CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Test 7 — 15 Questions

Question 1

Which TWO of the following are outputs of the 'Define Activities' process in predictive project management?

Accepted Answer

Activity attributes. The Define Activities process produces the Activity List (option D), which is the comprehensive documented listing of all schedule activities needed to complete the project work packages, and the Activity Attributes (option B), which extend the activity list by describing each activity's characteristics such as activity ID, WBS ID, predecessors, successors, leads/lags, resource requirements, and constraints. Both are explicit outputs of Define Activities per PMBOK, since this process decomposes work packages into the schedule activities that will later be sequenced and estimated. The Project Schedule (option A) is not an output of Define Activities; it is developed later through the Develop Schedule process after activities are sequenced, estimated, and resourced. The Work Breakdown Structure (option C) is an input to Define Activities (created in Create WBS), not an output, and the Resource Breakdown Structure (option E) is a hierarchical representation of resources by category and type, produced in the Estimate Activity Resources process, not in Define Activities.

Answer

Project schedule

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Work breakdown structure

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Resource breakdown structure

Question 2

Which THREE of the following are key components of a project management plan for a predictive project?

Accepted Answer

Schedule baseline. The schedule baseline (A) is a key component of the project management plan because it is the approved version of the schedule model used to measure and track schedule performance. The quality management plan (B) is also a core subsidiary plan that defines how quality policies, objectives, and responsibilities will be implemented and verified in the project. The scope management plan (E) is likewise a key component, as it describes how scope will be defined, validated, and controlled throughout the predictive project lifecycle. The cost performance index (C) is not a component of the plan; it is an earned value management metric calculated during execution to measure cost efficiency. The risk register (D) is a project document rather than a component of the project management plan, so it does not belong in this list.

Answer

Cost performance index

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Risk register

Question 3

Which THREE of the following are considered key schedule management tools for predictive projects?

Accepted Answer

Critical path method. The critical path method (A) is a core schedule management tool for predictive projects because it calculates the longest path of dependent activities, determines the project's minimum duration, and identifies float to support schedule control. A Gantt chart (B) is also a key predictive scheduling tool, as it displays activities as bars against a calendar timeline, showing start and finish dates, durations, dependencies, and progress for plan-driven projects. PERT analysis (E) belongs here because it is a probabilistic schedule technique that uses three-point estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic) to estimate activity durations and assess schedule risk in predictive environments. Burndown charts (C) and Kanban boards (D) are not primary predictive schedule management tools; they are typically associated with agile or lean/iterative approaches, where burndown charts track remaining work over time and Kanban boards visualize workflow and limit work in progress rather than define a predictive schedule baseline.

Answer

Burndown chart

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Kanban board

Question 4

A project manager is developing a work breakdown structure (WBS) for a construction project. Which approach should be used to ensure all deliverables are identified?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition. Decomposition is the process of breaking down deliverables into smaller components, which ensures all are identified. Other options are estimating or planning techniques.

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Analogous estimating

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Bottom-up estimating

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Rolling wave planning

Question 5

During a predictive project, a team member reports that a critical path activity is behind schedule by two days. To recover the schedule, the project manager should first:

Accepted Answer

Perform schedule compression analysis. The project manager should first perform schedule compression analysis because it is the analytical technique used to evaluate options for recovering a delayed schedule. Schedule compression includes both crashing and fast-tracking, so it allows the PM to compare alternatives and choose the best recovery approach rather than committing prematurely to one method. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's emphasis on analysis before action in the Control Schedule process.

Answer

Fast-track the project

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Add resources to the critical path

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Accept the delay and update the baseline

Question 6

A project manager is closing a phase in a predictive life cycle. Which document should be updated to record lessons learned for future phases?

Accepted Answer

Lessons learned register. The lessons learned register is the specific project document designed to capture knowledge gained during a project, including what went well, what could be improved, and recommendations for future phases or projects. During phase closure in a predictive life cycle, the project manager updates this register to ensure that insights are documented and can be applied to subsequent phases. This aligns with PMBOK Guide's emphasis on continuous improvement and knowledge management.

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Project charter

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Risk register

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Issue log

Question 7

In a predictive project, the project manager needs to estimate the cost of each work package with a high level of accuracy. Which technique is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Bottom-up estimating. Bottom-up estimating involves estimating the cost of individual work packages or activities at the lowest level of the WBS and then aggregating them upward to obtain the total project cost. Because it builds from detailed, granular estimates, it provides the highest level of accuracy and is the preferred technique when the project manager needs precise cost figures for each work package. It is most reliable when the WBS is well-defined and the scope is stable, which is typical in predictive projects.

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Parametric estimating

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Expert judgment

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Three-point estimating

Question 8

A project manager notices that the project's cost performance index (CPI) is 0.85. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The project is over budget. A CPI of 0.85 indicates that the project is over budget. CPI is calculated as Earned Value (EV) divided by Actual Cost (AC). A value less than 1.0 means that for every dollar spent, less than a dollar of value was earned, indicating cost overrun. Therefore, the project is over budget.

Answer

The project is under budget

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The project is behind schedule

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The project is ahead of schedule

Question 9

During the planning phase of a predictive project, the project manager wants to define the project scope more precisely. Which process should be used to develop a detailed description of the project and product?

Accepted Answer

Define Scope. Define Scope is the process of developing a detailed description of the project and product, producing the project scope statement. It takes the requirements documentation and project charter as inputs and defines what is included and excluded from the project. This is exactly what the project manager needs to precisely define scope during planning.

Answer

Collect Requirements

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Create WBS

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Validate Scope

Question 10

A project manager is determining the sequence of activities for a construction project. Which tool is best suited for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Network diagram. A network diagram is the best tool for determining the sequence of activities because it visually maps the logical dependencies and order in which project activities must be performed. It explicitly shows predecessor-successor relationships, which are essential for sequencing. Unlike other tools, it directly supports techniques like the critical path method (CPM) and precedence diagramming. Therefore, it is the correct choice for sequencing activities.

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Resource breakdown structure

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Work breakdown structure

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Gantt chart

Question 11

In a predictive project, the project manager must formally accept the project's deliverables. Which process group does this activity belong to?

Accepted Answer

Closing. Formal acceptance of project deliverables is a key activity within the Closing process group. In predictive projects, the Closing process group includes the process 'Close Project or Phase,' where the project manager obtains final acceptance of the product, service, or result from the customer or sponsor. This ensures that all requirements are met and the project can be formally closed.

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Executing

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Planning

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Initiating

Question 12

A project manager is performing risk response planning for a high-priority risk. The risk has a high probability and high impact. Which response strategy is most appropriate to reduce the probability and/or impact?

Accepted Answer

Mitigate. Mitigation is the risk response strategy that reduces the probability and/or impact of a risk to an acceptable level. For a high-probability, high-impact risk, mitigation is the most appropriate proactive response because it directly addresses the risk's likelihood or consequences through actions such as testing, redundancy, or process improvements.

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Transfer

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Accept

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Avoid

Question 13

In a predictive project life cycle, which three of the following are characteristics of a work breakdown structure (WBS)? (Choose three)

Accepted Answer

The lowest level is called a work package.. Option B is correct because in a WBS the lowest level of each branch is the work package, the smallest deliverable or work component that can be estimated, scheduled, monitored, and controlled. Option C is correct because the WBS is created by decomposing the total scope, so it serves as a completeness check that all project deliverables and scope are captured and nothing is omitted. Option D is correct because the WBS is by definition a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the objectives and create the required deliverables. Option A is not correct because assigning roles and responsibilities is done through tools such as a RACI chart or responsibility assignment matrix, not the WBS itself. Option E is not correct because the WBS displays scope elements only; cost estimates are developed separately (for example, in the cost baseline or activity cost estimates) and are not inherent components of the WBS.

Answer

It is used to assign project roles and responsibilities.

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It includes cost estimates for each element.

Question 14

A project manager is performing risk identification. Which two inputs are essential for this process? (Choose two)

Accepted Answer

Stakeholder register. The Stakeholder register (A) is a correct input because it identifies the people and organizations who may be affected by or can influence project risks, providing their roles, interests, and communication needs that feed directly into risk identification. The Risk management plan (D) is also correct because it defines the risk methodology, roles and responsibilities, budget and schedule for risk activities, risk categories, and stakeholder risk appetite, all of which guide how risk identification is performed. Work performance reports (B) are not an input to Identify Risks; they are outputs of Monitor and Control Project Work used in other processes such as Monitor Risks. The Change log (C) is not an input to Identify Risks; it is used in processes like Control Quality and Monitor Risks. The Risk register (E) is an output of Identify Risks, not an input, though it becomes an input to later risk processes.

Answer

Work performance reports

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Change log

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Risk register

Question 15

Which of the following is a key component of a project scope baseline in predictive project management?

Accepted Answer

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). In predictive project management, the scope baseline consists of the approved project scope statement, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and WBS dictionary. The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition that breaks down the project work into manageable components, forming the foundation for scope management. Therefore, the WBS is a key component of the scope baseline, making option B correct.

Answer

The project budget

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The risk register

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The stakeholder register