Business of IT - Project Management (D324)

Correct Answer

B. technical

Explanation

IT projects are highly technical in nature because they involve complex technologies, software, hardware, and systems integration. These projects require specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as programming, network management, data analysis, and system architecture, which distinguish them from many other industries.

Why other options are wrong

A. expensive

While IT projects can be expensive, the defining characteristic is not necessarily cost but the technical complexity involved. Many industries also have expensive projects that are not as technically intricate as IT projects.

C. diverse

Although IT projects can be diverse in scope and application, the key distinction is their technical nature. The diversity of IT projects comes from the variety of technologies and solutions used but is secondary to the technical challenges they present.

D. challenging

Although IT projects are often challenging, the main reason they differ from projects in other industries is their technical focus. Other industries may also have challenging projects, but IT projects are distinguished by their reliance on technology, which introduces unique risks and demands.

Correct Answer

B. minimize change

Explanation

While it is important to control and manage changes during a project, the goal is not to minimize change, but to manage it effectively. Change can be necessary and beneficial, so the focus should be on having a system in place to control and assess changes rather than minimizing them outright.

Why other options are wrong

A. use good configuration management

Good configuration management ensures that changes are tracked, documented, and communicated effectively. This helps in controlling project changes and maintaining consistency across the project.

C. establish a formal change control system

A formal change control system is essential for tracking and managing changes in an organized way. This ensures that all changes are documented and reviewed systematically.

D. view project management as a process of constant communication and negotiation

Effective communication and negotiation are critical for managing changes, as they help in aligning stakeholders and obtaining agreement on necessary adjustments.

Correct Answer

A. Develop a good project selection process for IT projects.

Explanation

Developing a good project selection process for IT projects is important for overall project management, but it is not specifically focused on improving user input. Improving user input typically involves strategies that facilitate communication, collaboration, and involvement of users throughout the project lifecycle. The other options—having users on the team, co-locating users with developers, and meeting regularly—are all ways to enhance user input and ensure that user needs are accurately captured.

Why other options are wrong

B. Have users on the project team

Including users on the project team is a valuable way to ensure that their input is directly integrated into the project. Users can provide continuous feedback and clarify their needs, which improves the overall quality and relevance of the project.

C. Co-locate users with developers

Co-locating users with developers promotes direct communication and collaboration. It helps ensure that developers can get immediate feedback and understand user needs in real time, improving the quality of the deliverables.

D. Only have meetings as needed, not on a regular basis

This suggestion is meant to avoid wasting time on unnecessary meetings. While the frequency of meetings should be optimized, having regular meetings with users can help keep communication open and prevent misunderstandings. The goal is to balance effective communication with efficient project management.

Correct Answer

A. Intrinsic motivation

Explanation

Intrinsic motivation refers to doing something for the inherent satisfaction or enjoyment derived from the activity itself. People motivated by intrinsic factors engage in tasks because they find them enjoyable, interesting, or personally fulfilling, rather than for external rewards or pressures.

Why other options are wrong

B. Extrinsic motivation

Extrinsic motivation involves participating in an activity for external rewards, such as money, praise, or recognition, rather than for the enjoyment of the activity itself. This is the opposite of intrinsic motivation.

C. Self motivation

Self-motivation refers to the internal drive to accomplish goals without needing external encouragement. While closely related to intrinsic motivation, it is broader and can involve both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in motivating a person.

D. Social motivation

Social motivation involves participating in activities due to social factors, such as peer pressure or the desire to connect with others. It is not the same as intrinsic motivation, which is driven by personal enjoyment or satisfaction from the activity itself.

Correct Answer

C. 3.4

Explanation

Six Sigma’s goal is to reduce defects to the point where only 3.4 defects occur per million opportunities. This level of performance is often considered near perfection in manufacturing and other processes, focusing on reducing variation and improving quality to a very high standard.

Why other options are wrong

A. 6

Six Sigma refers to a target of 3.4 defects per million opportunities, not 6. The number 6 refers to the standard deviation in Six Sigma methodology, but the actual target is 3.4 defects per million.

B. 9

Nine defects per million opportunities would be much higher than Six Sigma's target of 3.4 defects, making this answer incorrect.

D. 1

One defect per million opportunities is far below the Six Sigma target of 3.4 defects. Although close, 3.4 is considered the precise target for Six Sigma perfection.

Correct Answer

A. interviews

Explanation

Interviews are often the most expensive and time-consuming technique for collecting requirements because they involve one-on-one interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee. This process can be resource-intensive, requiring significant time to schedule, conduct, and analyze the responses. Interviews are often used to gather in-depth, qualitative information from stakeholders, which can be valuable but requires careful planning and effort.

Why other options are wrong

B. focus groups

Focus groups are a group-based technique used to gather feedback from multiple participants at once. While they can be time-consuming, they tend to be less expensive than individual interviews and provide broader insights in a shorter time frame.

C. surveys

Surveys are a less expensive and quicker way to collect data from a large number of people. While they can be time-consuming to design and analyze, they are generally more efficient than interviews for gathering data from a large population.

D. observation

Observation is a method of collecting data by watching people or processes in action. It is generally less time-consuming and expensive than interviews, although it may still require effort to analyze the observed data. It is not typically as costly or time-intensive as conducting interviews.

Correct Answer

B. Referent

Explanation

Referent power is based on a person’s ability to influence others through their charisma, personal traits, and likability. It is a form of power that arises from the respect and admiration others have for a person. Those with referent power are often seen as role models and are able to inspire and motivate others.

Why other options are wrong

A. Affiliation

Affiliation power is based on a person’s ability to create connections with others and build a network of relationships. While it can be related to charisma, it specifically refers to interpersonal connections, not just personal charm.

C. Personality

Personality is a broader term referring to the unique traits and characteristics of an individual. While a charismatic personality may contribute to referent power, personality itself is not a specific type of power in the context of leadership or influence.

D. Legitimate

Legitimate power is based on a person’s position within an organization or hierarchy. It comes from formal authority, not personal charisma or charm, and therefore does not align with power derived from charisma.

Correct Answer

b. The cost variance is $500, which is under budget.

Explanation

Cost variance (CV) is calculated by subtracting the actual cost (AC) from the earned value (EV).

CV = EV - AC

CV = $2,000 - $1,500

CV = $500

A positive cost variance indicates the project is under budget.

Why other options are wrong

a. The cost variance is $500, which is over budget. - This is incorrect because the positive cost variance indicates the project is under budget, not over budget.

c. The cost variance is $500, which is over budget. - This is incorrect because a positive cost variance indicates the project is under budget.

d. The cost variance is $500, which is under budget. - This answer is wrong as it repeats the right explanation for the cost variance but incorrectly associates the budget status.

Correct Answer

D. Delphi technique

Explanation

The Delphi technique is a method for gathering opinions and reaching consensus among a group of experts, typically through multiple rounds of anonymous surveys or questionnaires.

Why other options are wrong

A. risk breakdown structure

A risk breakdown structure is a hierarchical representation of risks, not a tool for gathering expert opinions or consensus.

B. brainstorming

Brainstorming is a group activity used to generate ideas, but it does not involve anonymous input or a panel of experts.

C. interviewing

Interviewing involves direct interaction with individuals to gather their perspectives, but it is not an anonymous process and does not involve multiple rounds of feedback like the Delphi technique.