A vendor has manufactured a complex product. During a factory acceptance test, several deficiencies were identified. Product delivery is on the critical path, and any delay would impact project completion. What should the project manager do?
Correct Answer:
A
n: The project manager should assess the schedule impact of the deficiencies identified during the factory acceptance test and evaluate the most feasible solution to keep the project on track. This may involve negotiating with the vendor, performing a schedule compression technique, or implementing a contingency plan. The project manager should also communicate the issue and the solution to the relevant stakeholders and update the project documents accordingly. The other options are not advisable, as they may compromise the quality of the product, increase the project risk, or create conflicts with the vendor. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 112-113, 118-119, 122-123.
A project manager is working on a major construction project. Part of the agreed-upon plan was to use a cloud-based system with a server that runs on high-speed internet service since most of the team members work virtually. The company needs to reduce operating costs as much as possible and management insists that the project will now use a system running on a conventional dial-up service. What should the project manager do next?
Correct Answer:
D
The project manager should evaluate the impact of this decision on the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and stakeholder satisfaction. The project manager should also communicate with management about the potential benefits and drawbacks of using a conventional dial-up service instead of a cloud-based system. The project manager should present alternative solutions and recommendations based on the analysis. The other options are not the best actions to take in this situation, as they do not address the root cause of the problem or seek to find a mutually acceptable solution. References: = A Guide to the Project Management Body ofKnowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 4: Project Performance, Section 4.2: Monitor and Control Project Work, Page 105-106.
An information technology (IT) team is responsible for the validation and release of a product developed by the agile development team. Due to other priorities for the IT team, the releases are delayed.
What action should the project manager take?
Correct Answer:
A
According to the Project Management Professional (PMP) Reference Materials, a project manager should work with the IT team to prioritize the validation and release of the new features. This is because the project manager is responsible for ensuring that the product delivers value to the customer on an incremental basis, as per the agile principles. The project manager should collaborate with the IT team to understand their constraints and challenges, and help them align their work with the product vision and roadmap. The project manager should also facilitate communication and coordination between the IT team and the agile development team, and ensure that the release process is streamlined and efficient. By working with the IT team, the project manager can foster a culture of trust and mutual respect, and avoid unnecessary conflicts or escalations. References: Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Content Outline, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) - Seventh Edition, Agile Release Planning Best Practices for Product Managers, Agile Release Train.
A project manager is assigned to work on a large global project. The resources for the project are dispersed among different organizations and countries. After the projectkick-off meeting, the project manager learns that many virtual team members are unable to join the regular project update meetings. Their absence will impact the overallproject schedule.
What immediate corrective action should the project manager take?
Correct Answer:
A
The project manager should discuss the issue with the virtual team members and revise the communications management plan as an immediate corrective action. This is because the project manager needs to understand the reasons why the virtual team members are unable to join the regular project update meetings and find a solution that works for them. The project manager should also update the communications management plan to reflect the changes in the communication requirements, methods, frequency, and tools for the virtual team members. The project manager should ensure that the communication plan is aligned with the project objectives, stakeholder expectations, and organizational culture.
✑ Option B is not a good action, as escalating this issue to the virtual team members’ supervisors may not be appropriate or effective. It may also create conflict, resentment, and distrust among the team members. The project manager should try to resolve the issue directly with the virtual team members and not involve their supervisors without their consent or agreement.
✑ Option C is not a good action, as adding this issue to the risk management plan and taking action if it persists is a passive and delayed approach. The project manager should try to prevent or mitigate the issue as soon as possible and not wait until it becomes a risk that affects the project performance. The project manager should also not treat the issue as a risk, but as a problem that needs to be solved.
✑ Option D is not a good action, as discussing the issue with the project sponsors and adding this as an issue in the issue log is a reactive and formal approach. The project manager should try to solve the issue informally and collaboratively with the virtual team members and not escalate it to the project sponsors unless necessary. The project manager should also not document the issue in the issue log, but in the communication plan. References:
✑ [PMBOK Guide], 6th edition, page 368, section 10.1
✑ [PMP Exam Content Outline], page 10, task 5 under domain 2
An agile coach and technical writer for a globally distributed agile team are in a country with a 9-hour time zone difference from the agile team. The agile coach and project lead disagree on the timing for the daily standup. The project lead thinks the standup should be at 10:00 am local time, but the agile coach and technical writer feel that is an inconvenient time for them.
How does the project lead ensure adherence to agile practices?
Correct Answer:
D
= This answer is based on the agile principle of self-organizing teams, which means that the team members collaborate and decide how to best accomplish their work, rather than being directed by others outside the team. By having a discussion with the team on the approach and coming to a decision on when the daily standups should be, the project lead ensures that the team is involved in the planning and execution of their work, and that they respect each other’s preferences and constraints. This will also foster trust, communication, and collaboration among the team members, which are essential for agile practices. References: (Project Management Professional (PMP) Reference Materials source and documents)
✑ A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 14: Enabling Change, Section 14.2: Leading the Team, page 333.
✑ Agile Practice Guide, Chapter 2: An Introduction to Agile, Section 2.2: Agile Manifesto and Principles, page 12.
