An organization is struggling to start an important project. The project manager has identified that the scope definition is the main item preventing the project from starting. Although most of the scope items are defined and agreed upon among the stakeholders, there are a few items that are hard to grasp and verycomplex to define at this stage.
What should the project manager do?
Correct Answer:
C
According to the PMBOK Guide, a project scope definition is a comprehensive description of all project elements, including all related activities, assets, timeframes, milestones, and the project’s boundaries1. The scope of a project also identifies essential players, processes, assumptions, and restrictions2. The project scope statement describes, in detail, the project’s deliverables and the work required to create those deliverables3. The project scope statement also provides a common understanding of the project scope among all project stakeholders and describes the project’s major objectives3.
In this scenario, the project manager has identified that the scope definition is the main item preventing the project from starting, as there are a few items that are hard to grasp and very complex to define at this stage. The project manager should propose that the well-defined scope items be delivered using a predictive approach and use an agile approach to deal with the complex items. This is an example of a hybrid approach, which is a combination of serial and agile strategies that can be used for different phases or work packages of a project4. A hybrid approach can provide flexibility, adaptability, and customer focus while maintaining some level of predictability and control4. A hybrid approach can also accommodate changing requirements and stakeholder expectations, as well as leverage existing knowledge and experience4.
The project manager should not recommend splitting the project into two smaller projects in order to work exclusively in an agile environment without interference from a predictive approach, as this may create unnecessary complexity and duplication of work. The project manager should also not update the risk register and escalate the issue to the PMO, requesting more resources be added to help define the project scope, as this may not solve the problem of the complex and unclear scope items. The project manager should also not maintain stakeholder momentum in working on the scope definition until a full detailed scope is achieved prior to starting the project, as this may delay the project initiation and cause frustration and dissatisfaction among the stakeholders.
References: 4: Scope Management | PMI 1: Define Scope Process: How To Finalize The Project Scope? 2: Project Scope Definition & Scope Statement Template - PM-Training 3: Section 5.2 Scope Definition
A project delivers every 2 weeks. The customer raises a complaint because they do not perceive business value in the products delivered even though deliveries have been completed in a timely manner.
Which activity should the project manager undertake?
Correct Answer:
D
= The minimum viable product (MVP) is a version of a product that has just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future development. If the customer does not perceive business value in the products delivered, the project manager should review the definition of the MVP to ensure that it aligns with the customer’s expectations and needs. Changing the delivery project approach, performing a cost-benefit analysis, or reviewing the risk analysis are not likely to address the root cause of the customer’s dissatisfaction. References: PMI Study Hall, [PMBOK Guide] PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 176 : https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide- standards/foundational/pmbok
A project using a hybrid approach to migrate from a current system to a new and enhanced system is underway. The plan is to migrate the system in stages. However, the operations team is complaining that they are not ready to start supporting the new system.
How should the project manager effectively approach this situation?
Correct Answer:
B
According to the PMBOK Guide, a project manager should manage the transition of the project deliverables to the operations team and ensure that they have the necessary skills andknowledge to support the new system. A project using a hybrid approach to migrate from a current system to a new and enhanced system in stages should include knowledge transfer sessions between the project and operations team at every stage. This can help the operations team to understand the features, functions, and benefits of the new system, as well as the potential issues, risks, and changes that may arise during the migration. This can also help the project team to obtain feedback, validation, and acceptance from the operations team. Including knowledge transfer sessions is the best option, as it can improve the readiness, confidence, and satisfaction of the operations team. Creating a lessons learned register, changing the project management plan, or preparing detailed documentation are not the best options, as they do not address the immediate concern of the operations team and may not provide enough information or interaction to ensure a smooth transition. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 214-215, 218-219.
The project manager of a large construction project discovers that the blueprints received from the client appear incomplete. What should theproject manager do first?
Correct Answer:
C
According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 141, the project manager is responsible for managing the project scope and ensuring that the project deliverables meet the agreed requirements and expectations of the client and other stakeholders. If the project manager discovers that the blueprints received from the client are incomplete, the first thing to do is to consult with the client to clarify the requirements, scope, and expectations, and to determine if the project execution should be continued, modified, or terminated. The project manager should not continue the project execution using the current blueprints, as this may lead to rework, waste, scope creep, or poor quality. The project manager should not reschedule the project execution date, as this may affect the project schedule, budget, and resources. The project manager should not escalate this issue to the project sponsor, as this may undermine the trust and communication between the project manager and the client. The project sponsor should be involved only if the issue cannot be resolved by the project manager and the client. References:
✑ PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 141
✑ Free PMP Practice Exam Questions - 120 Sample Test Questions
A new project has been kicked off following a planning session. The project is under direct oversight of an executive in the organization. After a review meeting, the project manager overhears an executive request a dashboard from one of the team members to show the overall project status.
What should the project manager do?
Correct Answer:
B
= The project manager should tell the team member to route the request through the project manager, as this is the best way to ensure that the communication is consistent, accurate, and aligned with the project objectives. The project manager is responsible for managing the communication with the stakeholders, including the executive, and for providing them with the appropriate level of information. The project manager should also verify the validity and feasibility of the request, and update the communications management plan accordingly. The other options are not the best actions to take in this situation, as they do not follow the established communication protocols or respect the project manager’s authority. References: = A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 5: Project Communications, Section 5.2: Manage Communications, Page 137-138.
