Business of IT - Project Management (D324)

Correct Answer

C. Scope

Explanation

The scope of a project refers to all the work required to create the project's deliverables and the processes used to complete them. It outlines what is included and excluded from the project and ensures that all necessary tasks are identified and completed. The scope defines the boundaries of the project and serves as a guide for project execution and control.

Why other options are wrong

A. Deliverables

Deliverables are specific, measurable outputs produced as a result of the project. While deliverables are part of the project scope, they do not encompass all the work involved in creating the products or the processes used to create them.

B. Milestones

Milestones are key events or achievements in a project timeline that mark significant progress. They are part of the project's schedule but do not represent all the work involved in creating the products or the processes.

D. Product development

Product development refers to the process of designing, creating, and bringing a product to market. It is a part of the project scope but does not encompass all the work involved in the entire project, which may include other aspects beyond product development.

Correct Answer

C. Executing

Explanation

Executing processes are the activities that involve coordinating people and resources to carry out the project plans and produce the project's deliverables. During the execution phase, the actual work is performed, and resources are used to create the products, services, or results as outlined in the project plan.

Why other options are wrong

A. Initiating

Initiating processes involve starting the project or phase, defining the scope, and obtaining approval. They do not focus on carrying out the project plans or creating the deliverables, which is the focus of the executing processes.

B. Planning

Planning processes involve defining and refining the project scope, objectives, and the course of action needed to achieve those objectives. While essential, planning occurs before executing and does not involve carrying out the work.

D. Monitoring and controlling

Monitoring and controlling processes involve tracking, reviewing, and regulating the progress and performance of the project. This process ensures that the project stays on track but does not directly involve the execution of the work itself.

E. Closing

Closing processes involve finalizing all activities, completing the project or phase, and obtaining formal acceptance of the deliverables. This phase focuses on closing the project, not on carrying out the project plans.

Correct Answer

A. structural

Explanation

The structural frame of organizations focuses on the formal aspects of an organization, such as its hierarchy, rules, roles, policies, and procedures. This frame is concerned with the organization's architecture, including how meetings are conducted, how tasks are divided, and the formal expectations for things like dress codes and work hours. The structural frame ensures that the organization functions according to established norms and procedures.

Why other options are wrong

B. human resources

The human resources frame focuses on the needs and relationships of the people within the organization. It deals with motivation, morale, and employee well-being. While it may influence employee behavior indirectly, it does not specifically address the structural elements like meetings, dress codes, or work hours.

C. political

The political frame deals with power dynamics, conflicts, and negotiations within the organization. It focuses on the informal and sometimes hidden aspects of an organization, such as alliances, conflicts, and the influence of power structures. This frame does not address the formal, structural elements such as meetings or dress codes.

D. symbolic

The symbolic frame addresses the culture, values, and symbols within the organization. It deals with the deeper meaning behind the rituals, stories, and organizational symbols. While it can influence employee behavior, it is not directly concerned with the operational aspects like meetings or dress codes, which are covered by the structural frame.

Correct Answer

B. Project Management Professional PMP

Explanation

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most well-known and respected certifications in the field of project management. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to professionals who meet specific education and experience requirements and pass the PMP exam. This certification is highly regarded by employers across various industries.

Why other options are wrong

A. Certified Project Manager CPM

The Certified Project Manager (CPM) certification is not a certification provided by the Project Management Institute. While CPM may be offered by other organizations, it is not as widely recognized as the PMP certification.

C. Project Management Expert PME

The Project Management Expert (PME) certification is not an official certification offered by the Project Management Institute. PMI does not recognize this certification.

D. Project Management Mentor PMM

The Project Management Mentor (PMM) is not a certification offered by the Project Management Institute. PMI’s primary certification for project managers is the PMP, among other specialized certifications.

Correct Answer

A. status

Explanation

A status report provides a snapshot of the project's current position, including progress, completed tasks, and issues at a specific moment in time.

Why other options are wrong

B. performance

A performance report evaluates the overall efficiency, effectiveness, and outcomes of the project but does not necessarily provide a snapshot of where the project stands at a given point.

C. forecast

A forecast report predicts future project performance and outcomes based on current trends but does not focus on the current state at a particular time.

D. earned value

Earned value reports focus on the actual work completed in comparison to planned work and its cost but do not provide a simple snapshot of project status at a specific time.

Correct Answer

B. program

Explanation

A program is a collection of related projects that are managed together to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually. In this case, several application development projects for the same functional group are related and can be coordinated as a program to achieve greater efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ensure that all projects contribute to the overall goals of the functional group.

Why other options are wrong

A. portfolio

While a portfolio is a collection of projects and programs, it is not specifically for related projects within the same functional group. A portfolio may include a variety of projects and programs across different functions or organizational units, not necessarily related to one another. Therefore, a portfolio is too broad a concept for this situation.

C. investment

An investment refers to the allocation of resources, typically financial, to achieve returns or benefits, but it is not a management approach. It does not describe the method of organizing and overseeing related projects. The term "investment" is not applicable to organizing projects for a functional group, as it is more related to financial strategy rather than project management.

D. collaborative

While collaboration may occur within a project or among projects, "collaborative" is not a formal management structure like a program. It does not describe how related projects are managed together for a common objective. This term focuses more on the way people work together rather than the organizational structure used to manage related projects.

Correct Answer

C. histogram

Explanation

A resource histogram is a type of bar chart that displays the number of resources assigned to a project over a certain time period. It is used in staffing management plans to visualize resource utilization and identify periods of overuse or underuse.

Why other options are wrong

A. chart

A chart could refer to various types of visual representations of data, not necessarily one that shows resource assignment over time like a histogram.

B. graph

While a graph could show resource assignment over time, the specific term for this in the context of staffing management is a histogram.

D. timeline

A timeline shows the sequence and duration of project activities over time, but it does not focus on the specific number of resources assigned, as a histogram does.

Correct Answer

b. a control chart

Explanation

A control chart is a statistical tool used to monitor the consistency of a process. It helps determine whether a process is in control (i.e., operating as expected) or out of control (i.e., showing signs of variability that need to be addressed). A control chart plots data over time and includes control limits to indicate acceptable variations.

Why other options are wrong

a. a cause-and-effect diagram - Also known as a fishbone diagram, this tool is used to identify the root causes of problems in a process, not to determine if the process is in control.

c. a run chart - A run chart shows data over time but does not have control limits like a control chart. It helps to detect trends or patterns but is less effective at determining if a process is in control.

d. a control panel diagram - This is typically used for visualizing the monitoring of various system components or operations but is not a tool for statistical process control.

Correct Answer

A. developing the project business case

Explanation

The project business case is typically developed during the initiation phase, but it is not a formal process within project integration management itself. It serves as the justification for the project and provides the rationale for its initiation, often aligning with the organization's strategic goals. While it is crucial in project initiation, it falls outside the scope of project integration management, which focuses on processes that combine and align various elements of project planning and execution, such as developing the project charter, project management plan, and project closure.

Why other options are wrong

B. developing the project charter

The project charter is a fundamental process in project integration management. It formally authorizes the project, outlines objectives, and defines key roles, responsibilities, and resources. The charter serves as the foundational document that initiates the project, making it an integral part of project integration.

C. developing the project management plan

Developing the project management plan is a central process in project integration management. It defines how the project will be executed, monitored, controlled, and closed. This plan integrates and consolidates all subsidiary plans for scope, schedule, cost, quality, and other project management components.

D. closing the project or phase

Closing the project or phase is a key process within project integration management. It involves finalizing all project activities, delivering the completed project to stakeholders, and formally closing out contracts and documentation. This process ensures that all project objectives have been met and that the project is concluded in a controlled and systematic manner.