CAPM Practice Test 28 — 15 Questions

Question 1

A project manager is leading a team in a matrix organization where team members report to both a functional manager and the project manager. The project is in the planning phase. What is the primary responsibility of the project manager during this phase?

Accepted Answer

Developing the project management plan. Option B is correct because developing the project management plan is a key activity in the planning phase. Options A and C are more relevant to the executing phase, and option D belongs to closing.

Answer

Managing team conflicts

Answer

Assigning daily tasks to team members

Answer

Closing out the project

Question 2

Which THREE of the following are recognized process groups in the PMBOK Guide? (Choose three)

Accepted Answer

Executing. Options A, B, and D are correct. The PMBOK Guide defines five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. Analyzing and Reviewing are not process groups.

Answer

Reviewing

Answer

Analyzing

Question 3

During a project, two team members have a conflict that is affecting progress. The project manager attempts to resolve it but fails. What is the next best action?

Accepted Answer

Escalate to the project sponsor. Option D is correct because the project sponsor has authority to intervene and can escalate the conflict. Option A is wrong because the team may need external help. Option B is wrong because replacing team members is a last resort. Option C is wrong because the PMO may not have authority over team conflicts.

Answer

Request guidance from the PMO

Answer

Reassign one team member to another project

Answer

Ask the team to resolve it themselves

Question 4

A project manager is assigned to a project in a matrix organization. Who typically has authority over resource assignment and prioritization?

Accepted Answer

Functional manager. In a matrix organization, functional managers hold authority over resources and their assignments, while the project manager coordinates the project. Option B is correct. Option A (project sponsor) provides funding and support but not direct resource authority. Option C (project manager) may request resources but does not have authority over them. Option D (customer) defines requirements but not resource allocation.

Answer

Project sponsor

Answer

Project manager

Answer

Customer

Question 5

A project sponsor asks the project manager to report on budget performance. Which metric best indicates whether the project is under or over budget?

Accepted Answer

Cost Performance Index (CPI). Cost Performance Index (CPI) is a measure of cost efficiency; CPI > 1 indicates under budget, CPI < 1 indicates over budget. Option C is correct. Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is for schedule. Cost Variance (CV) is absolute dollar amount, which can be misleading for comparison. Schedule Variance (SV) is for schedule.

Answer

Cost Variance (CV)

Answer

Schedule Variance (SV)

Answer

Schedule Performance Index (SPI)

Question 6

The sponsor is concerned about the accuracy of cost estimates prepared using analogous estimating. Which estimating technique should the project manager recommend to improve accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Bottom-up estimating. Option C is correct because bottom-up estimating involves detailed analysis of each work package, providing the highest accuracy. Parametric is also accurate but bottom-up is more precise when detailed information is available.

Answer

Reserve analysis

Answer

Parametric estimating

Answer

Three-point estimating

Question 7

A project manager in a weak matrix organization is having difficulty getting team members to complete project tasks because they prioritize their functional work. Which type of power should the project manager primarily rely on to influence the team?

Accepted Answer

Expert power based on knowledge. Option A is correct because in a weak matrix, the project manager has little formal authority, so expert power (knowledge and expertise) is most effective. Formal power (option A in original) is limited, and reward/punitive power may not be available or may damage relationships.

Answer

Punitive power by threatening negative consequences

Answer

Reward power by offering bonuses

Answer

Formal power derived from position

Question 8

Refer to the exhibit. What is the cost performance index (CPI)?

Accepted Answer

0.83. Option C is correct. CPI = EV/AC = 5000/6000 = 0.83. Options A, B, and D are incorrect calculations.

Answer

0.91

Answer

1.20

Answer

1.10

Question 9

A project manager is reviewing the business case for a new initiative. Which document should the project manager create to define how the project will deliver the expected benefits?

Accepted Answer

Benefits management plan. Option B is correct because the benefits management plan describes how and when benefits will be realized. Option A is wrong because the project charter authorizes the project. Option C is wrong because the scope baseline is part of the project management plan. Option D is wrong because the stakeholder register lists stakeholders.

Answer

Project charter

Answer

Stakeholder register

Answer

Scope baseline

Question 10

During project planning, the team identifies that a key component must be custom-built by a vendor with a long lead time. The project manager wants to avoid the risk of the vendor failing to deliver. Which risk response strategy is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Transfer. Transfer is the best strategy because it shifts the risk of delivery failure to the vendor through a contract or warranty. Option B is correct. Option A (mitigate) would involve reducing the impact, but transfer is more effective. Option C (accept) is passive and not recommended. Option D (avoid) would mean not using the vendor, which may not be feasible.

Answer

Accept

Answer

Avoid

Answer

Mitigate

Question 11

A project is in the executing phase, and the team is frequently reworking deliverables due to defects. Which process is most likely inadequate?

Accepted Answer

Quality management. Option A is correct because rework indicates issues with quality management. Scope verification is about formal acceptance, not preventing defects. Risk management might identify potential defects but doesn't prevent them directly.

Answer

Scope verification

Answer

Communications management

Answer

Risk management

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic of the project life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Projects are temporary and unique. Option C is correct because projects are temporary and unique. Option A is not always true (some projects have indefinite end?), B phases can overlap, D describes operations.

Answer

Project phases are always sequential

Answer

Projects produce the same product repeatedly

Answer

Projects have a fixed end date

Question 13

Refer to the exhibit. What is the duration of the critical path?

Accepted Answer

15 days. Option A is correct. The critical path is A -> C -> D with a total duration of 5 + 4 + 6 = 15 days. The other path A -> B -> D is 5+3+6=14 days.

Answer

9 days

Answer

14 days

Answer

12 days

Question 14

A project manager notices that the team is frequently redoing work because requirements were unclear. Which process group interaction would help address this issue?

Accepted Answer

Iterative interactions between Planning and Executing. Option A is correct because iterative interactions between planning and executing allow for feedback and adjustment. Option B is wrong because executing and closing are not related. Option C is wrong because initiating and closing are not iterative. Option D is wrong because monitoring and controlling happen throughout but the issue stems from planning feedback.

Answer

Direct progression from Initiating to Closing

Answer

Sequential handoffs from Executing to Closing

Answer

Continuous monitoring between Initiating and Planning

Question 15

Which TWO are benefits of creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?

Accepted Answer

Defines the total scope. The WBS defines the total scope (B) and provides a foundation for cost estimation (C). Option A (identifies risks) is a benefit of risk management activities. Option D (shows dependencies) is achieved through a network diagram. Option E (assigns resources) is done during activity resource estimation.

Answer

Identifies project risks

Answer

Assigns resources to activities

Answer

Shows dependencies between activities