Practice Free PMP Exam Online Questions
Question #461
At the end of a project, one of the suppliers is facing financial difficulties and is pushing the project manager to obtain financial, legal, and administrative approval in order to communicate formal project closure and ensure the transfer of liability.
What should the project manager do next?
- A . Compare the achieved results to the contract requirements.
- B . Make the final payment as the project is completed.
- C . Transfer the remaining variances and close the project.
- D . Escalate to higher management to expedite the approval.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The project manager should compare the achieved results to the contract requirements before obtaining financial, legal, and administrative approval to close the project and transfer the liability. This is because the project manager needs to ensure that the supplier has fulfilled all the contractual obligations and delivered the agreed scope, quality, and performance standards. The project manager should also verify that the supplier has completed all the required documentation, testing, training, and warranty services. The project manager should also review the lessons learned, feedback, and satisfaction surveys from the supplier and the project team. This will help the project manager evaluate the supplier’s performance, identify any issues or disputes, and resolve them before making the final payment and closing the project. The project manager should also communicate with the supplier and the relevant stakeholders about the project closure and the transfer of liability.
Reference: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)
PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, Section 12.3.1, “Close Procurements: Inputs”
PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, Section 12.3.2, “Close Procurements: Tools and Techniques”
PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, Section 12.3.3, “Close Procurements: Outputs”
PMI-PBA® Guide, 1st edition, Section 6.4.1, “Evaluate Solution: Inputs”
PMI-PBA® Guide, 1st edition, Section 6.4.2, “Evaluate Solution: Tools and Techniques”
PMI-PBA® Guide, 1st edition, Section 6.4.3, “Evaluate Solution: Outputs”
A
Explanation:
The project manager should compare the achieved results to the contract requirements before obtaining financial, legal, and administrative approval to close the project and transfer the liability. This is because the project manager needs to ensure that the supplier has fulfilled all the contractual obligations and delivered the agreed scope, quality, and performance standards. The project manager should also verify that the supplier has completed all the required documentation, testing, training, and warranty services. The project manager should also review the lessons learned, feedback, and satisfaction surveys from the supplier and the project team. This will help the project manager evaluate the supplier’s performance, identify any issues or disputes, and resolve them before making the final payment and closing the project. The project manager should also communicate with the supplier and the relevant stakeholders about the project closure and the transfer of liability.
Reference: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)
PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, Section 12.3.1, “Close Procurements: Inputs”
PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, Section 12.3.2, “Close Procurements: Tools and Techniques”
PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, Section 12.3.3, “Close Procurements: Outputs”
PMI-PBA® Guide, 1st edition, Section 6.4.1, “Evaluate Solution: Inputs”
PMI-PBA® Guide, 1st edition, Section 6.4.2, “Evaluate Solution: Tools and Techniques”
PMI-PBA® Guide, 1st edition, Section 6.4.3, “Evaluate Solution: Outputs”
Question #462
A project to develop a large hydropower plant is in the implementation phase and is managed using a hybrid approach.
What should the project manager do to ensure full compliance of quality requirements during the execution phase?
- A . Analyze the quality requirements.
- B . Plan quality management
- C . Continually survey the quality of the deliverable
- D . Set up quality policies and procedures
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
This answer is based on the PMI Guide to Business Analysis, which is one of the reference materials for the PMI-PBA exam1. According to the guide, quality is the degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfill requirements2. Quality requirements are the criteria that define the acceptable level of performance, reliability, usability, and other attributes of the project deliverables2. In a hybrid approach, which combines predictive and adaptive methods, the project manager should continually survey the quality of the deliverable to ensure that it meets the quality requirements and the stakeholder expectations2. This can be done by using various quality management tools and techniques, such as inspections, audits, reviews, testing, feedback, and metrics2. Continual quality surveillance helps the project manager to identify and correct any defects, errors, or deviations from the quality standards, and to prevent or mitigate any risks related to quality2. The other options are not correct because they are either part of the planning phase or not sufficient to ensure full compliance of quality requirements during the execution phase.
Reference: PMI Guide to Business Analysis
Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials
C
Explanation:
This answer is based on the PMI Guide to Business Analysis, which is one of the reference materials for the PMI-PBA exam1. According to the guide, quality is the degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfill requirements2. Quality requirements are the criteria that define the acceptable level of performance, reliability, usability, and other attributes of the project deliverables2. In a hybrid approach, which combines predictive and adaptive methods, the project manager should continually survey the quality of the deliverable to ensure that it meets the quality requirements and the stakeholder expectations2. This can be done by using various quality management tools and techniques, such as inspections, audits, reviews, testing, feedback, and metrics2. Continual quality surveillance helps the project manager to identify and correct any defects, errors, or deviations from the quality standards, and to prevent or mitigate any risks related to quality2. The other options are not correct because they are either part of the planning phase or not sufficient to ensure full compliance of quality requirements during the execution phase.
Reference: PMI Guide to Business Analysis
Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials
Question #463
A project manager has just completed a fixed-price project and the stakeholder is unhappy with the result.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Explain to the stakeholder that any modifications require additional budget
- B . Review the missed program deliverables with the project team
- C . Review the project charter for the project approval criteria
- D . Speak with the team’s manager to get extra hours from the team
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
When a stakeholder is unhappy with the result of a fixed-price project, the project manager should review the missed program deliverables with the project team1. This allows the team to understand what went wrong and how they can improve in future projects. It’s important to note that in a fixed-price project, the risk of incurring additional costs to complete performance of the project falls entirely on the supplier1. Therefore, performing any out of scope work that has not been agreed to, such as through a change order process, adds costs to the project1.
Reference: The special challenges of project management under fixed-price contracts
B
Explanation:
When a stakeholder is unhappy with the result of a fixed-price project, the project manager should review the missed program deliverables with the project team1. This allows the team to understand what went wrong and how they can improve in future projects. It’s important to note that in a fixed-price project, the risk of incurring additional costs to complete performance of the project falls entirely on the supplier1. Therefore, performing any out of scope work that has not been agreed to, such as through a change order process, adds costs to the project1.
Reference: The special challenges of project management under fixed-price contracts
Question #464
A senior manager attends one of the project review meetings and expresses concern that the project will not meet the quality standards.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Estimate the backlog items to forecast quality.
- B . Ask the senior manager to approve the user acceptance testing (UAT) plan.
- C . Review the quality management plan with the senior manager.
- D . Inform the senior manager that there are approved quality standards.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
When concerns about meeting quality standards arise, it is crucial for the project manager to review the quality management plan with the senior manager. This allows both parties to understand the quality objectives, standards, and procedures that are in place, and to ensure that these align with the project’s goals. The PMBOK® Guide and best practices in project management emphasize the importance of regular quality assessments and the use of quality audits to ensure that project activities comply with the defined quality standards12. By reviewing the quality management plan, the project manager and senior manager can collaboratively address any gaps or misunderstandings and take necessary actions to meet the quality requirements.
Reference: PMI. (2002). Ensuring a quality project through the project review. Project Management Institute1. Montgomery, J.
D. (2000). Quality assessment and improvement processes and techniques. Project Management Institute2.
C
Explanation:
When concerns about meeting quality standards arise, it is crucial for the project manager to review the quality management plan with the senior manager. This allows both parties to understand the quality objectives, standards, and procedures that are in place, and to ensure that these align with the project’s goals. The PMBOK® Guide and best practices in project management emphasize the importance of regular quality assessments and the use of quality audits to ensure that project activities comply with the defined quality standards12. By reviewing the quality management plan, the project manager and senior manager can collaboratively address any gaps or misunderstandings and take necessary actions to meet the quality requirements.
Reference: PMI. (2002). Ensuring a quality project through the project review. Project Management Institute1. Montgomery, J.
D. (2000). Quality assessment and improvement processes and techniques. Project Management Institute2.
Question #465
A new project manager is managing a hybrid project. The project manager wants to be a servant leader to support the team by removing impediments but is not receiving feedback from the team about the issues and risks they are facing.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Implement daily standups where the team can share their impediments, risks, and issues.
- B . Review the communications management plan and implement changes.
- C . Schedule weekly risk review meetings with the team to review project risks and concerns.
- D . Distribute a copy of the communications management plan to the scrum master.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK Guide, servant leadership is a key aspect of agile project management. It is a leadership style where the leader, rather than seeking to be served, prioritizes the needs and development of their team members1. Servant leaders help their teams to self-organize, collaborate, and adapt to changing requirements and environments2. One of the practices that support servant leadership in agile project management is the daily standup, also known as the daily scrum. It is a short, time-boxed meeting where the team members synchronize their work and plan for the next 24 hours. The daily standup also provides an opportunity for the team members to share their impediments, risks, and issues, and for the servant leader to facilitate the removal of those obstacles34. By implementing daily standups, the project manager can foster a culture of transparency, feedback, and continuous improvement among the team members, and help them achieve their project goals more effectively and efficiently5.
Reference: 1: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 55 2: A Little Bit of Both1 3: Guide on Servant Leadership in Agile Project Management3 4: 7 Traits of Servant Leadership in Agile Project Management4 5:
How to create a project management communication plan5
A
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK Guide, servant leadership is a key aspect of agile project management. It is a leadership style where the leader, rather than seeking to be served, prioritizes the needs and development of their team members1. Servant leaders help their teams to self-organize, collaborate, and adapt to changing requirements and environments2. One of the practices that support servant leadership in agile project management is the daily standup, also known as the daily scrum. It is a short, time-boxed meeting where the team members synchronize their work and plan for the next 24 hours. The daily standup also provides an opportunity for the team members to share their impediments, risks, and issues, and for the servant leader to facilitate the removal of those obstacles34. By implementing daily standups, the project manager can foster a culture of transparency, feedback, and continuous improvement among the team members, and help them achieve their project goals more effectively and efficiently5.
Reference: 1: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 55 2: A Little Bit of Both1 3: Guide on Servant Leadership in Agile Project Management3 4: 7 Traits of Servant Leadership in Agile Project Management4 5:
How to create a project management communication plan5
Question #466
At the closing phase of the project the project manager sends the completion reports to the client as a formal written document, indicating that the contract has been completed. The client refuses to approve the document since the defect rate is 0.1%. The project manager insists that it is an acceptable rate as the standard defect rate of the industry is 0.15%.
What should have been done to avoid this situation?
- A . The acceptance criteria should have been properly defined in the contract
- B . The client requirements should have been clearly defined in the contract
- C . The Manage Quality process should have been appropriately conducted
- D . The project manager should have reviewed the standard industry defect rate
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The acceptance criteria are the measurable and verifiable standards that must be met for the project deliverables to be accepted by the client. They are part of the project scope statement and the project contract, and they should be agreed upon by both parties before the project execution. If the acceptance criteria are not properly defined in the contract, it can lead to disputes and conflicts at the closing phase of the project, as the client may have different expectations and quality standards than the project manager. The other options are not as relevant or effective as defining the acceptance criteria in the contract. The client requirements are the needs and expectations of the client, but they are not the same as the acceptance criteria, which are more specific and measurable. The Manage Quality process is a process that ensures the quality standards are met and the quality activities are performed, but it does not define the acceptance criteria. The project manager should review the standard industry defect rate, but that is not enough to avoid the situation, as the client may have a different defect rate as their acceptance criterion.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 107
PMI-PBA Exam Content Outline, 2018, page 8
A
Explanation:
The acceptance criteria are the measurable and verifiable standards that must be met for the project deliverables to be accepted by the client. They are part of the project scope statement and the project contract, and they should be agreed upon by both parties before the project execution. If the acceptance criteria are not properly defined in the contract, it can lead to disputes and conflicts at the closing phase of the project, as the client may have different expectations and quality standards than the project manager. The other options are not as relevant or effective as defining the acceptance criteria in the contract. The client requirements are the needs and expectations of the client, but they are not the same as the acceptance criteria, which are more specific and measurable. The Manage Quality process is a process that ensures the quality standards are met and the quality activities are performed, but it does not define the acceptance criteria. The project manager should review the standard industry defect rate, but that is not enough to avoid the situation, as the client may have a different defect rate as their acceptance criterion.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 107
PMI-PBA Exam Content Outline, 2018, page 8
Question #467
A project manager is managing a mobile application development project when one of the experienced team members starts missing deadlines. The delays will impact project implementation.
What should the project manager do next?
- A . Meet with the team member to understand their concerns and/or issues.
- B . Convene a team meeting to encourage and motivate the entire team.
- C . Assign an additional resource to help the team member with the tasks.
- D . Ask the team member’s functional manager if there are any known issues.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
When a team member starts missing deadlines, it is important for the project manager to understand the root cause of the issue. Meeting with the team member provides an opportunity to discuss any concerns or obstacles they may be facing, which could be affecting their performance. This approach is in line with the PMBOK guide’s emphasis on project managers being proactive in identifying and resolving issues that can impact project timelines1. It also aligns with the principles of business analysis, which include understanding team dynamics and addressing individual team member’s challenges to improve overall performance2.
Reference: The PMBOK Guide suggests that project managers should engage directly with team members to address delays and performance issues1. The Professional in Business Analysis materials also stress the importance of understanding individual team member’s needs and facilitating solutions to performance-related challenges2.
A
Explanation:
When a team member starts missing deadlines, it is important for the project manager to understand the root cause of the issue. Meeting with the team member provides an opportunity to discuss any concerns or obstacles they may be facing, which could be affecting their performance. This approach is in line with the PMBOK guide’s emphasis on project managers being proactive in identifying and resolving issues that can impact project timelines1. It also aligns with the principles of business analysis, which include understanding team dynamics and addressing individual team member’s challenges to improve overall performance2.
Reference: The PMBOK Guide suggests that project managers should engage directly with team members to address delays and performance issues1. The Professional in Business Analysis materials also stress the importance of understanding individual team member’s needs and facilitating solutions to performance-related challenges2.
Question #468
A team shared a complaint regarding the scrum master during the last sprint review. The team expressed that they were delayed because the scrum master did not remove impediments, such as scheduling some meetings with external teams and obtaining a room to work collaboratively, among other critical blockers.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Request an additional resource to assist in solving all of the impediments listed by the team.
- B . Determine and agree when a situation becomes an impediment to be solved by the scrum master.
- C . Request the team review and prioritize the open impediments to resolve all of them as soon as possible.
- D . Push back, explaining that a self-organized team should address all of the problems to get the work done.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The role of the Scrum Master includes removing impediments to the Developers’ progress. This is a key responsibility as it enables the team to work efficiently and deliver high-quality products. When a complaint arises regarding the Scrum Master not removing impediments, it is important for the project manager to clarify and agree on what constitutes an impediment that the Scrum Master should address. This ensures that there is a shared understanding of the Scrum Master’s responsibilities and helps prevent future delays caused by unresolved impediments1234.
Reference: Scrum.org, DeepProjectManager.com, LinkedIn, PremierAgile
B
Explanation:
The role of the Scrum Master includes removing impediments to the Developers’ progress. This is a key responsibility as it enables the team to work efficiently and deliver high-quality products. When a complaint arises regarding the Scrum Master not removing impediments, it is important for the project manager to clarify and agree on what constitutes an impediment that the Scrum Master should address. This ensures that there is a shared understanding of the Scrum Master’s responsibilities and helps prevent future delays caused by unresolved impediments1234.
Reference: Scrum.org, DeepProjectManager.com, LinkedIn, PremierAgile
Question #469
During the executing phase, a project manager is reviewing the issue log and finds there are outstanding high-priority issues that are still open. Most of the open issues require effort from external domain experts who are not on the project team.
What should the project manager do?
- A . Ask the issue reporter to close the issues, because there are no project team members who have the required domain knowledge.
- B . Review the open issues with the issue reporter and issue a change request to hire an external domain expert.
- C . Request that the project team members learn the required domain knowledge and resolve the open issues in a short time.
- D . Reduce the project scope to ensure that the project team has the knowledge to deliver the system on schedule.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
According to project management best practices, one of the key elements of successful project implementation is to manage the risks and avoid scope creep12. If there are high-priority issues that require external domain expertise, the project manager should not ignore them, ask the issue reporter to close them, or reduce the project scope. These actions could compromise the quality and value of the project deliverables, and lead to customer dissatisfaction and potential litigation. Instead, the project manager should review the open issues with the issue reporter and assess the impact and urgency of each issue. Then, the project manager should issue a change request to hire an external domain expert who can help resolve the issues and ensure the project meets the requirements and expectations of the stakeholders. This way, the project manager can maintain the project scope and quality, and manage the risks effectively34.
1: Project Management Best Practices | TeamGantt 2: Project Management Best Practices: 8 Strategies for Success 3: Best practicesCthe nine elements to success – Project Management Institute 4: 10 project management best practices you MUST know – Teamwork
B
Explanation:
According to project management best practices, one of the key elements of successful project implementation is to manage the risks and avoid scope creep12. If there are high-priority issues that require external domain expertise, the project manager should not ignore them, ask the issue reporter to close them, or reduce the project scope. These actions could compromise the quality and value of the project deliverables, and lead to customer dissatisfaction and potential litigation. Instead, the project manager should review the open issues with the issue reporter and assess the impact and urgency of each issue. Then, the project manager should issue a change request to hire an external domain expert who can help resolve the issues and ensure the project meets the requirements and expectations of the stakeholders. This way, the project manager can maintain the project scope and quality, and manage the risks effectively34.
1: Project Management Best Practices | TeamGantt 2: Project Management Best Practices: 8 Strategies for Success 3: Best practicesCthe nine elements to success – Project Management Institute 4: 10 project management best practices you MUST know – Teamwork
Question #470
During the implementation phase of a construction project, a key supplier went bankrupt and cannot supply the contracted material. This issue could affect the project schedule.
What should the project manager do first?
- A . Update the issue log and act to minimize the impact
- B . Update the schedule to include the delay
- C . Add the risk and the delay to the risk register
- D . Escalate to the management team for delay approval
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK Guide, an issue log is a project document that records and tracks any issues that arise during the project and require resolution. It is part of the project communications management process and helps the project manager to monitor and control the project performance. When a key supplier goes bankrupt and cannot supply the contracted material, this is an issue that affects the project scope, schedule, cost, and quality. Therefore, the project manager should first update the issue log with the details of the issue, such as the description, impact, priority, owner, and status. Then, the project manager should act to minimize the impact of the issue by implementing appropriate actions, such as finding alternative suppliers, negotiating new contracts, adjusting the project plan, or requesting changes. The project manager should also communicate the issue and the actions to the relevant stakeholders, such as the project team, the sponsor, the customer, and the supplier. Updating the issue log and acting to minimize the impact are proactive and responsible steps that the project manager should take first to address the issue and ensure the project success.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, A practical approach to supply-chain risk management
A
Explanation:
According to the PMBOK Guide, an issue log is a project document that records and tracks any issues that arise during the project and require resolution. It is part of the project communications management process and helps the project manager to monitor and control the project performance. When a key supplier goes bankrupt and cannot supply the contracted material, this is an issue that affects the project scope, schedule, cost, and quality. Therefore, the project manager should first update the issue log with the details of the issue, such as the description, impact, priority, owner, and status. Then, the project manager should act to minimize the impact of the issue by implementing appropriate actions, such as finding alternative suppliers, negotiating new contracts, adjusting the project plan, or requesting changes. The project manager should also communicate the issue and the actions to the relevant stakeholders, such as the project team, the sponsor, the customer, and the supplier. Updating the issue log and acting to minimize the impact are proactive and responsible steps that the project manager should take first to address the issue and ensure the project success.
Reference: PMBOK Guide, A practical approach to supply-chain risk management