During a code implementation, a senior developer and junior tester are discussing the testing scenarios that were performed. A major malfunction resulted in an inoperative product condition. As a result, the team was forced to work until midnight to restore operations. Which of the following should the PM have generated FIRST to alleviate the impact of this issue prior to deployment?
Correct Answer:
D
The project manager should have generated a contingency plan first to alleviate the impact of this issue prior to deployment where a major malfunction resulted in an inoperative product condition during a code implementation. A contingency plan is a
plan that outlines alternative courses of action or strategies to deal with potential problems or risks that may occur during a project. A contingency plan can help to prevent or minimize the negative impacts of unforeseen events or issues on the project objectives and deliverables and ensure business continuity and stability.
A project team needs to understand what needs to be done, who needs to complete the tasks, and when the tasks need to be completed. Which of the following artifacts would be the best to capture this information?
Correct Answer:
C
A project schedule is an artifact that shows the sequence, duration, and dependencies of the project activities, as well as the resources assigned to each activity. A project schedule helps the project team understand what needs to be done, who needs to complete the tasks, and when the tasks need to be completed. A project schedule can also help monitor and control the project progress and performance1.
A project manager is coordinating multiple teams of six people that will each provide feedback for a new product. The teams are recording their opinions, which may be used to define the final product that is sent to mass production. Which of the following best describes this technique?
Correct Answer:
D
A focus group is a technique that involves gathering a group of people who share some characteristics or interests related to a product, service, or issue, and asking them for their opinions, perceptions, or feedback. The project manager acts as a moderator or facilitator who guides the discussion and records the results. A focus group can help to collect information from a representative sample of the target population, explore ideas, identify needs and preferences, and support the completion of larger projects. The other options are not correct because:
✑ A demonstration is a technique that involves showing the features or capabilities of a product, service, or process to the stakeholders or customers, usually in a live or simulated environment. A demonstration can help to validate the requirements, obtain feedback, and verify the functionality of a deliverable.
✑ A workshop is a technique that involves bringing together a group of stakeholders or experts to work on a specific topic, problem, or issue, usually in a structured and facilitated way. A workshop can help to define the scope, plan the activities, identify the risks, resolve the conflicts, and generate the solutions of a project.
✑ Brainstorming is a technique that involves generating a large number of ideas or alternatives for a problem or opportunity, usually in a creative and spontaneous way. Brainstorming can help to enhance the creativity, diversity, and quality of the ideas, and encourage the participation and collaboration of the team
members. References = CompTIA Project+ Study Guide: Exam PK0-005, 3rd Edition, Chapter 6: Planning Projects, Part 2 (Scope, Quality, and Risk), page 191; CompTIA Project+ Certification Exam Objectives, Domain 2: Project Planning, Objective 2.1: Given a scenario, create a project charter and project management plan.
A piece of equipment has malfunctioned and is stalling the completion of a deliverable for a project. Which of the following should the project manager do next?
Correct Answer:
D
This answer is based on the best practice of issue management in project management, which is to identify, analyze, prioritize, and resolve issues that affect the project performance, scope, schedule, quality, or budget12. The first step in this process is to rate the severity of the impact the issue has on the project, which involves assessing the likelihood and consequences of the issue, and assigning a rating or score to the issue based on a predefined scale or criteria34. By rating the severity of the impact, the project manager can determine the urgency and importance of the issue, and decide the appropriate course of action to address the issue56. Rating the severity of the impact is better than the other options because:
✑ Buying a replacement for the faulty equipment may not be feasible, cost-effective, or timely, depending on the availability, price, and delivery time of the equipment. It may also require approval from the project sponsor or other stakeholders, and may affect the project budget or scope7.
✑ Getting the maintenance team to resolve the issue may not be possible, depending on the nature and extent of the malfunction, the skills and availability of the maintenance team, and the warranty or service contract of the equipment. It may also take time and resources to diagnose and fix the problem, and may cause further delays or disruptions to the project8.
✑ Escalating the issue to the project sponsor may not be necessary, depending on the severity and complexity of the issue, and the authority and responsibility of the project manager. It may also create unnecessary alarm or confusion among the project stakeholders, and may undermine the project manager’s credibility or autonomy9.
References = CompTIA Project+ Certification Study Guide, CompTIA Project+ Certification Exam Objectives, What is Issue Management?1, Issue Management Process2, How to Assess the Severity of Project Issues3, How to Prioritize Project Issues4, How to Replace Faulty Equipment in Project Management5, How to Manage Equipment Maintenance in Project Management6, How to Escalate Issues in Project Management7
A project team needs a tool to store information that is captured throughout the life cycle of a project. The information should be stored in a centralized location that is easily accessible to all stakeholders and will provide search functionality. Which of the following tools should be used?
Correct Answer:
D
A wiki knowledge base is a tool that allows the project team to store, organize, and share information that is captured throughout the life cycle of a project. A wiki knowledge base is stored in a centralized location that is easily accessible to all stakeholders via a web browser. A wiki knowledge base also provides search functionality that enables the users to find the information they need quickly and easily. A wiki knowledge base can help the project team to document the project requirements, scope, schedule, budget, quality, risks, issues, lessons learned, and best practices.
A wiki knowledge base is different from a secure folder, which is a tool that protects the files and folders from unauthorized access or modification. A secure folder may not be easily accessible to all stakeholders, and may not provide search functionality or collaboration features. A wiki knowledge base is also different from a real-time, multiauthoring editing software, which is a tool that allows the project team to create and edit documents simultaneously and synchronously. A real-time, multiauthoring editing software may not be suitable for storing large amounts of information, and may not provide the same level of organization and structure as a wiki knowledge base. A wiki knowledge base is also different from a digital whiteboard, which is a tool that allows the project team to brainstorm, visualize, and communicate ideas. A digital whiteboard is not designed for storing information, and may not provide the same level of search functionality or security as a wiki knowledge base. References = CompTIA Project+ Study Guide: Exam PK0-005, 3rd Edition, Chapter 3: Project Communications Management1; CompTIA Project+ Certification Study Guide, 3rd Edition, Chapter 3: Project Communications Management2; The 15 best collaboration tools for productive teams3
