Practice Free PMP Exam Online Questions
Question #451
After the merger of two large companies, a project manager is assigned to a project. The company hires a consultant to ensure best practices are being used in information security. During an iteration, the consultant requests changes to a software component, claiming that it is not meeting market requirements.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Continue the iteration and add the requested changes.
- B . Continue the iteration and review the change with the customer.
- C . Cancel the iteration and meet with the product owner.
- D . Cancel the iteration and add the requested changes.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
When a consultant requests changes to a software component during an iteration, claiming it does not meet market requirements, the project manager should continue the iteration and review the change with the customer. This action ensures that the iteration’s progress is not halted while also addressing the consultant’s concerns. It is essential to involve the customer in the decision-making process since they have a vested interest in the product’s success and alignment with market needs.
This approach is consistent with the principles of stakeholder engagement and communication found in both PMP and business analysis best practices.
Reference: The PMBOK® Guide, which outlines the project management framework, emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the project life cycle1.
The PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® guide highlights the role of business analysts in facilitating communication between stakeholders and ensuring that project outcomes align with business needs23.
Discussions among PMP professionals suggest that addressing changes without disrupting the current iteration’s workflow is a common practice, and customer involvement is crucial
B
Explanation:
When a consultant requests changes to a software component during an iteration, claiming it does not meet market requirements, the project manager should continue the iteration and review the change with the customer. This action ensures that the iteration’s progress is not halted while also addressing the consultant’s concerns. It is essential to involve the customer in the decision-making process since they have a vested interest in the product’s success and alignment with market needs.
This approach is consistent with the principles of stakeholder engagement and communication found in both PMP and business analysis best practices.
Reference: The PMBOK® Guide, which outlines the project management framework, emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and communication throughout the project life cycle1.
The PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® guide highlights the role of business analysts in facilitating communication between stakeholders and ensuring that project outcomes align with business needs23.
Discussions among PMP professionals suggest that addressing changes without disrupting the current iteration’s workflow is a common practice, and customer involvement is crucial
Question #452
A project in aerospace design has run into a substantial technical issue, and the project team is uncertain on how to proceed.
With whom should the project manager call a meeting to discuss the issue?
- A . Project stakeholders and the team
- B . External subject matter experts (SMEs) and the team
- C . Project sponsor and the team
- D . Project sponsor and the external SMEs
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 4.3.2.1, when a project faces a technical issue that requires specialized knowledge or expertise, the project manager should consult with external subject matter experts (SMEs) and the team to find a solution. External SMEs are individuals or groups who have specialized knowledge or skills related to a specific aspect of the project, such as aerospace design. They can provide valuable insights, recommendations, and guidance to the project team. The project team consists of the project manager and the project staff who are responsible for performing the project work. They have the most knowledge and experience about the project and its deliverables. The project manager should involve both the external SMEs and the team in the discussion of the technical issue, as they can contribute different perspectives and ideas to resolve the issue. The project manager should also communicate the issue and the proposed solution to the project sponsor and other relevant stakeholders, but they do not need to be part of the initial meeting.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 4.3.2.1
PMP Exam Content Outline, Domain II: Process, Task 5
B
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 4.3.2.1, when a project faces a technical issue that requires specialized knowledge or expertise, the project manager should consult with external subject matter experts (SMEs) and the team to find a solution. External SMEs are individuals or groups who have specialized knowledge or skills related to a specific aspect of the project, such as aerospace design. They can provide valuable insights, recommendations, and guidance to the project team. The project team consists of the project manager and the project staff who are responsible for performing the project work. They have the most knowledge and experience about the project and its deliverables. The project manager should involve both the external SMEs and the team in the discussion of the technical issue, as they can contribute different perspectives and ideas to resolve the issue. The project manager should also communicate the issue and the proposed solution to the project sponsor and other relevant stakeholders, but they do not need to be part of the initial meeting.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 4.3.2.1
PMP Exam Content Outline, Domain II: Process, Task 5
Question #453
Eight highly qualified experts have been assembled to work for a 6-month period on an a specific aspect of an organization’s product development process.
How should the project manager support this team to succeed?
- A . Hand over control of specific aspects of their roles as experts and let them agree on their own timelines and targets.
- B . Bring in a senior colleague who is also an expert to ensure the team is on track to achieve the goals and objectives.
- C . Define roles and targets for all team members and regularly follow up with one-to-one meetings to review progress.
- D . Work with the team members to define the overall objective and support them to engage around the goal.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
This option is most aligned with the principles of project management as outlined in the PMBOK® Guide, which emphasizes the importance of collaborative planning and goal setting. Engaging the team in defining the overall objective ensures that all members are on the same page and committed to the project’s success. This approach leverages the expertise of the team members and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.
Reference: The PMBOK® Guide1, which details the collaborative nature of project management, and
the Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials2, which support the involvement of team members in the definition and realization of project objectives.
D
Explanation:
This option is most aligned with the principles of project management as outlined in the PMBOK® Guide, which emphasizes the importance of collaborative planning and goal setting. Engaging the team in defining the overall objective ensures that all members are on the same page and committed to the project’s success. This approach leverages the expertise of the team members and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.
Reference: The PMBOK® Guide1, which details the collaborative nature of project management, and
the Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials2, which support the involvement of team members in the definition and realization of project objectives.
Question #454
HOTSPOT
A project manager receives an update that the development flow is not going well. Some team members cannot start their work because the delivery is late. Looking at the Kanban board and the work in progress (WIP) lines, the project manager observes a bottleneck.
Click the title of the queue in the Kanban board below that requires additional resources to relieve the bottleneck
Correct Answer:
Question #455
When defining the ground rules for a project team, the project manager observed that only two team members contributed to the discussion. As a result, the team ground rules favor these two team members.
What should the project manager have done to avoid this situation?
- A . Come to the meeting with suggested ground rules
- B . Ask all team members to send new ideas prior to the meeting
- C . Extend the meeting to allow everyone to speak
- D . Set expectations for contributions ahead of the meeting
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
To avoid a situation where only a few team members contribute to defining the ground rules, it is essential for the project manager to set clear expectations for contributions ahead of the meeting. This approach encourages all team members to prepare and ensures that everyone has an opportunity to contribute, leading to more balanced and representative ground rules. By setting these expectations, the project manager can foster an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and considered.
Reference: Ground rules for a high performing team – Project Management Institute1.
D
Explanation:
To avoid a situation where only a few team members contribute to defining the ground rules, it is essential for the project manager to set clear expectations for contributions ahead of the meeting. This approach encourages all team members to prepare and ensures that everyone has an opportunity to contribute, leading to more balanced and representative ground rules. By setting these expectations, the project manager can foster an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and considered.
Reference: Ground rules for a high performing team – Project Management Institute1.
Question #456
During regular project progress review meetings, one team member shares bad news that has a significant impact on the project schedule.
How should the project manager react to ensure the project remains successful?
- A . Focus the discussion on recovery and ways to get back on track.
- B . Act in a way to highlight the criticality of the situation.
- C . Punish the team member for providing negative data that will affect the team’s morale.
- D . Thank the team member for raising this issue, log it, and move on to the next topic.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The PMBOK Guide and PMP objectives emphasize the importance of a proactive approach to project management, which includes focusing on recovery and corrective actions when faced with setbacks. When bad news is shared that impacts the project schedule, it is crucial for the project manager to
maintain a positive outlook and lead the team towards finding solutions to get back on track. This involves analyzing the situation, understanding the implications, and working collaboratively with the team to develop a recovery plan. It is not productive to punish team members for sharing bad news, as this can create a negative atmosphere and discourage open communication. Instead, the project manager should encourage transparency and use the information to make informed decisions that steer the project towards success12.
Reference: PMI’s guidelines on delivering bad news and focusing on recovery plans1.
PMBOK Guide’s principles on proactive project management and problem-solving2.
A
Explanation:
The PMBOK Guide and PMP objectives emphasize the importance of a proactive approach to project management, which includes focusing on recovery and corrective actions when faced with setbacks. When bad news is shared that impacts the project schedule, it is crucial for the project manager to
maintain a positive outlook and lead the team towards finding solutions to get back on track. This involves analyzing the situation, understanding the implications, and working collaboratively with the team to develop a recovery plan. It is not productive to punish team members for sharing bad news, as this can create a negative atmosphere and discourage open communication. Instead, the project manager should encourage transparency and use the information to make informed decisions that steer the project towards success12.
Reference: PMI’s guidelines on delivering bad news and focusing on recovery plans1.
PMBOK Guide’s principles on proactive project management and problem-solving2.
Question #457
A project team member is struggling to deliver an assigned task. In a team meeting, the project manager determines that there are other members on the team who have more experience with similar tasks.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Ask one of the more experienced team members to support the team member with the task.
- B . Reassign the task to one of the more experienced project team members for a faster completion of the assigned task.
- C . Ask the experienced team members to produce a manual on how to complete the task.
- D . Inform the project management office (PMO) of the issue and request a replacement for the less experienced team member.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
When a team member is struggling with a task, it is beneficial to leverage the experience within the team to provide support. This not only aids in the completion of the task but also contributes to the development of the less experienced team member’s skills. By asking a more experienced team member to assist, the project manager fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged, and team members can learn from one another. This approach aligns with the PMBOK® Guide’s emphasis on team development and the PMI’s focus on continuous learning and improvement within project teams.
Reference: The approach of having an experienced team member support another is consistent with the principles outlined in the PMBOK® Guide, which advocates for project managers to develop their team’s competencies and enhance overall team performance. Additionally, the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) reference materials highlight the importance of collaboration and knowledge transfer in project environments to ensure that all team members are equipped to contribute effectively to project objectives.
A
Explanation:
When a team member is struggling with a task, it is beneficial to leverage the experience within the team to provide support. This not only aids in the completion of the task but also contributes to the development of the less experienced team member’s skills. By asking a more experienced team member to assist, the project manager fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged, and team members can learn from one another. This approach aligns with the PMBOK® Guide’s emphasis on team development and the PMI’s focus on continuous learning and improvement within project teams.
Reference: The approach of having an experienced team member support another is consistent with the principles outlined in the PMBOK® Guide, which advocates for project managers to develop their team’s competencies and enhance overall team performance. Additionally, the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) reference materials highlight the importance of collaboration and knowledge transfer in project environments to ensure that all team members are equipped to contribute effectively to project objectives.
Question #458
An experienced project manager is leading an enthusiastic team but realizes the team lacks the experience to complete the job successfully.
What should the project manager do to reduce the risk of project failure?
- A . Ask the sponsor to add experienced professionals to the team.
- B . Assign a dedicated resource to check the quality of each deliverable.
- C . Approve the appropriate training program for team members.
- D . Provide team members with the necessary coaching and mentoring.
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification emphasizes the importance of human resource management and the development of the project team. According to the PMBOK® Guide, project managers should develop the team through training, team-building activities, and creating an environment that promotes high performance. In the scenario provided, where the team lacks experience, the project manager should utilize coaching and mentoring to bridge the experience gap, enhance skills, and improve team performance. This aligns with the PMP’s focus on leadership and the development of human resources within the project team.
Reference: The Reference for this answer are drawn from the PMBOK® Guide and the PMP Examination Content Outline, which detail the project manager’s role in team development and the competencies required for effective project management. Additionally, the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® reference materials support the approach of enhancing competencies through coaching and mentoring to ensure project success.
D
Explanation:
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification emphasizes the importance of human resource management and the development of the project team. According to the PMBOK® Guide, project managers should develop the team through training, team-building activities, and creating an environment that promotes high performance. In the scenario provided, where the team lacks experience, the project manager should utilize coaching and mentoring to bridge the experience gap, enhance skills, and improve team performance. This aligns with the PMP’s focus on leadership and the development of human resources within the project team.
Reference: The Reference for this answer are drawn from the PMBOK® Guide and the PMP Examination Content Outline, which detail the project manager’s role in team development and the competencies required for effective project management. Additionally, the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® reference materials support the approach of enhancing competencies through coaching and mentoring to ensure project success.
Question #459
During the execution of a construction project, one of the neighboring businesses is complaining that the current building height does not agree with the initial project plans.
What should the project manager do first?
- A . Ask the neighbor to leave the site immediately because the site is on private property.
- B . Inform the neighbor that all of the project documentation has been approved.
- C . Inform the neighbor that the complaint will be escalated to the project sponsor.
- D . Ask the neighbor to submit a formal complaint about their concerns.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The first step for a project manager in this scenario is to inform the neighbor that all project documentation, including the initial project plans, has been approved. This action is in line with the best practices of project management, which emphasize transparency and communication with stakeholders. It is important to provide assurance that the project is proceeding according to the approved plans and specifications. If the neighbor’s concerns persist, the project manager can then consider escalating the issue or requesting a formal complaint, but the initial response should be informative and aim to clarify any misunderstandings.
Reference: This response is based on the principles of stakeholder engagement and communication found in the PMBOK® Guide and the Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) reference materials, which highlight the importance of addressing stakeholder concerns promptly and transparently123.
B
Explanation:
The first step for a project manager in this scenario is to inform the neighbor that all project documentation, including the initial project plans, has been approved. This action is in line with the best practices of project management, which emphasize transparency and communication with stakeholders. It is important to provide assurance that the project is proceeding according to the approved plans and specifications. If the neighbor’s concerns persist, the project manager can then consider escalating the issue or requesting a formal complaint, but the initial response should be informative and aim to clarify any misunderstandings.
Reference: This response is based on the principles of stakeholder engagement and communication found in the PMBOK® Guide and the Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) reference materials, which highlight the importance of addressing stakeholder concerns promptly and transparently123.
Question #460
Two weeks after the approval of the project management plan for a global project, the project manager noticed that it was approved based on a different level of understanding by international stakeholders and is not what the project manager presented for approval.
What should the project manager have done to prevent this from happening?
- A . Sent the meeting minutes to the stakeholders after the kick-off meeting
- B . Reviewed all the approvals immediately after the kick-off meeting was over
- C . Ran separate kick-off meetings for each culture and time zone
- D . Validated each stakeholder’s understanding during the kick-off meeting
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
According to the PBA Guide, the project manager should validate the stakeholder’s understanding of the project management plan during the kick-off meeting, which is a formal meeting to communicate the start of the project and the expectations of the stakeholders1. This is also consistent with the PMBOK Guide, which states that the project manager should ensure that the project management plan is approved by the appropriate stakeholders and that the approval is based on a common understanding of the project scope, objectives, deliverables, and milestones2. By validating the stakeholder’s understanding during the kick-off meeting, the project manager can prevent misunderstandings, conflicts, and delays that may arise later in the project due to different levels of understanding by international stakeholders.
Reference: 1: PBA Guide, Chapter 3, Section 3.4.1, Page 63
2: PMBOK Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.3.1, Page 89
D
Explanation:
According to the PBA Guide, the project manager should validate the stakeholder’s understanding of the project management plan during the kick-off meeting, which is a formal meeting to communicate the start of the project and the expectations of the stakeholders1. This is also consistent with the PMBOK Guide, which states that the project manager should ensure that the project management plan is approved by the appropriate stakeholders and that the approval is based on a common understanding of the project scope, objectives, deliverables, and milestones2. By validating the stakeholder’s understanding during the kick-off meeting, the project manager can prevent misunderstandings, conflicts, and delays that may arise later in the project due to different levels of understanding by international stakeholders.
Reference: 1: PBA Guide, Chapter 3, Section 3.4.1, Page 63
2: PMBOK Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.3.1, Page 89