Project Management Professional PMI Questions + Answers Part 14
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2022 10:36 am
QUESTION 1348
In quality management, the practice "rework" is______________
A. Acceptable under certain circumstances
B. An adjustment made that is based on quality control measurements
C. Action taken to bring a defective or nonconforming component into compliance D. Not a concern if errors are detected early
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Rework is a frequent cause of project overruns. The project team must make every reasonable effort to control and minimize rework so that defective or nonconforming components are brought into compliance with requirements or specifications.
QUESTION 1349
The quality function deployment process is used to______________
A. Provide better product definition and product development B. Help products to succeed in the marketplace
C. Improve the functional characteristics of a product
D. Support production planning and the just-in-time approach
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Quality function deployment helps a design team to define, design, manufacture, and deliver a product or service to meet or exceed customer needs. Its main features are to capture the customer's requirements, ensure cross-functional teamwork, and link the main phases of product development - product planning, part deployment, process planning, and production planning.
QUESTION 1350
Quality assurance promotes quality improvement. A "breakthrough" is the accomplishment of any improvement that takes the organization to unprecedented levels of performance by attacking______________
A. Special causes of variation B. Common causes of variation C. Inspection over prevention D. Specific tolerances
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Quality improvement includes action taken to increase project effectiveness and efficiency in order to provide added benefits to stakeholders. A breakthrough attacks chronic losses, or in Deming's terminology, common causes of variation.
QUESTION 1351
Which of the following statements best describes attribute sampling versus variables sampling?
A. Attribute sampling is concerned with prevention, whereas variables sampling is concerned with inspection.
B. Attribute sampling is concerned with conformance, whereas variables sampling is concerned with the degree of conformity. C. Attribute sampling is concerned with special causes, whereas variables sampling is concerned with any causes.
D. Both are the same concept.
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Attribute sampling determines whether a result does or does not conform. Variables sampling rates a result on a continuous scale to measure the degree of conformity.
QUESTION 1352
Rank ordering of defects should be used to guide corrective action. This is the underlying principle behind______________
A. Trend analysis B. Inspections
C. Control charts D. Pareto diagrams
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Pareto diagrams are histograms, ordered by frequency of occurrence, that show how many results were generated by type or category of identified cause. The project team should take action to fix the problems that are causing the greatest number of defects first. Pareto diagrams are based on Pareto's Law, which holds that a relatively small number of causes will typically produce a large majority of defects, also called the "solzo rule."
QUESTION 1353
Project quality management was once thought to include only inspection or quality control. In recent years, the concept of project quality management has broadened. Which statement is NOT representative of the new definition of quality management?
A. Quality is designed into the product or service, not inspected into it.
B. Quality is the concern of the quality assurance staff.
C. Customers require a documented and, in some cases, registered quality assurance system.
D. National and international standards and guidelines for quality assurance systems are available.
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Quality concerns all levels of management and staff. Its success requires participation from all members of the project team with management providing the needed resources to succeed.
QUESTION 1354
Your quality assurance department recently performed a quality audit of your project and identified a number of findings and recommendations. One recommendation seems critical and should be implemented because it affects successful delivery of the product to your customer.
Your next step should be to______________
A. Call a meeting of your project team to see who is responsible for the problem B. Reassign the team member who had responsibility for oversight of the problem C. Perform product rework immediately
D. Issue a change request to implement the needed corrective action
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The information obtained from a quality audit can be used to improve quality systems and performance. In most cases, implementing quality improvements requires preparation of change requests.
QUESTION 1355
You recognize the importance of quality control on your project. However, you also know that quality control has costs associated with it and that the project has a limited budget. One way to reduce the cost of quality control is to______________
A. Work to ensure that the overall quality program is ISO compliant B. Use statistical sampling
C. Conduct inspections throughout the process
D. Use trend analysis
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Statistical sampling uses part of a population to draw conclusions about the total population. It is a well-proven technique that can significantly reduce the cost of quality control.+
QUESTION 1356
Quality inspections also may be called______________
A. Control tests
B. Walkthroughs
C. Statistical sampling
D. Checklists
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Inspections comprise an examination of a work product to determine if it conforms to standards. Additional names for inspections are audits, reviews, or peer reviews (in some application areas, these terms may have narrow and specific meanings).
QUESTION 1357
Your management has prescribed that a quality audit be conducted at the end of every phase in a project. This audit is part of the organization's______________
A. Quality assurance process
B. Quality control process
C. Quality improvement program D. Process adjustment program
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Quality assurance is a managerial function that establishes processes or procedures in an organization or project to assist in determining whether quality standards and operational definitions are being met. It is the application of planned, systematic quality activities to ensure that the project will use all processes needed to meet requirements and is performed throughout the life of the project. Quality audits are a tool and technique to use.
QUESTION 1358
You are managing a major international project, and your contract requires you to prepare both a project plan and a quality management plan. Your core team is preparing a project quality management plan. Your first step in developing this plan is to______________
A. Determine specific metrics to use in the quality management process
B. Identify the quality standards for the project
C. Develop a quality policy for the project
D. Identify specific quality management roles and responsibilities for the project
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions
Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The quality policy includes the overall intentions and direction of the organization with regard to quality, as formally expressed by top management. If the performing organization lacks a formal quality policy or if the project involves multiple performing organizations, as in a joint venture, the project management team must develop a quality policy for the project. The quality management plan then describes how the quality policies will be implemented.
QUESTION 1359
Recently your company introduced a new set of "metal woods" to its established line of golfing equipment. However, in the past weeks many of the clubs have been returned because of quality problems. You decide to conduct a failure mode and criticality analysis to______________
A. Analyze the product development cycle after product release to determine strengths and weaknesses
B. Evaluate failure modes and causes associated with the design and manufacture of this product
C. Evaluate failure modes and causes associated with the design and manufacture of a new product to replace the clubs D. Help management set priorities in its existing manufacturing processes to avoid failures
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
This technique is a method of analyzing design reliability. A list of potential failure modes is developed for each element, and then each mode is given a numeric rating for frequency of occurrence, criticality, and probability of detection. These data are used to assign a risk priority number for prioritizing problems and guiding the design effort.
QUESTION 1360
The "rule of seven" as applied to statistical process control charts means that______________
A. Seven rejects typically occur per thousand inspections
B. Seven consecutive points are above or below the mean
C. At least seven inspectors should be in place for every thousand employees
D. A process is not out of control even though seven measurements fall outside the lower and upper control limits
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Consecutive points on a control chart that are above or below the mean or if a point exceeds a control limit indicate an abnormal trend in the process and must be investigated.
QUESTION 1361
The control chart is a tool used primarily to help______________
A. Monitor process variation over time
B. Measure the degree of conformance
C. Determine whether results conform
D. Determine whether results conform to requirements
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Used to monitor process variation and to detect and correct changes in process performance, the control chart helps people understand and control their processes and work. It enables the project manager, along with appropriate stakeholders, to identify points where corrective action can be taken to prevent unnatural performance.
QUESTION 1362
You are a project manager for residential construction. As a project manager, you must be especially concerned with building codes-particularly in the plan quality management process. You must ensure that building codes are reflected in your project plans because______________
A. Standards and regulations are an input to plan quality management
B. Quality audits serve to ensure there is compliance with regulations
C. They are a cost associated with quality initiatives
D. Compliance with standards is the primary objective of perform quality control
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
During the plan quality management process, the project management team must consider any application area-specific standards, regulations, rules, and guidelines that may affect the project as part of the enterprise environmental factors. Building codes are an example of regulations.
QUESTION 1363
You work as a project manager in the largest hospital in the region. Studies have shown that patients have to wait for long periods before being treated. To assist in identifying the factors contributing to this problem, you and your team have decided to use which of the following techniques?
A. Cause-and-effect diagrams B. Pareto analysis
C. Scatter diagrams
D. Control charts
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Cause-and-effect diagrams, also called Ishikawa diagrams or fishbone diagrams, are used to illustrate how various causes and subcauses interact to create a special effect. It is named for its developer, Kaoru Ishikawa. These diagrams are useful in linking the undesirable effects seen as special variation to the assigned cause, enabling project teams to implement corrective actions to eliminate the special variation shown in a control chart.
QUESTION 1364
The ISO 9000 standards provide______________
A. A description of how products should be produced
B. Specifics for the implementation of quality systems
C. A framework for quality systems
D. The maximum process requirements necessary to ensure that customers receive a good product
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
ISO 9000 provides a basic set of requirements for a quality system, without specifying the particulars for implementation.
QUESTION 1365
There are three uses and types of Pareto analysis. If you wish to provide a measure of significance to factors that at first may not appear to be significant at all, you should use a______________
A. Basic Pareto analysis
B. Comparative Pareto analysis C. Weighted Pareto analysis
D. Trend Pareto analysis
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The weighted Pareto analysis gives a measure of significance to factors that may not appear significant at first, using such additional factors as cost, time, and criticality. A basic Pareto analysis identifies the vital few contributors that account for most quality problems, and the comparative Pareto analysis focuses on any number of program options or actions.
QUESTION 1366
Constancy of purpose is a core concept for continuous improvement. An organization displaying constancy of purpose must have all the following elements EXCEPT______________
A. Documented and well-disseminated statements of purpose and vision
B. A set of strategic and tactical plans
C. An awareness by all members of the organization of the purpose, vision, goals, and objectives and their roles in achieving them D. Separate quality assurance and quality control departments reporting to senior management
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Top management should provide constancy of purpose so that it can be infused throughout the organization. Constancy of purpose also requires a shared belief among organization members that management's behavior clearly signals its commitment to and support of achievement of the vision. Quality assurance and control are functions that must be performed by everyone, not just those assigned to specific departments.
QUESTION 1367
The quality management plan describes all the following EXCEPT the______________
A. Method for implementing the quality policy
B. Methods the team will use to meet the project's quality requirements
C. Efforts at the front end of a project to ensure that decisions are based on accurate information D. Procedures used to conduct trade-off analyses among cost, schedule, and quality
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
A part of the overall project management plan, the quality management plan should address all aspects of how quality management will be implemented on the project and how the project team will implement the quality policy. Trade-off analyses are business judgments and, as such, are not procedural steps to be included in the quality management plan.
QUESTION 1368
You have been assigned as project manager on what could be a "bet the company" project. You realize that to be successful you need to exercise maximum control over project resources. Which form of project organization should you establish for this project?
A. Strong matrix
B. Projectized
C. Project coordinator D. Weak matrix
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
In a projectized organizational structure, all project team members report directly and solely to the project manager. He or she has complete control over these resources and, therefore, exercises more authority over them than when in any other project organizational structure.
QUESTION 1369
Which of the following is a ground rule for project team building?
A. Perform frequent performance appraisals
B. Ensure that each team member reports to his or her functional manager in addition to the project manager C. Start early
D. Try to solve team political problems
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Starting the team-building process early in the project is crucial for setting the right tone and preventing bad habits and patterns from developing.
QUESTION 1370
Project A is being administered using a matrix form of organization. The project manager reports to a senior vice president who provides visible support to the project. In this scenario, which of the following statements best describes the relative power of the project manager?
A. The project manager will probably not be challenged by project stakeholders.
B. In this strong matrix, the balance of power is shifted to the functional line managers. C. In this tight matrix, the balance of power is shifted to the project manager.
D. In this strong matrix, the balance of power is shifted to the project manager.
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The project manager's ability to influence project decisions increases the higher up he or she______________and the person to whom he or she reports______________is placed in the organization. In the strong matrix, the project manager's authority ranges from moderate to high.
QUESTION 1371
You are leading a team to recommend an equitable reward and recognition system for project managers. Before finalizing the plan, you want to ensure that executives understand the basic objective of reward systems. This objective is to______________
A. Be comparable with the award system established for functional managers to indicate parity and to show the importance of project management to the company B. Make the link between project performance and reward clear, explicit, and achievable
C. Motivate project managers to work toward common objectives and goals as defined by the company
D. Attract people to join the organization's project management career path
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Reward and recognition systems are formal management actions that provide an incentive to behave in a particular way, usually with respect to achieving certain goals. Such systems are described in the staffing management plan. A best practice is to give the team recognition throughout the life cycle.
QUESTION 1372
Major difficulties arise when multiple projects need to be managed in the functional organizational structure because of______________
A. The level of authority of the project manager
B. Conflicts over the relative priorities of different projects in competition for limited resources
C. Project team members who are focused on their functional specialty rather than on the project D. The need for the project manager to use interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts informally
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
When a finite group of resources must be distributed across multiple projects, conflicts in work assignments will occur.
QUESTION 1373
The team you have organized for your new project consists of three people who will work full-time and five people who will support the project on a part-time basis. All team members know one another and have worked together in the past. To ensure a successful project start-up, your first step should be to______________
A. Meet with each team member individually to discuss assignments
B. Prepare a responsibility assignment matrix and distribute it to each team member C. Distribute the project plan and WBS to the team
D. Hold a project kickoff meeting
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
An indispensable tool in project management, the kickoff or launch meeting is held at the outset of the project and is designed to get the project rolling. The meeting provides the opportunity not only to present the project charter and discuss the project's goals and objectives but also to establish rapport among team members.
QUESTION 1374
You realize that leadership without management or management without leadership probably will produce poor project results. Which one of the following key responsibilities best represents project leadership?
A. Developing a vision and strategy, and motivating people to achieve them
B. Getting things done through other people
C. Using charismatic power to motivate others even if they do not like the work D. Using all types of power, as appropriate, as motivational tools
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Leadership involves developing a vision of the future and strategies to achieve that vision, positioning people to carry out the vision, and helping people energize themselves to overcome any barriers to change.
QUESTION 1375
Given that you are neighbors, you and the CEO of your company have established a friendly personal relationship. Recently your company appointed you project manager for a new project that is crucial to achieving next year's financial targets. Which type of power available to project managers might you be able to rely upon?
A. Referent B. Reward C. Formal D. Expert
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Referent power is based on a less powerful person's identification with a more powerful person. This type of power is useful in terms of persuasion and helps the project manager exert influence over individuals from whom he or she needs support.
QUESTION 1376
You have been a project manager for seven years. You now are managing the construction of a new facility that must comply with the government's newly issued environmental standards. You want to ensure that your team members are able to select methods to complete various activities on the project without needing to involve you in each situation. As you prepare your human resource management plan, you should document this information in which of the following______________
A. Roles and responsibilities section B. Resource assignment matrix
C. Resource breakdown structure D. Staffing management plan
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Authority refers to the right to apply project resources, make decisions, and sign approvals. Examples include selecting methods to complete activities, quality acceptance, and responding to variances in the project. The individual authority of each team member should match their individual responsibilities. This is documented in the roles and responsibilities section in the human resource management plan.
QUESTION 1377
It is important on all projects to determine when and how human resources will be met. Assume that you are managing a project to assess methods for streamlining the regulatory approval process for new medical devices in your government agency. Because the agency has undergone downsizing during the past three years, subject matter experts are in short supply. You must determine whether the needed subject matter experts can be acquired from inside the agency or whether you must use contractors. This information should be documented in the______________
A. Make-or-buy decisions in the procurement management plan B. Contracts management plan
C. Staffing management plan
D. Resource management plan
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The staffing management plan is part of the human resource management plan. One section of it involves staff acquisition. Among other things, this section includes whether the human resources will come from within the organization or from external, contracted sources. These data then help to plan the acquisition of project team members.
QUESTION 1378
In both the weak and strong matrix organizational structures, the primary condition leading to conflict is______________
A. Communication barriers B. Conflicting interests
C. Need for consensus
D. Ambiguous jurisdictions
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Ambiguous jurisdictions exist when two or more parties have related responsibilities, but their work boundaries and role definitions are unclear. This situation is found frequently in weak and strong matrix organizations because of the "two-boss" concept.
QUESTION 1379
Constant bickering, absenteeism, and substandard performance have characterized the behavior of certain members of your team. You have planned an off-site retreat for the team to engage in a variety of activities. Your primary objective for investing time and money in this event is to improve______________
A. Team performance
B. Morale
C. Quality
D. Individual performance
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Team development leads to improved team performance, which ultimately results in improved project performance. Improvements in team performance can come from many sources and can affect many areas of project performance. For example, improved individual skill levels such as enhanced technical competence may enable team members to perform their assigned activities more effectively. Team development efforts have greater benefit when conducted early but should take place throughout the project life cycle.
QUESTION 1380
Two team members on your project often disagree. You need a conflict resolution method that provides a long-term resolution. You decide to use which one of the following approaches?
A. Confronting
B. Problem solving C. Collaborating D. Smoothing
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Collaborating or problem solving is an effective technique for managing conflict when a project is too important to be compromised. It involves incorporating multiple ideas and viewpoints from people with different perspectives and offers a good opportunity to learn from others. It provides a long-term resolution.
QUESTION 1381
As a project manager, you believe in using a "personal touch" to further team development. One approach that has proven effective toward this goal is______________
A. Creating a team name
B. Providing flexible work time C. Issuing a project charter
D. Celebrating special occasions
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Project managers can show interest in their team members by celebrating occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries with the organization, and special achievements. Other approaches include being supportive, being clear, learning some information about each team member, and being accessible. Through observation and conversation, the project management team monitors indicators such as progress toward project deliverables, accomplishments that are a source of pride for team members, and interpersonal issues.
QUESTION 1382
You are part of a team that is working to develop a new medical implant device. Your project manager is an expert in medical implantation devices, yet he continually seeks opinions from the team about a wide variety of project and product issues. Team members often run project meetings while he sits silently at the head of the table. Which one of the following best characterizes his leadership style?
A. Laissez-faire
B. Team directed
C. Collaborative
D. Shared leadership
Correct Answer: D
Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Shared leadership is more than participatory management or collaboration; it involves letting the project team take over as much of the leadership role as it will accept.
QUESTION 1383
According to Herzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Theory, when achievement, recognition, responsibility, and advancement, or promotion, are not present, employees will______________
A. Become alienated with the organization and leave
B. Lack motivation but will not be dissatisfied with their work
C. Lack motivation and become dissatisfied with their work
D. Become dissatisfied only if they do not receive salary increases
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Herzberg advanced the theory that hygiene factors, such as the poor attitude of a supervisor, lead to dissatisfaction but not usually to decreased motivation. When motivators, such as responsibility and recognition, are lacking, they lead to job dissatisfaction, but when such motivators are present, they tend to motivate a person in the performance of his or her work.
QUESTION 1384
Your organization is adopting a project-based approach to business, which has been difficult. Although project teams have been created, they are little more than a collection of functional and technical experts who focus on their specialties. You are managing the company's most important project. As you begin this project, you must place a high priority on______________
A. Creating an effective team
B. Identifying the resources needed to finish the project on time C. The best way to communicate status to the CEO
D. Establishing firm project requirements
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
An effective team is critical to project success, but such a team is not born spontaneously. In early project phases, it is vitally important for the project manager to place a high priority on initiating and implementing the team-building process.
QUESTION 1385
The chances for successful completion of a multidisciplinary project are increased if project team members are______________
A. Problem oriented
B. Politically sensitive to top management's needs C. Focused on individual project activities
D. Focused on customer demands
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Problem-oriented people tend to learn and use whatever problem-solving techniques appear helpful. Although the project manager must be politically sensitive, team members need not have developed this skill to the extent required of the project manager; and rather than focusing on individual activities, team members should take a systems approach focusing on the entire project.
QUESTION 1386
The terms strong matrix, balanced matrix, and weak matrix when applied to the matrix structure in project organization refer to the______________
A. Ability of the organization to achieve its goals
B. Physical proximity of project team members to one another and to the project manager C. Degree of the project manager's authority
D. Degree to which team members bond together
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
In a strong matrix organization, the balance of power shifts toward the project manager. In a weak matrix organization, the balance of power shifts toward the functional or line manager.
QUESTION 1387
Conflicts in which following three areas represent the majority of all project conflicts?
A. Personalities, cost objectives, and schedules
B. Cost objectives, administrative procedures, and scarce resources C. Scarce resources, scheduling priorities, and personal work styles D. Personal work styles, project priorities, and cost objectives
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Although all areas listed contain potential conflicts, the majority of all conflict in a project environment is caused by scarce resources, scheduling priorities, and personal work styles.
QUESTION 1388
As project manager, you plan to conduct a "kickoff" meeting at which you will discuss all the following EXCEPT______________
A. Establishing working relationships and standard formats for global communication B. Reviewing project plans
C. Establishing individual and group responsibilities and accountabilities
D. Discussing specific legal issues regarding the contract
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Conducted after contract award or approval of the project, the kickoff meeting provides an opportunity for project participants to get to know each other and review information about the project. It is not a forum to discuss detailed project issues.
QUESTION 1389
One purpose of the communications management plan is to provide information about the______________
A. Methods that will be used to convey information
B. Methods that will be used for releasing team members from the project when they are no longer needed
C. Project organization and stakeholder responsibility relationships D. Experience and skill levels of each team member
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
These methods or technologies can include memos, e-mails, and/or press conferences. They are one of several items to include in this plan.
QUESTION 1390
Having worked previously on projects as a team member, you are pleased to now be the project manager to develop a new process to ensure that software projects in your IT Department are considered a success and are not late or over budget. However, many of your team members are new to the organization. As you work to establish a high-performing team, you realize the importance of______________
A. Mentoring
B. Coaching
C. Moving quickly through the forming and storming stages D. Safeguarding information
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Many communications skills are common to both general management and project management. Coaching is one example. It is especially useful to develop the team to higher levels of competency and performance and helping people recognize their potential through empowerment and development. It is used to aid team members to develop or enhance their skills required to achieve project success.
QUESTION 1391
As a project manager, you try to use empathic listening skills to help understand another person's frame of reference. In following this approach, you should______________
A. Mimic the content of the message
B. Probe, then evaluate the content
C. Evaluate the content, then advise
D. Rephrase the content and reflect the feeling
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Empathic listening requires seeing the world the way the other person sees it, with the goal of understanding that person's views and feelings. Unlike sympathetic listening, empathic listening contains no element of value judgment. It is essential to listen actively and effectively and to question and probe ideas to help ensure better understanding.
QUESTION 1392
You have decided to organize a study group of other project managers in your organization to help prepare for the PMP exam. What type of communication activity are you employing in your efforts to organize this group?
A. Horizontal B. Vertical C. Official
D. External
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Communication activities have many potential dimensions to consider in exchanging information between the sender and the receiver. Horizontal communication occurs between or among peers, that is, across, rather than up and down, the organization.
QUESTION 1393
Your company CEO just sent you an e-mail asking you to make a presentation on your project, which has been in progress for 18 months, to over 50 identified internal and external stakeholders. You have been conducting such presentations and holding meetings regularly on this important project. You should begin by______________
A. Defining the audience
B. Determining the objective
C. Deciding on the general form of the presentation D. Circulating issues to be discussed
Correct Answer: D
Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Meetings are held regularly on projects to update and communicate project information and to respond to requests from stakeholders for the information. Most meetings consist of stakeholders coming together to resolve problems or make decisions. Typical meetings begin with a defined list of issues to be discussed, which are distributed in advance with minutes and other key information relative to the meeting.
QUESTION 1394
Project managers spend a great deal of time communicating with the team, the stakeholders, the client, and the sponsor. One can easily see the challenges involved, especially if one team member must communicate a technical concept to another team member in a different country.
The first step in this process is to______________
A. Encode the message
B. Decode the message
C. Determine the feedback loops D. Determine the medium
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
As the first step in the basic communication model, it is essential to translate thoughts or ideas into a language that is understood by others. Then, the message is sent using various technologies, and the receiver decodes it or translates it back into meaningful thoughts or ideas.
QUESTION 1395
The most common communication problem that occurs during negotiation is that______________
A. Each side may misinterpret what the other side has said
B. Each side may give up on the other side
C. One side may try to confuse the other side
D. One side may be too busy thinking about what to say next to hear what is being said
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Effective communication is the key to successful negotiation. Misunderstanding is the most common communication problem. A project manager should listen actively, acknowledge what is being said, and speak for a purpose. It is essential to listen attentively ad communicate articulately.
QUESTION 1396
As an output of plan communications, it may be necessary to update the project documents, which include the______________
A. Stakeholder register
B. Corporate policies, procedures, and processes C. Knowledge management system
D. Stakeholder management plan
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
In the plan communications management process the two documents that may be updated are the project schedule and the stakeholder register.
In quality management, the practice "rework" is______________
A. Acceptable under certain circumstances
B. An adjustment made that is based on quality control measurements
C. Action taken to bring a defective or nonconforming component into compliance D. Not a concern if errors are detected early
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Rework is a frequent cause of project overruns. The project team must make every reasonable effort to control and minimize rework so that defective or nonconforming components are brought into compliance with requirements or specifications.
QUESTION 1349
The quality function deployment process is used to______________
A. Provide better product definition and product development B. Help products to succeed in the marketplace
C. Improve the functional characteristics of a product
D. Support production planning and the just-in-time approach
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Quality function deployment helps a design team to define, design, manufacture, and deliver a product or service to meet or exceed customer needs. Its main features are to capture the customer's requirements, ensure cross-functional teamwork, and link the main phases of product development - product planning, part deployment, process planning, and production planning.
QUESTION 1350
Quality assurance promotes quality improvement. A "breakthrough" is the accomplishment of any improvement that takes the organization to unprecedented levels of performance by attacking______________
A. Special causes of variation B. Common causes of variation C. Inspection over prevention D. Specific tolerances
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Quality improvement includes action taken to increase project effectiveness and efficiency in order to provide added benefits to stakeholders. A breakthrough attacks chronic losses, or in Deming's terminology, common causes of variation.
QUESTION 1351
Which of the following statements best describes attribute sampling versus variables sampling?
A. Attribute sampling is concerned with prevention, whereas variables sampling is concerned with inspection.
B. Attribute sampling is concerned with conformance, whereas variables sampling is concerned with the degree of conformity. C. Attribute sampling is concerned with special causes, whereas variables sampling is concerned with any causes.
D. Both are the same concept.
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Attribute sampling determines whether a result does or does not conform. Variables sampling rates a result on a continuous scale to measure the degree of conformity.
QUESTION 1352
Rank ordering of defects should be used to guide corrective action. This is the underlying principle behind______________
A. Trend analysis B. Inspections
C. Control charts D. Pareto diagrams
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Pareto diagrams are histograms, ordered by frequency of occurrence, that show how many results were generated by type or category of identified cause. The project team should take action to fix the problems that are causing the greatest number of defects first. Pareto diagrams are based on Pareto's Law, which holds that a relatively small number of causes will typically produce a large majority of defects, also called the "solzo rule."
QUESTION 1353
Project quality management was once thought to include only inspection or quality control. In recent years, the concept of project quality management has broadened. Which statement is NOT representative of the new definition of quality management?
A. Quality is designed into the product or service, not inspected into it.
B. Quality is the concern of the quality assurance staff.
C. Customers require a documented and, in some cases, registered quality assurance system.
D. National and international standards and guidelines for quality assurance systems are available.
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Quality concerns all levels of management and staff. Its success requires participation from all members of the project team with management providing the needed resources to succeed.
QUESTION 1354
Your quality assurance department recently performed a quality audit of your project and identified a number of findings and recommendations. One recommendation seems critical and should be implemented because it affects successful delivery of the product to your customer.
Your next step should be to______________
A. Call a meeting of your project team to see who is responsible for the problem B. Reassign the team member who had responsibility for oversight of the problem C. Perform product rework immediately
D. Issue a change request to implement the needed corrective action
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The information obtained from a quality audit can be used to improve quality systems and performance. In most cases, implementing quality improvements requires preparation of change requests.
QUESTION 1355
You recognize the importance of quality control on your project. However, you also know that quality control has costs associated with it and that the project has a limited budget. One way to reduce the cost of quality control is to______________
A. Work to ensure that the overall quality program is ISO compliant B. Use statistical sampling
C. Conduct inspections throughout the process
D. Use trend analysis
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Statistical sampling uses part of a population to draw conclusions about the total population. It is a well-proven technique that can significantly reduce the cost of quality control.+
QUESTION 1356
Quality inspections also may be called______________
A. Control tests
B. Walkthroughs
C. Statistical sampling
D. Checklists
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Inspections comprise an examination of a work product to determine if it conforms to standards. Additional names for inspections are audits, reviews, or peer reviews (in some application areas, these terms may have narrow and specific meanings).
QUESTION 1357
Your management has prescribed that a quality audit be conducted at the end of every phase in a project. This audit is part of the organization's______________
A. Quality assurance process
B. Quality control process
C. Quality improvement program D. Process adjustment program
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Quality assurance is a managerial function that establishes processes or procedures in an organization or project to assist in determining whether quality standards and operational definitions are being met. It is the application of planned, systematic quality activities to ensure that the project will use all processes needed to meet requirements and is performed throughout the life of the project. Quality audits are a tool and technique to use.
QUESTION 1358
You are managing a major international project, and your contract requires you to prepare both a project plan and a quality management plan. Your core team is preparing a project quality management plan. Your first step in developing this plan is to______________
A. Determine specific metrics to use in the quality management process
B. Identify the quality standards for the project
C. Develop a quality policy for the project
D. Identify specific quality management roles and responsibilities for the project
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions
Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The quality policy includes the overall intentions and direction of the organization with regard to quality, as formally expressed by top management. If the performing organization lacks a formal quality policy or if the project involves multiple performing organizations, as in a joint venture, the project management team must develop a quality policy for the project. The quality management plan then describes how the quality policies will be implemented.
QUESTION 1359
Recently your company introduced a new set of "metal woods" to its established line of golfing equipment. However, in the past weeks many of the clubs have been returned because of quality problems. You decide to conduct a failure mode and criticality analysis to______________
A. Analyze the product development cycle after product release to determine strengths and weaknesses
B. Evaluate failure modes and causes associated with the design and manufacture of this product
C. Evaluate failure modes and causes associated with the design and manufacture of a new product to replace the clubs D. Help management set priorities in its existing manufacturing processes to avoid failures
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
This technique is a method of analyzing design reliability. A list of potential failure modes is developed for each element, and then each mode is given a numeric rating for frequency of occurrence, criticality, and probability of detection. These data are used to assign a risk priority number for prioritizing problems and guiding the design effort.
QUESTION 1360
The "rule of seven" as applied to statistical process control charts means that______________
A. Seven rejects typically occur per thousand inspections
B. Seven consecutive points are above or below the mean
C. At least seven inspectors should be in place for every thousand employees
D. A process is not out of control even though seven measurements fall outside the lower and upper control limits
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Consecutive points on a control chart that are above or below the mean or if a point exceeds a control limit indicate an abnormal trend in the process and must be investigated.
QUESTION 1361
The control chart is a tool used primarily to help______________
A. Monitor process variation over time
B. Measure the degree of conformance
C. Determine whether results conform
D. Determine whether results conform to requirements
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Used to monitor process variation and to detect and correct changes in process performance, the control chart helps people understand and control their processes and work. It enables the project manager, along with appropriate stakeholders, to identify points where corrective action can be taken to prevent unnatural performance.
QUESTION 1362
You are a project manager for residential construction. As a project manager, you must be especially concerned with building codes-particularly in the plan quality management process. You must ensure that building codes are reflected in your project plans because______________
A. Standards and regulations are an input to plan quality management
B. Quality audits serve to ensure there is compliance with regulations
C. They are a cost associated with quality initiatives
D. Compliance with standards is the primary objective of perform quality control
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
During the plan quality management process, the project management team must consider any application area-specific standards, regulations, rules, and guidelines that may affect the project as part of the enterprise environmental factors. Building codes are an example of regulations.
QUESTION 1363
You work as a project manager in the largest hospital in the region. Studies have shown that patients have to wait for long periods before being treated. To assist in identifying the factors contributing to this problem, you and your team have decided to use which of the following techniques?
A. Cause-and-effect diagrams B. Pareto analysis
C. Scatter diagrams
D. Control charts
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Cause-and-effect diagrams, also called Ishikawa diagrams or fishbone diagrams, are used to illustrate how various causes and subcauses interact to create a special effect. It is named for its developer, Kaoru Ishikawa. These diagrams are useful in linking the undesirable effects seen as special variation to the assigned cause, enabling project teams to implement corrective actions to eliminate the special variation shown in a control chart.
QUESTION 1364
The ISO 9000 standards provide______________
A. A description of how products should be produced
B. Specifics for the implementation of quality systems
C. A framework for quality systems
D. The maximum process requirements necessary to ensure that customers receive a good product
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
ISO 9000 provides a basic set of requirements for a quality system, without specifying the particulars for implementation.
QUESTION 1365
There are three uses and types of Pareto analysis. If you wish to provide a measure of significance to factors that at first may not appear to be significant at all, you should use a______________
A. Basic Pareto analysis
B. Comparative Pareto analysis C. Weighted Pareto analysis
D. Trend Pareto analysis
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The weighted Pareto analysis gives a measure of significance to factors that may not appear significant at first, using such additional factors as cost, time, and criticality. A basic Pareto analysis identifies the vital few contributors that account for most quality problems, and the comparative Pareto analysis focuses on any number of program options or actions.
QUESTION 1366
Constancy of purpose is a core concept for continuous improvement. An organization displaying constancy of purpose must have all the following elements EXCEPT______________
A. Documented and well-disseminated statements of purpose and vision
B. A set of strategic and tactical plans
C. An awareness by all members of the organization of the purpose, vision, goals, and objectives and their roles in achieving them D. Separate quality assurance and quality control departments reporting to senior management
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Top management should provide constancy of purpose so that it can be infused throughout the organization. Constancy of purpose also requires a shared belief among organization members that management's behavior clearly signals its commitment to and support of achievement of the vision. Quality assurance and control are functions that must be performed by everyone, not just those assigned to specific departments.
QUESTION 1367
The quality management plan describes all the following EXCEPT the______________
A. Method for implementing the quality policy
B. Methods the team will use to meet the project's quality requirements
C. Efforts at the front end of a project to ensure that decisions are based on accurate information D. Procedures used to conduct trade-off analyses among cost, schedule, and quality
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
A part of the overall project management plan, the quality management plan should address all aspects of how quality management will be implemented on the project and how the project team will implement the quality policy. Trade-off analyses are business judgments and, as such, are not procedural steps to be included in the quality management plan.
QUESTION 1368
You have been assigned as project manager on what could be a "bet the company" project. You realize that to be successful you need to exercise maximum control over project resources. Which form of project organization should you establish for this project?
A. Strong matrix
B. Projectized
C. Project coordinator D. Weak matrix
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
In a projectized organizational structure, all project team members report directly and solely to the project manager. He or she has complete control over these resources and, therefore, exercises more authority over them than when in any other project organizational structure.
QUESTION 1369
Which of the following is a ground rule for project team building?
A. Perform frequent performance appraisals
B. Ensure that each team member reports to his or her functional manager in addition to the project manager C. Start early
D. Try to solve team political problems
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Starting the team-building process early in the project is crucial for setting the right tone and preventing bad habits and patterns from developing.
QUESTION 1370
Project A is being administered using a matrix form of organization. The project manager reports to a senior vice president who provides visible support to the project. In this scenario, which of the following statements best describes the relative power of the project manager?
A. The project manager will probably not be challenged by project stakeholders.
B. In this strong matrix, the balance of power is shifted to the functional line managers. C. In this tight matrix, the balance of power is shifted to the project manager.
D. In this strong matrix, the balance of power is shifted to the project manager.
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The project manager's ability to influence project decisions increases the higher up he or she______________and the person to whom he or she reports______________is placed in the organization. In the strong matrix, the project manager's authority ranges from moderate to high.
QUESTION 1371
You are leading a team to recommend an equitable reward and recognition system for project managers. Before finalizing the plan, you want to ensure that executives understand the basic objective of reward systems. This objective is to______________
A. Be comparable with the award system established for functional managers to indicate parity and to show the importance of project management to the company B. Make the link between project performance and reward clear, explicit, and achievable
C. Motivate project managers to work toward common objectives and goals as defined by the company
D. Attract people to join the organization's project management career path
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Reward and recognition systems are formal management actions that provide an incentive to behave in a particular way, usually with respect to achieving certain goals. Such systems are described in the staffing management plan. A best practice is to give the team recognition throughout the life cycle.
QUESTION 1372
Major difficulties arise when multiple projects need to be managed in the functional organizational structure because of______________
A. The level of authority of the project manager
B. Conflicts over the relative priorities of different projects in competition for limited resources
C. Project team members who are focused on their functional specialty rather than on the project D. The need for the project manager to use interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts informally
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
When a finite group of resources must be distributed across multiple projects, conflicts in work assignments will occur.
QUESTION 1373
The team you have organized for your new project consists of three people who will work full-time and five people who will support the project on a part-time basis. All team members know one another and have worked together in the past. To ensure a successful project start-up, your first step should be to______________
A. Meet with each team member individually to discuss assignments
B. Prepare a responsibility assignment matrix and distribute it to each team member C. Distribute the project plan and WBS to the team
D. Hold a project kickoff meeting
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
An indispensable tool in project management, the kickoff or launch meeting is held at the outset of the project and is designed to get the project rolling. The meeting provides the opportunity not only to present the project charter and discuss the project's goals and objectives but also to establish rapport among team members.
QUESTION 1374
You realize that leadership without management or management without leadership probably will produce poor project results. Which one of the following key responsibilities best represents project leadership?
A. Developing a vision and strategy, and motivating people to achieve them
B. Getting things done through other people
C. Using charismatic power to motivate others even if they do not like the work D. Using all types of power, as appropriate, as motivational tools
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Leadership involves developing a vision of the future and strategies to achieve that vision, positioning people to carry out the vision, and helping people energize themselves to overcome any barriers to change.
QUESTION 1375
Given that you are neighbors, you and the CEO of your company have established a friendly personal relationship. Recently your company appointed you project manager for a new project that is crucial to achieving next year's financial targets. Which type of power available to project managers might you be able to rely upon?
A. Referent B. Reward C. Formal D. Expert
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Referent power is based on a less powerful person's identification with a more powerful person. This type of power is useful in terms of persuasion and helps the project manager exert influence over individuals from whom he or she needs support.
QUESTION 1376
You have been a project manager for seven years. You now are managing the construction of a new facility that must comply with the government's newly issued environmental standards. You want to ensure that your team members are able to select methods to complete various activities on the project without needing to involve you in each situation. As you prepare your human resource management plan, you should document this information in which of the following______________
A. Roles and responsibilities section B. Resource assignment matrix
C. Resource breakdown structure D. Staffing management plan
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Authority refers to the right to apply project resources, make decisions, and sign approvals. Examples include selecting methods to complete activities, quality acceptance, and responding to variances in the project. The individual authority of each team member should match their individual responsibilities. This is documented in the roles and responsibilities section in the human resource management plan.
QUESTION 1377
It is important on all projects to determine when and how human resources will be met. Assume that you are managing a project to assess methods for streamlining the regulatory approval process for new medical devices in your government agency. Because the agency has undergone downsizing during the past three years, subject matter experts are in short supply. You must determine whether the needed subject matter experts can be acquired from inside the agency or whether you must use contractors. This information should be documented in the______________
A. Make-or-buy decisions in the procurement management plan B. Contracts management plan
C. Staffing management plan
D. Resource management plan
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
The staffing management plan is part of the human resource management plan. One section of it involves staff acquisition. Among other things, this section includes whether the human resources will come from within the organization or from external, contracted sources. These data then help to plan the acquisition of project team members.
QUESTION 1378
In both the weak and strong matrix organizational structures, the primary condition leading to conflict is______________
A. Communication barriers B. Conflicting interests
C. Need for consensus
D. Ambiguous jurisdictions
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Ambiguous jurisdictions exist when two or more parties have related responsibilities, but their work boundaries and role definitions are unclear. This situation is found frequently in weak and strong matrix organizations because of the "two-boss" concept.
QUESTION 1379
Constant bickering, absenteeism, and substandard performance have characterized the behavior of certain members of your team. You have planned an off-site retreat for the team to engage in a variety of activities. Your primary objective for investing time and money in this event is to improve______________
A. Team performance
B. Morale
C. Quality
D. Individual performance
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Team development leads to improved team performance, which ultimately results in improved project performance. Improvements in team performance can come from many sources and can affect many areas of project performance. For example, improved individual skill levels such as enhanced technical competence may enable team members to perform their assigned activities more effectively. Team development efforts have greater benefit when conducted early but should take place throughout the project life cycle.
QUESTION 1380
Two team members on your project often disagree. You need a conflict resolution method that provides a long-term resolution. You decide to use which one of the following approaches?
A. Confronting
B. Problem solving C. Collaborating D. Smoothing
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Collaborating or problem solving is an effective technique for managing conflict when a project is too important to be compromised. It involves incorporating multiple ideas and viewpoints from people with different perspectives and offers a good opportunity to learn from others. It provides a long-term resolution.
QUESTION 1381
As a project manager, you believe in using a "personal touch" to further team development. One approach that has proven effective toward this goal is______________
A. Creating a team name
B. Providing flexible work time C. Issuing a project charter
D. Celebrating special occasions
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Project managers can show interest in their team members by celebrating occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries with the organization, and special achievements. Other approaches include being supportive, being clear, learning some information about each team member, and being accessible. Through observation and conversation, the project management team monitors indicators such as progress toward project deliverables, accomplishments that are a source of pride for team members, and interpersonal issues.
QUESTION 1382
You are part of a team that is working to develop a new medical implant device. Your project manager is an expert in medical implantation devices, yet he continually seeks opinions from the team about a wide variety of project and product issues. Team members often run project meetings while he sits silently at the head of the table. Which one of the following best characterizes his leadership style?
A. Laissez-faire
B. Team directed
C. Collaborative
D. Shared leadership
Correct Answer: D
Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Shared leadership is more than participatory management or collaboration; it involves letting the project team take over as much of the leadership role as it will accept.
QUESTION 1383
According to Herzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Theory, when achievement, recognition, responsibility, and advancement, or promotion, are not present, employees will______________
A. Become alienated with the organization and leave
B. Lack motivation but will not be dissatisfied with their work
C. Lack motivation and become dissatisfied with their work
D. Become dissatisfied only if they do not receive salary increases
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Herzberg advanced the theory that hygiene factors, such as the poor attitude of a supervisor, lead to dissatisfaction but not usually to decreased motivation. When motivators, such as responsibility and recognition, are lacking, they lead to job dissatisfaction, but when such motivators are present, they tend to motivate a person in the performance of his or her work.
QUESTION 1384
Your organization is adopting a project-based approach to business, which has been difficult. Although project teams have been created, they are little more than a collection of functional and technical experts who focus on their specialties. You are managing the company's most important project. As you begin this project, you must place a high priority on______________
A. Creating an effective team
B. Identifying the resources needed to finish the project on time C. The best way to communicate status to the CEO
D. Establishing firm project requirements
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
An effective team is critical to project success, but such a team is not born spontaneously. In early project phases, it is vitally important for the project manager to place a high priority on initiating and implementing the team-building process.
QUESTION 1385
The chances for successful completion of a multidisciplinary project are increased if project team members are______________
A. Problem oriented
B. Politically sensitive to top management's needs C. Focused on individual project activities
D. Focused on customer demands
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Problem-oriented people tend to learn and use whatever problem-solving techniques appear helpful. Although the project manager must be politically sensitive, team members need not have developed this skill to the extent required of the project manager; and rather than focusing on individual activities, team members should take a systems approach focusing on the entire project.
QUESTION 1386
The terms strong matrix, balanced matrix, and weak matrix when applied to the matrix structure in project organization refer to the______________
A. Ability of the organization to achieve its goals
B. Physical proximity of project team members to one another and to the project manager C. Degree of the project manager's authority
D. Degree to which team members bond together
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
In a strong matrix organization, the balance of power shifts toward the project manager. In a weak matrix organization, the balance of power shifts toward the functional or line manager.
QUESTION 1387
Conflicts in which following three areas represent the majority of all project conflicts?
A. Personalities, cost objectives, and schedules
B. Cost objectives, administrative procedures, and scarce resources C. Scarce resources, scheduling priorities, and personal work styles D. Personal work styles, project priorities, and cost objectives
Correct Answer: C Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Although all areas listed contain potential conflicts, the majority of all conflict in a project environment is caused by scarce resources, scheduling priorities, and personal work styles.
QUESTION 1388
As project manager, you plan to conduct a "kickoff" meeting at which you will discuss all the following EXCEPT______________
A. Establishing working relationships and standard formats for global communication B. Reviewing project plans
C. Establishing individual and group responsibilities and accountabilities
D. Discussing specific legal issues regarding the contract
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Conducted after contract award or approval of the project, the kickoff meeting provides an opportunity for project participants to get to know each other and review information about the project. It is not a forum to discuss detailed project issues.
QUESTION 1389
One purpose of the communications management plan is to provide information about the______________
A. Methods that will be used to convey information
B. Methods that will be used for releasing team members from the project when they are no longer needed
C. Project organization and stakeholder responsibility relationships D. Experience and skill levels of each team member
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
These methods or technologies can include memos, e-mails, and/or press conferences. They are one of several items to include in this plan.
QUESTION 1390
Having worked previously on projects as a team member, you are pleased to now be the project manager to develop a new process to ensure that software projects in your IT Department are considered a success and are not late or over budget. However, many of your team members are new to the organization. As you work to establish a high-performing team, you realize the importance of______________
A. Mentoring
B. Coaching
C. Moving quickly through the forming and storming stages D. Safeguarding information
Correct Answer: B Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Many communications skills are common to both general management and project management. Coaching is one example. It is especially useful to develop the team to higher levels of competency and performance and helping people recognize their potential through empowerment and development. It is used to aid team members to develop or enhance their skills required to achieve project success.
QUESTION 1391
As a project manager, you try to use empathic listening skills to help understand another person's frame of reference. In following this approach, you should______________
A. Mimic the content of the message
B. Probe, then evaluate the content
C. Evaluate the content, then advise
D. Rephrase the content and reflect the feeling
Correct Answer: D Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Empathic listening requires seeing the world the way the other person sees it, with the goal of understanding that person's views and feelings. Unlike sympathetic listening, empathic listening contains no element of value judgment. It is essential to listen actively and effectively and to question and probe ideas to help ensure better understanding.
QUESTION 1392
You have decided to organize a study group of other project managers in your organization to help prepare for the PMP exam. What type of communication activity are you employing in your efforts to organize this group?
A. Horizontal B. Vertical C. Official
D. External
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Communication activities have many potential dimensions to consider in exchanging information between the sender and the receiver. Horizontal communication occurs between or among peers, that is, across, rather than up and down, the organization.
QUESTION 1393
Your company CEO just sent you an e-mail asking you to make a presentation on your project, which has been in progress for 18 months, to over 50 identified internal and external stakeholders. You have been conducting such presentations and holding meetings regularly on this important project. You should begin by______________
A. Defining the audience
B. Determining the objective
C. Deciding on the general form of the presentation D. Circulating issues to be discussed
Correct Answer: D
Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Meetings are held regularly on projects to update and communicate project information and to respond to requests from stakeholders for the information. Most meetings consist of stakeholders coming together to resolve problems or make decisions. Typical meetings begin with a defined list of issues to be discussed, which are distributed in advance with minutes and other key information relative to the meeting.
QUESTION 1394
Project managers spend a great deal of time communicating with the team, the stakeholders, the client, and the sponsor. One can easily see the challenges involved, especially if one team member must communicate a technical concept to another team member in a different country.
The first step in this process is to______________
A. Encode the message
B. Decode the message
C. Determine the feedback loops D. Determine the medium
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
As the first step in the basic communication model, it is essential to translate thoughts or ideas into a language that is understood by others. Then, the message is sent using various technologies, and the receiver decodes it or translates it back into meaningful thoughts or ideas.
QUESTION 1395
The most common communication problem that occurs during negotiation is that______________
A. Each side may misinterpret what the other side has said
B. Each side may give up on the other side
C. One side may try to confuse the other side
D. One side may be too busy thinking about what to say next to hear what is being said
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
Effective communication is the key to successful negotiation. Misunderstanding is the most common communication problem. A project manager should listen actively, acknowledge what is being said, and speak for a purpose. It is essential to listen attentively ad communicate articulately.
QUESTION 1396
As an output of plan communications, it may be necessary to update the project documents, which include the______________
A. Stakeholder register
B. Corporate policies, procedures, and processes C. Knowledge management system
D. Stakeholder management plan
Correct Answer: A Section: Mix Questions Explanation
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation:
In the plan communications management process the two documents that may be updated are the project schedule and the stakeholder register.