schedule. All of the other answer choices are accurate statements.

Explanation

Planning - Time Management
Choice B is a false statement. Crashing a non critical path activity will do nothing to increase the project delivery. As a project manager you should focus your attention on critical path activities, because increasing those can speed up the schedule. All of the other answer choices are accurate statements.

171. Lines of authority, team member responsibilities, and loyalties can be blurred in a matrix environment. All of the following are true regarding this situation during the Develop Project Team except for wihich one?

Meet with the functional supervisors of each team member to discuss strategies for coordinating performance appraisals and feedback

Develop a training plan and schedule to ensure that team members receive the appropriate training needed to enhance thier competencies

Establish a set of ground rules regarding acceptable behavious

Executing - Human Resource Management
A meeting with functional supervisors to ensure team members are authorized to work on a project is done during the Acquire Project Team process

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
A meeting with functional supervisors to ensure team members are authorized to work on a project is done during the Acquire Project Team process

172. Which of the following is true of NPV?

NPV represents the value of the planned work after AC has been subtracted

NPV represents the present value of project investments minus the future value of cash flows

NPV evaluates the cash inflows using the discounted cash flow technique

NPV represnts the value of planned work after EV has been subtracted

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
AC and EV are used in Earned Value Managment calculations. NPV always takes into account the present value of cash flows which is what the discounting cash flow technique provides.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
AC and EV are used in Earned Value Managment calculations. NPV always takes into account the present value of cash flows which is what the discounting cash flow technique provides.

173. You are working on a project in a foreign country. You an your team have just completed a very important milestone on the project. As a result, the project sponsor has invited you for a dinner cruise on his private yacht and explains that this is very common in his country to reward a business partner for exceptional performance. What is the most appropriate response?

Decline the offer explaining that this would be a conflict of interest and would be considered inappropriate in your country

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
When working in a foreign country you should be respectful of the diversity and culture. Since it would be considered rude and is acceptable in their culture you accept and notify your company as soon as possible.

Explanation

Professional & Social Responsibility - Ethics
When working in a foreign country you should be respectful of the diversity and culture. Since it would be considered rude and is acceptable in their culture you accept and notify your company as soon as possible.

174. Which of the following is not part of the project closure process?

Phase exit criteria

Verify requirement were met

Transfer the project to operations

Gather lessons learned

Closing - Integration Management
Choice A, C, and D are all true of the closing process. You do not verify requirements were met during project closure. Verification that the requirements were met would be part of the Verify Scope process, which is done in Monitoring and Controlling. The output of that process, Accepted Deliverables, would then become an input to the closing process.

Explanation

Closing - Integration Management
Choice A, C, and D are all true of the closing process. You do not verify requirements were met during project closure. Verification that the requirements were met would be part of the Verify Scope process, which is done in Monitoring and Controlling. The output of that process, Accepted Deliverables, would then become an input to the closing process.

175. You are managing a construction project and there is a chance of a strike at one of your subcontractors which would delay your project. Which of the following is NOT a correct statement about risk response strategies?

You decide not to use that vender and do the work yourself, which would be an example of avoidance.

You decide to use another vendor, which would be an example of sharing.

You decide to do nothing, which would be an example of acceptance.

Monitoring & controlling - Risk Management
The false statement is choice C. The risk in this question is a negative risk. Sharing only takes place with a positive risk. Choice A, B, and D are all accurate statement about risk response strategies.

Explanation

Monitoring & controlling - Risk Management
The false statement is choice C. The risk in this question is a negative risk. Sharing only takes place with a positive risk. Choice A, B, and D are all accurate statement about risk response strategies.

176. Which of the following would be helpful in determining the total duration of your project?

Schedule management plan

WBS

Network diagram

Scope statement

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
The project schedule network diagram displays the relationships among activities (dependencies), thus it would be the most helpful in determining the total duration of the project. The schedule management plan would tell you how to go about doing the schedule planning, it would not contain information about project duration though. The WBS and scope statement would contain information about project scope, but not sufficient detail about individual activities to determine the project duration.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
The project schedule network diagram displays the relationships among activities (dependencies), thus it would be the most helpful in determining the total duration of the project. The schedule management plan would tell you how to go about doing the schedule planning, it would not contain information about project duration though. The WBS and scope statement would contain information about project scope, but not sufficient detail about individual activities to determine the project duration.

177. You have 12 other people on your project. How many lines of communication are there?

12

13

66

78

Planning - Communications Management
The formula for lines of communication is n(n-1)/2. There are 12 other people, plus don't forget to count yourself, so that makes n=13. Therefore, 13(13-1)/2 = 78.

Explanation

Planning - Communications Management
The formula for lines of communication is n(n-1)/2. There are 12 other people, plus don't forget to count yourself, so that makes n=13. Therefore, 13(13-1)/2 = 78.

178. You are managing a project to install 6 new robots in a manufacturing facility. Your primary vendor has just completed his work and you also just received an invoice for his last deliverable. Which of the following would be the most helpful to you?

Claims administration

Records management systems

Payment systems

Inspection and audits

Monitoring & Controlling - Procurement Management
The question is telling you that your vendor just sent you a bill, thus you need to pay him. Therefore the most helpful procurement tool would be payment systems.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Procurement Management
The question is telling you that your vendor just sent you a bill, thus you need to pay him. Therefore the most helpful procurement tool would be payment systems.

179. Which of the following PMBOK outputs would be used to report project status?

Issues log

Lessons learned

Work performance measurements

Status reports

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
Work performance measurements are one of the most important outputs on your project. They contain information like planned versus actual performance, EVM calculations, etc. Note also that the other answer choices are not PMBOK outputs.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Integration Management
Work performance measurements are one of the most important outputs on your project. They contain information like planned versus actual performance, EVM calculations, etc. Note also that the other answer choices are not PMBOK outputs.

180. Which of the following is a retrievable archive of contract documents and correspondence that can be used by future project managers?

Lessons learned

Records management system

Organizational process assets

Document repository

Monitoring & Controlling - Procurement Management
Records management systems are where you store information about contracts. This can be used by future project managers to make their job easier.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Procurement Management
Records management systems are where you store information about contracts. This can be used by future project managers to make their job easier.

181. According to the PMBOK, which of the following are the main sources of conflicts on a project?

Poor performing team members, bad attitudes and drinking alcohol at the workplace

Planning, executing and closing

Resources, budget and schedule

Resources, scheduling priorities, and personal work styles

Executing - Human Resource Management
According to the PMBOK guide fourth edition scarce resources, scheduling priorities, and personal work styles are sources of conflicts on a project.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
According to the PMBOK guide fourth edition scarce resources, scheduling priorities, and personal work styles are sources of conflicts on a project.

182. You are working on a project for a non-profit organization and are putting together the schedule. You recall that you worked on a similar project last year and decide to use the same activity list as a starting point and just make slight changes. What scheduling tool and technique are you using?

Analogous estimating

Decomposition

Templates

Rolling wave planning

Planning - Time Management
The question is explaining Templates, which are used during the Define Activities process to speed up the process. You may have guessed Analogous estimating, but if you read carefully the question is not talking about estimating techniques. This question is focussed on creating activities.

Explanation

Planning - Time Management
The question is explaining Templates, which are used during the Define Activities process to speed up the process. You may have guessed Analogous estimating, but if you read carefully the question is not talking about estimating techniques. This question is focussed on creating activities.

183. You are the project manager of an industrial manufacturing project. During project executing, a team member comes to you because he is unsure what work he needs to complete on the project. Which of the following documents contains a detailed description of the project's deliverables and the work required to create those deliverables?

Project scope statement

WBS

Activity list

WBS dictionary

Planning - Scope Management
You would find a detailed description of the project's deliverables and the work required to create those deliverables in the project scope statement. That sentence is the book definition for the project scope statement found on PMBOK 4th edition page 115.

Explanation

Planning - Scope Management
You would find a detailed description of the project's deliverables and the work required to create those deliverables in the project scope statement. That sentence is the book definition for the project scope statement found on PMBOK 4th edition page 115.

184. You are managing a project to develop a new medical device. As you complete each deliverable you inspect it with the customer to ensure that it meets the requirements. What are you doing?

Perform quality control

Verify quality

Verify scope

Close project or phase

Monitoring & Controlling - Scope Management
The purpose of the verify scope process is to inspect each deliverable and gain formal acceptance from the customer. Quality control is concerned with ensuring the correctness of the deliverable. Close project or phase is concerned with getting formal acceptance of the project as a whole. There is no such thing as verify quality.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Scope Management
The purpose of the verify scope process is to inspect each deliverable and gain formal acceptance from the customer. Quality control is concerned with ensuring the correctness of the deliverable. Close project or phase is concerned with getting formal acceptance of the project as a whole. There is no such thing as verify quality.

185. You are managing a project that is under budget and behind schedule. You have plenty of slack in non-critical path activities and you feel it's too risky to make changes to dependencies. Which of the following is your best option to get the project back on schedule?

Crashing

Fast-tracking

Resource leveling

Critical chain method

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
Your best option given the circumstances is to crash the project. With crashing you will add resources to critical path activities, thus exchanging potentially higher costs for faster delivery. You should know that fast-tracking is not an option here because you are told it's too risky to change dependencies and that's exactly what fast-tracking does (working on activities in parallell). Rescource leveling attempts to smooth out resources primarily to prevent people from being overworked and often will result in longer schedule duration.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Time Management
Your best option given the circumstances is to crash the project. With crashing you will add resources to critical path activities, thus exchanging potentially higher costs for faster delivery. You should know that fast-tracking is not an option here because you are told it's too risky to change dependencies and that's exactly what fast-tracking does (working on activities in parallell). Rescource leveling attempts to smooth out resources primarily to prevent people from being overworked and often will result in longer schedule duration.

186. All of the following occur during the close project or phase process, except which one?

Formal acceptance

Verification of scope

Create lessons learned

Procurement audits

Closing - Integration Management
Remember that the verify scope process takes place during monitoring and controlling. All of the other answer choices are done during closing.

Explanation

Closing - Integration Management
Remember that the verify scope process takes place during monitoring and controlling. All of the other answer choices are done during closing.

187. You are a project manager producing several identical components for an aerospace project. You are supposed to be producing 2 units per month worth $250,000 per unit. After 3 months you have only produced an average of 1.2 units per month. You use some fancy math to determine what the difference is. What is the fancy math formula you used?

SPI

CV

SV

VAC

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
The question is talking about calculating a schedule variance (SV), which is the difference between what you produced (your Earned Value) and what you were supposed to complete (Planned Value).

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
The question is talking about calculating a schedule variance (SV), which is the difference between what you produced (your Earned Value) and what you were supposed to complete (Planned Value).

188. You are managing a manufacturing project and want to improve quality. Which of the following categories would inspections and destructive testing loss fall under?

Prevention costs

Appraisal costs

Internal failure costs

External failure costs

Executing - Quality Management
Appraisal costs are costs incurred to test the product. Prevention costs are costs incurred to build quality into the product, such as proper training and equipment. Internal failure costs are costs incurred prior to handling the product over to the customer, such as scrap and rework. External failure costs are costs incurred once the product is in the customer's hands, such as warranty work, legal liabilities, and lost business.

Explanation

Executing - Quality Management
Appraisal costs are costs incurred to test the product. Prevention costs are costs incurred to build quality into the product, such as proper training and equipment. Internal failure costs are costs incurred prior to handling the product over to the customer, such as scrap and rework. External failure costs are costs incurred once the product is in the customer's hands, such as warranty work, legal liabilities, and lost business.

189. Your project is behind schedule. Which types of dependencies would you look at to fast track your project?

Hard

External

Mandatory

Arbitrary

Planning - Time Management
Fast tracking involves taking activities that were sequential and doing them in parallel. The only types of dependencies in which you can move are those that have come flexibility. These are called preferred, arbitrary, or soft logic dependencies.

Explanation

Planning - Time Management
Fast tracking involves taking activities that were sequential and doing them in parallel. The only types of dependencies in which you can move are those that have come flexibility. These are called preferred, arbitrary, or soft logic dependencies.

190. You have found some defects on your project related to a design flaw and decide to take actions to reduce the probability of negative consequences. What are you doing?

Problem solving

Workaround

Preventive actions

Corrective actions

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
Preventive actions are by definition actions taken to reduce the probability of negative consequences. Sometimes just knowing the PMBOK definitions will help you to pick the correct choice on the exam.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Risk Management
Preventive actions are by definition actions taken to reduce the probability of negative consequences. Sometimes just knowing the PMBOK definitions will help you to pick the correct choice on the exam.

191. All of the following are included in the staffing management plan except which one?

Staff acquisition and release

Compliance and safety

Roles and responsibilities

Rewards and recognition

Planning - Human Resource Management
The correct answer is C. Roles and responsibilities are not part of the staffing management plan. Remember the human resource plan includes 3 major things: the project organization chart, roles and responsibilities, and the staffing management plan. The staffing management plan includes resource calendars, staff acquisition, staff release, compliance, safety, rewards and recognition, and training needs.

Explanation

Planning - Human Resource Management
The correct answer is C. Roles and responsibilities are not part of the staffing management plan. Remember the human resource plan includes 3 major things: the project organization chart, roles and responsibilities, and the staffing management plan. The staffing management plan includes resource calendars, staff acquisition, staff release, compliance, safety, rewards and recognition, and training needs.

192. When might it be appropriate to re-balance a project?

Never since baselines are used to measure progress against the plan

After receiving approved budget updates

After a corrective action

After receiving updates to the cost management plan

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
After receiving approved budget updates since they would affect the primary input the cost performance baseline. The Cost Management Plan describes how costs will be managed regardless of the baseline. Corrective actions should be tracked against the baseline.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
After receiving approved budget updates since they would affect the primary input the cost performance baseline. The Cost Management Plan describes how costs will be managed regardless of the baseline. Corrective actions should be tracked against the baseline.

193. Which of the following is not an output of direct and manage project execution?

Deliverables

Work performance information

Change requests

Work performance measurements

Executing - Integration Management
Choice A, B and C are outputs to the direct and manage project execution process. Also, remember that work performance measurements come out of monitoring and controlling processes.

Explanation

Executing - Integration Management
Choice A, B and C are outputs to the direct and manage project execution process. Also, remember that work performance measurements come out of monitoring and controlling processes.

194. Which of the following would be considered a defect?

A work package that does not meet the requirements, but is later deemed acceptable by the customer

A mistake made by a team member

A system component that was designed to specifications, but the entire system does not work properly

Any change request

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Remember a defect is any deliverable that does not meet the documented requirements. Choice A clearly is the only choice that matches this description. Just because a customer later decides that it is acceptable does not negate the fact that it did not meet the requirements and thus is a defect. In choice C, even if the deliverable doesn't work properly, if it meets the requirements then it is not defective. Change requests are not necessarily derived from defects.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Quality Management
Remember a defect is any deliverable that does not meet the documented requirements. Choice A clearly is the only choice that matches this description. Just because a customer later decides that it is acceptable does not negate the fact that it did not meet the requirements and thus is a defect. In choice C, even if the deliverable doesn't work properly, if it meets the requirements then it is not defective. Change requests are not necessarily derived from defects.

195. You are managing a project that will move your 200 person office accross the country. You are currently sitting in a meeting with serveral key stakeholders performing document reviews, assumptions analysis, and information gathering techniques. Which process are you performing?

Identify risk

Collect requirements

Perform quality assurance

Monitor and control project work

Planning - Risk Management
The 3 tools listed in the question are from the identify risk process. During this process you usually sit down in a room with key stakeholders and try to find risks. The tools and techniques for the identify risk process are documentation reviews, information gathering techniques, checklist analysis, assumptions analysis, diagramming techniques, SWOT analysis, and expert judgment. It's important that you understand all of the tools and techniques and where they are used.

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
The 3 tools listed in the question are from the identify risk process. During this process you usually sit down in a room with key stakeholders and try to find risks. The tools and techniques for the identify risk process are documentation reviews, information gathering techniques, checklist analysis, assumptions analysis, diagramming techniques, SWOT analysis, and expert judgment. It's important that you understand all of the tools and techniques and where they are used.

196. Which of the following statements is true regarding risk management?

Risks are certain events that may be threats or opportunities to the objectives of the project

Risks that are perceived more as rewards to the organization than negative consequences should be accepted

Project risks are uncertain events

Planning - Risk Management
Risks are always uncertain events and need to be considered whether they are positive or negative. Even risks that are perceived rewards should still be analyzed and not necessarily accepted

Explanation

Planning - Risk Management
Risks are always uncertain events and need to be considered whether they are positive or negative. Even risks that are perceived rewards should still be analyzed and not necessarily accepted

197. Project information has been distributed according to the communications plan. Some project deliverables have been changed. Those changes were made according to the change control plan. One stakeholder expressed surprise to the project manager upon being informed of a previously published change to a project deliverable. All stakeholders received the communications containing notification of the change. What should the project manager do?

Determine why the stakeholder did not receive the information and let him know when it was published

Ask the functional manager why the stakeholder did not understand his responsibility

Review the communications plan and make revisions, if necessary

Address the situation in the next steering committee meeting so others do not miss published changes

Executing - Communications Management
Choice A cannot be correct because he may have received the communication but forgotten or not understood it. Choice B and D do not address the root cause of the problem. The problem presented here shows that there is something missing in the communications plan. The best answer is to review the communications plan in order to prevent future problems and find any instances of similar problems

Explanation

Executing - Communications Management
Choice A cannot be correct because he may have received the communication but forgotten or not understood it. Choice B and D do not address the root cause of the problem. The problem presented here shows that there is something missing in the communications plan. The best answer is to review the communications plan in order to prevent future problems and find any instances of similar problems

198. Project Scope Verification involves all of the following except

Formalized acceptance of completed project deliverables

Reviewing deliverables with the customer or project sponsor

Verifying the correctness of project deliverables

Verifying the completion of project deliverables

Monitoring & Controlling - Scope Management
Verifying the correctness of deliverables is part of Perform Quality Control

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Scope Management
Verifying the correctness of deliverables is part of Perform Quality Control

199. In a meeting with the project stakeholders you are presenting a performance report which was produced using the following data: EAC = 350, BAC = 300, ETC = 200 and AC = 150. You are asked by the project sponsor if it's possible for you to complete the project within your original cost performance baseline. What is the best answer to this question?

Because the BAC is less than the EAC, you will complete the project under budget

Because the EAC is more than the BAC, you will complete the project over budget

Because EAC-AC = 200 you will complete the project on budget

You do not have enough data to answer this question

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
To Complete Performance Index (TCPI) is the optimal cost performance that must be achieved to meet the original budget or BAC of 300. TCPI = (BAC-EV)/(BAC-AC). Without the value of EV you do not have enough information to answer the question.

Explanation

Monitoring & Controlling - Cost Management
To Complete Performance Index (TCPI) is the optimal cost performance that must be achieved to meet the original budget or BAC of 300. TCPI = (BAC-EV)/(BAC-AC). Without the value of EV you do not have enough information to answer the question.

200. You have recently scheduled serveral meetings with your project team to review items in the issue log and resolve them by developing corrective actions. What is the best description of this process?

This is part of the Manage Stakeholder Expectations process to ensure that stakeholder needs are being met

This is part of the Direct and Manage Project Execution process to ensure that stakeholder needs are being met

This is part of the Manage Project Team process to ensure that project goals are met

Executing - Human Resource Management
Meeting with your team to discuss the issue log would be part of the Manage Project Team process. If it was related to stakeholders they would be invited to the meeting. Perform Quality Assurance does not use an issue log.

Explanation

Executing - Human Resource Management
Meeting with your team to discuss the issue log would be part of the Manage Project Team process. If it was related to stakeholders they would be invited to the meeting. Perform Quality Assurance does not use an issue log.