Answers to Final ExamReviews 1-4

Answers to Final Exam Review 1

1. C. The formula to calculate lines of communication is: (n x (n 1)) 2. If you plug 22 attendees into this formula, you find that there are 231 lines of communication. (22 x (22 1)) 2 = 231. Most groups make effective decisions when there are between 5 and 11 members . For more information, see Chapter 8 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

2. D. Mathematical analysis is a tool and technique of the Schedule Development process that calculates potential dates for activities. These dates are not the project schedule; they are the potential dates the activities can be scheduled given constraints and resource limitations. For more information, see Chapter 7 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

3. D. The EAC formula for this question is AC + ETC. Plugging in the numbers from the question, you get 138 + 62 = 200. For more information, see Chapter 9 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

4. B. Project selection methods are a tool and technique of Initiation and can be used to choose which projects the organization should undertake or to choose among alternative ways of doing a project. Project selection criteria (an input to Initiation) concern the things executive managers typically think about such as financial return, customer loyalty, public perception, and so on. For more information, see Chapter 3 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

5. D. Programs are groups of projects managed collectively to gain benefits that couldnt be gained by managing them separately. For more information, see Chapter 1 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

6. C. Project risk response audits are concerned with the implementation and effective use of the transference, avoidance , and mitigation risk strategies. For more information, see Chapter 10 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

7. C. Project management software is a tool and technique of Resource Planning and is used to help organize resource pools. Cost Estimating mentions project management softwares ability to help with cost estimating under the tool and technique called computerized tools. Its mentioned in the PDM tool and technique of Activity Sequencing and implied in the ADM method. Project management software is also mentioned in the information retrieval systems tool and technique of the Information Distribution process. For more information, see Chapter 5 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

8. B. When project team members are identified in the project charter, this is known as preassignment, which is a tool and technique of Staff Acquisition. For more information, see Chapter 5 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

9. D. The risk management plan does not address responses to individual risks. For more information, see Chapter 6 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

10. A. The forecast of the likely total costs of the project is the estimate at completion (EAC) formula, which is an output of the Cost Control process. For more information, see Chapter 10 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

11. D. Triangular distributions rely on optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates to determine risk ratings. For more information, see Chapter 6 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

12. D. The terms bid and quotation are typically used when youre basing selection decisions on price. The organization probably is looking for a fixed price contract, but the question is asking what criteria the source selection is based on. For more information, see Chapter 6 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

13. A. CPI = EV AC; therefore, 114 103 = 1.1. SPI = EV PV; therefore, 114 120 = .95. For more information, see Chapter 9 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

14. A. Technical performance measurements compares the technical accomplishments of project milestones completed during the Executing processes to the technical milestones defined in the project Planning process. For more information, see Chapter 10 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

15. B. While phase exits are a good idea for vendor projects, they are not required. For more information, see Chapter 1 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

16. C. Quality Control is the process concerned with correctness of the work, while Scope Verification is the process concerned with acceptance of the work. For more information, see Chapter 9 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

17. A. Imposed dates and key events constraints are two categories of time constraints that should be taken into consideration when examining the constraints input to the Schedule Development process. For more information, see Chapter 7 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

18. D. NPV allows you to calculate an accurate value for each project. In order to determine NPV, you must calculate the PV of the cash flows for each alternative and subtract the initial investment from the sum of the present value of the cash flows. Alternative As NPV is <571>, Alternative Bs NPV is 6,620, and Alternative Cs NPV is 1,165. Based on these criteria alone, either alternative B or C is an acceptable choice. The calculations for each alternative are as follows : Alternative As year 1 PV = 12,727 and year 2 PV = 15,702, for a total of 28,429. Alternative Bs year 1 PV = 19,091 and year 2 PV = 16,529, for a total of 35,620. Alternative Cs year 1 PV = 13,636 and year 2 PV = 16,529, for a total of 30,165. For more information, see Chapter 3 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

19. A. Quality Control does not have a change control system tool and technique. For more information, see Chapter 10 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

20. C. The triple constraints are time, money, and quality and are usually present on all projects. Most likely, one or two of these constraints will be the primary driver on a project. Constraints other than the triple constraints will be present on most projects. Answer D is incorrect, because the organizational structure does not impact the way you manage or deal with constraints. For more information, see Chapter 1 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

21. C. WBSs from previous projects can be used as templates on projects that are producing similar products or services. Some companies write WBS templates to be used for projects of similar scope. For more information, see Chapter 4 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

22. C. The CDs included with the books are considered intellectual property and should not be copied , no matter if youre a PMP or not. For more information, see Chapter 12 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

23. C. The tools and techniques for Activity Duration Estimating are expert judgment, analogous estimating, quantitatively based durations, and reserve time. For more information, see Chapter 5 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

24. C. Decomposition includes identifying major deliverables, determining adequate cost and duration estimates, identifying constituent components , and verifying correctness of decomposition. For more information, see Chapter 4 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

25. D. First, you must determine expected value. The expected value formula is:

    (Optimistic + Pessimistic + (4 x  Most Likely)) 6

    The formula for this question is:

    (245 + 269 + (4 x 257)) 6 = 257

    Next , you need to determine the standard deviation. Standard deviation is calculated as:

    (Pessimistic Optimistic) 6

    The formula for this question is:

    (269 245) 6 = 4

    95 percent confidence level is determined by adding and subtracting two standard deviations to the expected value. Therefore, the range of dates for this question is 249 days to 265 days. For more information, see Chapter 7 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

26. A. The PI matrix can be developed using cardinal or ordinal scales . It is a tool and technique of the Qualitative Risk Analysis process. For more information, see Chapter 6 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

27. C. The tools and techniques of Activity Duration Estimating are expert judgment, analogous estimating, quantitatively based durations, and reserve time (contingency). For more information, see Chapter 5 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

28. B. Project Plan Execution is where the work of the project is performed. Activities are clarified, the work is authorized to begin, and resources are committed to the project and perform the work. For more information, see Chapter 8 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

29. C. Negotiation is working with others to come to an agreement. Arbitration and mediation are two forms of negotiation. For more information, see Chapter 1 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

30. B. A proper change control system documents the procedures a project manager can use to approve changes in an emergency. Answer B states that this procedure is documented, so you have the authority to approve the change. For more information, see Chapter 10 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

31. C. Both Alternative A and Alternative C yield a positive NPV, so either project may be chosen based on this criteria alone. For more information, see Chapter 3 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

32. C. The collective phases a project progresses through are known as the project life cycle. For more information, see Chapter 1 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

33. C. Quality improvements are an output of the Quality Control process and the Quality Assurance process and come about as a result of quality audits. They may help improve efficiency or effectiveness on the project, thereby increasing the value of the project and exceeding stakeholder expectations. Identifying lessons learned is the objective of quality audits, not quality improvements. For more information, see Chapter 9 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

34. A. Mandatory dependencies are also known as hard logic and are related to the nature of the work being done. They often involve physical limitations. In this question, no new construction activity can begin until the demolition activity is completed so demolition is a mandatory dependency. For more information, see Chapter 5 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

35. A. The Hygiene Theory says salary isnt a motivator unless there are large disparities in salary. For more information, see Chapter 8 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

36. A. The Initiation process is characterized by low costs, low staffing levels, decreased chances for a successful completion, high risk, and the greatest amount of stakeholder influence concerning the characteristics of the product or service of the project. Initiation acknowledges that the project or next phase of the project should begin and authorizes the assignment of resources. For more information, see Chapter 1 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

37. D. It would be inappropriate to send the prospective client a gift basket . This option constitutes conflict of interest in the hopes of personal gain. For more information, see Chapter 12 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

38. C. Parametric modeling, according to A Guide to the PMBOK, requires parameters that are easily quantifiable, historical information thats accurate, and a model thats scalable. Resources may need expertise but option C belongs with the analogous estimating technique. For more information, see Chapter 5 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

39. D. Project Time Management allows for the combining of Activity Sequencing, Activity Duration Estimating, and Schedule Development processes into one process that can be completed by one person. For more information, see Chapter 2 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

40. A. Project 1s payback period is 20 months. Year 1 inflows are $204,000. Year 2 inflows for the first 8 months are $96,000, making the payback period 20 months. Project 2s payback period is 25 months. Year 1 inflows are $176,000. Year 2 inflows are 144,000, and an additional month at $12,000 makes the payback period 25 months. For more information, see Chapter 3 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

41. B. Thresholds are used to measure the project teams effectiveness at executing risk response plans. For more information, see Chapter 6 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

42. C. The WBS dictionary contains information such as the schedule dates, staff assignments, and cost budgets . For more information, see Chapter 4 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

43. A. Value Engineering is a technique used to help improve project schedules, profits, quality, and resource usage, and it optimizes life-cycle costs. For more information, see Chapter 2 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

44. B. The processes in the Project Procurement Management knowledge area are considered from the perspective of the buyer. Goals as well as deliverables should be measurable. For more information, see Chapter 2 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

45. A. The Initiation process has just begun, and the inputs to this process are product description, strategic plan, project selection criteria, and historical information. The project charter is not produced until the end of the Initiation process. For more information, see Chapter 2 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

46. C. The project objectives should include quantifiable criteria that can be used to help measure project success. Project objectives should always include schedule, cost, and quality measurements. For more information, see Chapter 4 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

47. A. Both the Contract Closeout and the Administrative Closure processes should be performed. The contract is complete, which requires the Contract Closeout process, and the project phase is complete. Administrative Closure is performed when project phases are completed. For more information, see Chapter 11 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

48. C. Answer C describes project selection methods that are concerned with measuring the value and benefits of the project. Project selection criteria are concerned with the advantages or merits of the product of the project to the organization. For more information, see Chapter 3 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

49. C. Weighted scoring models use the weight of the criteria multiplied by the score to derive an overall score. Project 1s score is 47, Project 2s score is 45, and Project 3s score is 42. Based on this information, Project 1 is the best choice. For more information, see Chapter 3 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

50. D. This question indicates that you are in the Executing process and have a problem on your hands that needs immediate attention. While you absolutely should report the risk trigger and the actions you took at the next stakeholder meeting, it isnt something youd do immediately, as the question indicates. For more information, see Chapter 8 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

51. C. Loaning the book and CD to your friend is an acceptable solution as long as your friend does not make copies of the CD or printed text. For more information, see Chapter 12 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

52. C. Resource requirements, which help determine the number of resources required and what quantity is needed, are an output of the Resource Planning process. Organizational Plannings role and responsibility assignment output concerns assigning project roles and responsibilities to project stakeholders. For more information, see Chapter 5 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

53. B. The primary cost of meeting quality requirements for a project are the expenses incurred while performing project quality management activities, not just the tools and techniques of the process. For more information, see Chapter 6 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide, 2nd Edition.

54. A. The Risk Identification outputs are risks, triggers, and inputs to other processes. For more information, see Chapter 6 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

55. A. Monte Carlo analysis is a simulation tool and technique of this process. For more information, see Chapter 6 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

56. A. First, you must determine expected value. That formula is:

    (Optimistic + Pessimistic + (4 x Most Likely)) 6

    The formula for this question is:

    (108 + 126 + (4 x 114)) 6 = 115

    Next, you need to determine the standard deviation. Standard deviation is calculated as:

    (Pessimistic Optimistic) 6

    The standard deviation formula for this question is:

    (126 108) 6 = 3

    The 68 percent confidence level is determined by adding and subtracting one standard deviation to the expected value. Therefore, the range of dates for this question is 112 days to 118 days. For more information, see Chapter 7 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

57. C. 99 percent confidence level is determined by adding and subtracting three standard deviations to the expected value. Therefore, the range of dates for this question is 585 days to 669 days. For more information, see Chapter 7 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

58. B. According to A Guide to the PMBOK, Team Development is performed throughout the project, not just during the Executing processes. For more information, see Chapter 8 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

59. B. Salary is no longer a motivator. Once a need has been met, it can no longer be a motivator. For more information, see Chapter 8 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

60. A. Confrontation is also called problem solving and should be the most commonly used technique by project managers. For more information, see Chapter 8 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

61. A. Modifications to deliverables, product changes, and termination for poor performance generate change requests , which are an input to the Contract Administration process. Answer C could be correct but is not the most correct answer. The termination for poor performance is the key statement in this question, which should lead you to the change request option. For more information, see Chapter 9 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

62. C. The earned value management (EVM) tool and technique continuously monitors and measures planned value (PV), earned value (EV), and actual costs (AC). For more information, see Chapter 10 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

63. B. Product documentation (an input of the Administrative Closure process) contains information regarding the product of the project. The scripts were developed by the project team and describe the product of the project. Therefore, they are considered product documentation. For more information, see Chapter 11 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.

64. D. Historical information is not an input of the Scope Planning process. For more information, see Chapter 4 of Sybexs PMP: Project Management Professional Study Guide , 2nd Edition.