75 of 125 questions · Page 1/2 · Pkp Tools Documentation topic · Answers revealed
A project manager is tracking remaining work over the course of a sprint to see if the team is on pace to complete all committed stories. Which agile artifact should the project manager use?
Correct – burndown tracks remaining work.
Why this answer
A burndown chart shows remaining work (e.g., story points) over time in a sprint, helping visualize whether the team is on track.
Which TWO documents should be included in the procurement management plan? (Select TWO).
SOW defines the work to be procured.
Why this answer
The procurement management plan includes documents related to procurement, such as SOW (scope of work) and contract terms. The other documents are not procurement-specific.
A project manager is reviewing quality control results. Which THREE tools are commonly used to identify the root causes of defects or to prioritize improvement efforts? (Choose three.)
Helps prioritize issues by frequency or impact (80/20 rule).
Why this answer
Cause-and-effect diagram (fishbone) helps identify root causes; Pareto chart applies 80/20 rule to prioritize; control chart monitors process variation. Scatter diagram shows relationships but not root cause; run chart shows trends over time.
A project team is using Jira for an agile project. The product owner wants to see the total amount of work completed each sprint and the remaining work. Which two charts should the project manager use? (Choose two, but this is a multiple-choice single select for the best pair. Actually, this is a multiple-choice question asking for a single best tool.)
Correct: Burnup shows completed work and total; burndown shows remaining work.
Why this answer
A burnup chart shows completed work over time and total work; a burndown chart shows remaining work. Both together give a complete picture.
A control chart shows a process with data points fluctuating within the upper and lower control limits, but 8 consecutive points appear on one side of the mean. What does this indicate?
Correct. A long run indicates a non-random pattern, meaning special cause may be present.
Why this answer
In a control chart, 8 consecutive points on one side of the mean (a 'run' of 8) indicates a special cause variation, even if points are within control limits. This rule is a common test for special causes.
Which project scheduling tool displays tasks as horizontal bars on a timeline, shows dependencies between tasks, and can highlight the critical path?
Gantt charts display tasks as horizontal bars, show dependencies, and can highlight the critical path.
Why this answer
A Gantt chart uses horizontal bars to represent tasks, shows dependencies with arrows, and can highlight the critical path. A network diagram uses nodes and arrows but not horizontal bars. A milestone chart only shows key events.
A Kanban board visualizes workflow columns.
During a quality audit, the project team discovers that 80% of customer complaints are caused by 20% of the defect types. Which quality tool should the project manager use to present this data and prioritize corrective actions?
Correct – Pareto chart shows the 80/20 rule for prioritization.
Why this answer
A Pareto chart is based on the 80/20 rule and is used to highlight the most significant factors causing defects.
In a RACI matrix, the person who is ultimately accountable for the completion of a task is denoted by which letter?
A is the person accountable for the outcome.
Why this answer
In a RACI matrix, 'A' stands for Accountable, meaning the person who has ultimate ownership and sign-off authority for the task. This individual is answerable for the successful completion of the deliverable and cannot delegate that responsibility. The correct answer is D because the RACI acronym explicitly defines 'A' as Accountable.
Exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'Responsible' (the doer) with 'Accountable' (the owner), but the PMBOK and RACI model strictly separate these roles, and the exam expects you to know that only 'A' denotes ultimate accountability.
How to eliminate wrong answers
Option A is wrong because 'C' denotes Consulted, meaning someone whose input is sought before a decision or action, not the person with final accountability. Option B is wrong because 'R' denotes Responsible, the person who actually performs the work, but they are not ultimately answerable for the outcome. Option C is wrong because 'I' denotes Informed, someone who is kept up-to-date on progress but has no role in execution or accountability.
Which diagram is used in quality management to prioritize the most significant causes of a problem, based on the 80/20 rule?
Correct. Pareto chart uses the 80/20 principle.
Why this answer
A Pareto chart is based on the 80/20 rule where 80% of problems come from 20% of causes. It helps prioritize which issues to address first.
A project manager wants to visualize the sequence of project activities and their dependencies to identify the critical path. Which tool should be used?
Network diagram maps activity sequences and dependencies, enabling critical path identification.
Why this answer
A network diagram (activity-on-node) shows the sequence and dependencies of activities, allowing identification of the critical path.
An agile team uses a burnup chart to track progress. Which THREE pieces of information are typically shown on a burnup chart?
The scope line shows the total amount of work planned.
Why this answer
A burnup chart shows the total work planned (scope line), the actual completed work over time (completed line), and the time remaining (time axis). Remaining work is shown on a burndown chart, not burnup. Velocity is a metric, not a line on the chart.
In a network diagram, the critical path is the longest path through the project. What does it determine?
Correct. The critical path gives the minimum time to complete the project.
Why this answer
The critical path determines the shortest possible project duration; any delay on the critical path delays the project.
A project has a BAC of $500,000 and a CPI of 0.8. What is the estimate at completion (EAC) assuming the current cost performance will continue?
Correct formula.
Why this answer
EAC = BAC / CPI = $500,000 / 0.8 = $625,000.
During project execution, a team discovers that the actual cost of work performed is $45,000, the planned value is $50,000, and the earned value is $40,000. Which statement is correct?
SV negative = behind; CV negative = over budget.
Why this answer
SV = EV - PV = $40,000 - $50,000 = -$10,000 (behind schedule). CV = EV - AC = $40,000 - $45,000 = -$5,000 (over budget).
A project manager is analyzing quality issues and wants to use tools that help identify and prioritize problems. Which TWO tools are appropriate for this purpose? (Select TWO.)
Prioritizes problems to focus on the vital few.
Why this answer
A Pareto chart is a bar graph that displays the frequency of defects in descending order, combined with a cumulative percentage line. It helps identify the most significant quality issues by applying the 80/20 rule, allowing the project manager to prioritize problems that will yield the greatest improvement when addressed.
Exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between tools that identify causes (cause-and-effect diagram) versus tools that prioritize problems (Pareto chart), and candidates may mistakenly select a histogram or control chart because they are also common quality tools but serve different purposes.
A project manager is using a control chart to monitor the number of defects per day. The chart shows 10 data points within the control limits, but all 10 points are above the mean. What does this indicate?
Correct: Seven or more consecutive points on one side of the mean indicate a special cause.
Why this answer
In a control chart, a run of 10 consecutive points above the mean (center line) is a classic indicator of a non-random pattern, even if all points fall within the control limits. This violates the 'run rule' (typically 7 or more points on one side of the mean), which signals the presence of a special cause variation that should be investigated. Option C is correct because the sustained shift above the mean suggests an assignable cause is affecting the process, not random common cause variation.
Exam trap
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly believe any data point within control limits automatically means the process is stable, ignoring the run rules that detect non-random patterns like sustained shifts above or below the mean.
How to eliminate wrong answers
Option A is wrong because the control limits are calculated from the process data and should not be recalculated just because a pattern is observed; recalculating limits would mask the special cause signal. Option B is wrong because having all points above the mean indicates the process is producing more defects than the historical average, not fewer. Option D is wrong because a process is considered 'in control and stable' only when variation is due to common causes alone; a run of 10 points above the mean is a recognized out-of-control pattern per Western Electric rules, so the process is not in a state of statistical control.
During a quality audit, the team identifies that defects are concentrated in a few areas. The project manager decides to use a Pareto chart. Which TWO statements are true about Pareto charts?
The 80/20 rule is the foundation of Pareto analysis.
Why this answer
Pareto charts are based on the 80/20 rule, showing that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. Bars are arranged in descending order of frequency. Control limits are for control charts.
Cause-and-effect relationships are shown in fishbone diagrams.
In an agile project, the team is defining the 'Definition of Done' (DoD). Which TWO statements are typically included in a good DoD?
Common DoD criterion.
Why this answer
DoD includes criteria that must be met for a user story to be considered complete, such as code review, testing, and documentation. Prioritizing the backlog is not part of DoD; that's product owner role. Assigning story points is done during estimation.
A project team is using Jira for agile project management. They want to visualize the flow of work across columns such as 'To Do', 'In Progress', and 'Done'. Which board type should they use?
Correct – Kanban board shows workflow stages.
Why this answer
A Kanban board (in Jira) visualizes the workflow with columns representing stages, limiting work in progress.
Which project document formally authorizes the project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources?
The project charter authorizes the project and the project manager.
Why this answer
The project charter is the document that formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority. The project management plan describes how the project will be executed. The scope statement defines the scope.
The stakeholder register lists stakeholders.
Which THREE items are considered agile artefacts?
The sprint backlog contains tasks for the current sprint.
Why this answer
Product backlog, sprint backlog, and burndown chart are agile artefacts. The RACI matrix is a responsibility assignment tool, and the risk register is a traditional project management document.
Which document formally authorizes the project and assigns the project manager?
Correct. The project charter authorizes the project and the project manager.
Why this answer
The project charter is the document that formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority.
Which document formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities?
Correct – the charter authorizes the project.
Why this answer
The project charter is the document that formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority.
A project has a budget at completion (BAC) of $500,000. After 3 months, the earned value (EV) is $200,000, the actual cost (AC) is $250,000, and the planned value (PV) is $180,000. What is the cost performance index (CPI) and what does it indicate?
Correct. CPI of 0.8 means for every dollar spent, only $0.80 of work is earned.
Why this answer
CPI = EV/AC = 200,000/250,000 = 0.8. A CPI less than 1 indicates the project is over budget.
An agile team has a velocity of 30 story points per sprint. The product backlog contains 120 story points of work. How many sprints are needed to complete the backlog assuming no changes?
120/30 = 4.
Why this answer
Number of sprints = total story points / velocity = 120 / 30 = 4 sprints.
A project team is using Jira for an Agile project. Which TWO artefacts are typically managed within Jira for sprint planning and tracking? (Choose two.)
Jira manages the product backlog with user stories and epics.
Why this answer
Jira supports product backlog (epics, stories, tasks) and sprint backlog (selected items for current sprint). Velocity is a metric, not an artefact; burndown chart is a visualization; stakeholder register is not typically in Jira.
A project has a budget at completion (BAC) of $200,000. The earned value (EV) is $90,000, and the actual cost (AC) is $100,000. What is the estimate at completion (EAC) if the project is expected to continue at the same cost performance?
Using BAC/CPI gives $222,222.
Why this answer
CPI = EV/AC = 90,000/100,000 = 0.9. EAC = BAC/CPI = 200,000/0.9 = $222,222.
During a sprint review, the product owner notices that the team completed 30 story points in the previous sprint and 25 in the current sprint. The project manager wants to track the average story points completed per sprint to predict future performance. Which metric should be used?
Velocity measures story points completed per sprint, averaged for forecasting.
Why this answer
Velocity is the average story points completed per sprint, used for forecasting.
Which project scheduling tool shows activities as bars on a timeline, including dependencies and milestones?
Correct – Gantt chart is a timeline bar chart.
Why this answer
A Gantt chart displays tasks as horizontal bars along a timeline, with dependencies and milestones clearly shown.
A project manager is creating a document that identifies all project stakeholders and their interests, influence, and expectations regarding the project. This document is the:
The stakeholder register contains information about stakeholders.
Why this answer
The stakeholder register records stakeholder information. The communication plan describes how to communicate with stakeholders. The RACI matrix shows roles and responsibilities.
The issue log tracks issues.
A project manager is reviewing the risk register and sees that a high-impact risk has a probability of 0.3 and an impact of $50,000. The team implements a response that reduces the probability to 0.1 and the impact remains $50,000. The response cost is $5,000. What is the net expected monetary value (EMV) of implementing the response?
Correct: The net EMV benefit is $5,000 (reduction of $10,000 minus cost of $5,000).
Why this answer
Original EMV = 0.3 * 50,000 = $15,000. Residual EMV = 0.1 * 50,000 = $5,000. Reduction in EMV = $10,000.
Net benefit = reduction - response cost = $10,000 - $5,000 = $5,000.
During a sprint review, the product owner notices that the team has completed 30 story points, but the burndown chart shows an upward trend. What is the most likely cause?
Correct: Adding scope increases remaining work, shown as an upward burndown trend.
Why this answer
A burndown chart tracks remaining work. An upward trend indicates that new work has been added, increasing the remaining effort.
A project has a budget at completion (BAC) of $200,000. After 3 months, the earned value (EV) is $80,000, and the actual cost (AC) is $100,000. What is the estimate at completion (EAC) assuming the cost performance index (CPI) will remain the same for the remainder of the project?
EAC = BAC / CPI = $200,000 / 0.8 = $250,000.
Why this answer
CPI = EV / AC = $80,000 / $100,000 = 0.8. The formula EAC = BAC / CPI is used when current cost performance is expected to continue. EAC = $200,000 / 0.8 = $250,000.
A project manager is tracking issues and their resolution status. Which document should the manager use to record and monitor these issues?
Correct. The issue log is specifically for tracking issues.
Why this answer
An issue log is used to document and track issues throughout the project, including their status, owner, and resolution.
A project manager is reviewing a control chart and notices several data points outside the upper control limit (UCL). Which type of variation do these points indicate?
Points outside control limits signal special cause variation.
Why this answer
Special cause variation is indicated by data points outside control limits or non-random patterns.
A project manager notices that the project is behind schedule. The planned value (PV) is $50,000, earned value (EV) is $40,000, and actual cost (AC) is $45,000. What is the schedule performance index (SPI) and what does it indicate?
SPI = 0.8, indicating behind schedule.
Why this answer
SPI = EV / PV = 40,000 / 50,000 = 0.8. An SPI less than 1 indicates the project is behind schedule.
A project team is using planning poker to estimate user stories. What is the purpose of this technique?
Correct. Planning poker helps the team agree on relative sizing.
Why this answer
Planning poker is a consensus-based estimation technique that uses story points to achieve team agreement on effort.
During a sprint review, the team notes that the remaining work is not decreasing as expected. Which agile artefact would best help visualize the trend of remaining work over the sprint duration?
Correct. A burndown chart tracks remaining work throughout the sprint.
Why this answer
A burndown chart shows remaining work over time in a sprint, making it easy to spot deviations from the plan.
Which document contains the subsidiary plans for scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, communication, risk, and procurement?
Correct – it contains all subsidiary plans.
Why this answer
The project management plan integrates all subsidiary plans for managing the project.
A project manager needs to show the sequence of project activities and their dependencies to identify the critical path. Which tool should they use?
Network diagrams are used for critical path analysis.
Why this answer
A network diagram is the correct tool because it visually maps the sequence of project activities and their dependencies using nodes and arrows, which is essential for identifying the critical path. The critical path is the longest path through the network diagram, determining the shortest possible project duration. This tool directly supports forward and backward pass calculations to find total float and critical activities.
Exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between a Gantt chart and a network diagram, trapping candidates who think a Gantt chart shows dependencies clearly enough for critical path analysis, when in fact only a network diagram provides the explicit logical relationships needed for forward/backward pass calculations.
How to eliminate wrong answers
Option B is wrong because a milestone chart only shows key events or deliverables at specific points in time, not the sequence of activities or their dependencies, so it cannot be used to identify the critical path. Option C is wrong because a burndown chart tracks work completed versus time remaining, typically in agile projects, and does not display activity dependencies or sequence for critical path analysis. Option D is wrong because a Gantt chart shows activities on a timeline with start and end dates, but it does not explicitly illustrate dependencies in a way that supports critical path calculation; network diagrams are the standard tool for this purpose.
During sprint planning, the team uses a technique where each member privately selects a card representing a number of story points for a user story. After revealing, they discuss discrepancies. This technique is known as:
Planning poker uses cards with story point values for estimation.
Why this answer
Planning poker is an agile estimation technique where team members use numbered cards to vote on story point estimates. Pairs programming is a development practice, not estimation. Delphi technique is a consensus method but typically anonymous and iterative without cards.
T-shirt sizing is a relative sizing method but does not involve simultaneous card reveal.
Which THREE of the following are key elements of a user story? (Select THREE.)
The benefit is part of the user story format.
Why this answer
A user story includes a role (who), a feature (what), and a benefit (why).
A project manager needs to communicate the project schedule to senior management, highlighting only key events such as the start and end of phases and major deliverables. Which type of chart is most appropriate?
Milestone charts focus on key events or milestones, perfect for high-level reporting.
Why this answer
A milestone chart shows only key events (milestones) and is ideal for high-level communication to senior management. Gantt charts show tasks and dependencies; network diagrams show activity sequences and critical path.
A project manager is reviewing quality control results and sees a pattern of increasing defects over time. Which THREE quality tools would be most appropriate to analyze this situation?
Shows frequency distribution of defects.
Why this answer
Run chart shows trends over time. Histogram shows distribution. Control chart shows variations and trends.
Pareto prioritizes causes but not trends. Fishbone is root cause analysis.
A project manager is creating documents for procurement. Which TWO documents are typically used in procurement processes? (Select two.)
Correct. RFP is used to solicit proposals from vendors.
Why this answer
RFP (Request for Proposal) and SOW (Statement of Work) are common procurement documents.
A project has a budget at completion (BAC) of $200,000. After five months, the earned value (EV) is $90,000 and the actual cost (AC) is $100,000. The project manager needs to calculate the estimate at completion (EAC) assuming current cost performance will continue. What is the EAC?
EAC = BAC/CPI = $200,000 / 0.9 = $222,222.22 ≈ $222,222.
Why this answer
The correct answer is D because the Estimate at Completion (EAC) when current cost performance is expected to continue is calculated using the formula EAC = BAC / CPI. First, calculate the Cost Performance Index (CPI) = EV / AC = $90,000 / $100,000 = 0.9. Then, EAC = $200,000 / 0.9 = $222,222.22, which rounds to $222,222.
Exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the EAC formulas, selecting the one for future work at budgeted rate (EAC = AC + (BAC - EV)) instead of the CPI-based formula, or they incorrectly calculate the CPI by swapping EV and AC.
How to eliminate wrong answers
Option A ($190,000) is wrong because it incorrectly assumes the remaining work will be done at the original budget (EAC = AC + (BAC - EV) = $100,000 + $110,000 = $210,000, not $190,000), or it mistakenly subtracts the cost overrun. Option B ($210,000) is wrong because it uses the formula for EAC when future work will be performed at the budgeted rate (EAC = AC + (BAC - EV)), but the question specifies current cost performance will continue, requiring the CPI-based formula. Option C ($200,000) is wrong because it assumes the project will finish exactly on budget (BAC), ignoring the actual cost overrun (AC > EV) and the need to adjust for the CPI.
An agile team is reviewing their work. Which TWO metrics can be used to track progress within a sprint? (Select TWO).
Burnup chart tracks completed work within a sprint.
Why this answer
Burndown chart shows remaining work over time in a sprint, and burnup chart shows completed work over time. Velocity is a metric across sprints, not within one sprint; product backlog and Kanban board are not metrics.
Which document describes the roles and responsibilities in a project using the categories Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed?
Correct. A RACI matrix defines Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed.
Why this answer
A RACI matrix defines roles and responsibilities for each task or deliverable using the four categories.
A project manager is analyzing quality data and wants to identify the most frequently occurring defects to prioritize corrective actions. Which quality tool should be used?
Correct: Pareto charts rank causes by frequency, helping to identify the vital few.
Why this answer
A Pareto chart displays causes in descending order of frequency, applying the 80/20 rule to focus on the most significant issues.
A project has a BAC of $100,000. The earned value is $40,000, actual cost is $50,000, and planned value is $30,000. What is the estimate at completion (EAC) assuming the current cost performance is expected to continue?
Correct. EAC = BAC/CPI = 100,000/0.8 = 125,000.
Why this answer
EAC = BAC/CPI. CPI = EV/AC = 40,000/50,000 = 0.8. So EAC = 100,000/0.8 = $125,000.
This reflects that the project will likely exceed the original budget.
A project manager is evaluating the project's performance using EVM. PV = $50,000, EV = $45,000, AC = $55,000. Which of the following is true?
SV and CV negative.
Why this answer
SV = EV - PV = -$5,000 (behind schedule). CV = EV - AC = -$10,000 (over budget). CPI = EV/AC = 0.818, SPI = EV/PV = 0.9.
A project is 60% complete. The original budget (BAC) is $200,000. Actual costs to date are $130,000, and the earned value is $120,000. What is the estimate at completion (EAC) if the project will continue to perform at the current cost efficiency?
Correct: EAC = BAC/CPI = 200,000 / (120/130) = 216,667.
Why this answer
Current CPI = EV/AC = 120,000/130,000 = 0.9231. EAC = BAC/CPI = 200,000 / 0.9231 ≈ $216,667. Alternatively, EAC = AC + (BAC - EV)/CPI = 130,000 + (80,000)/0.9231 ≈ $216,667.
A project manager is creating a document that formally authorizes the project and assigns the project manager. Which document is this?
Correct; charter authorizes the project.
Why this answer
The project charter is the document that formally authorizes a project and provides the project manager with authority to apply organizational resources.
A project manager is using earned value management. The project has a schedule variance (SV) of -$5,000. What does this indicate?
Negative SV means behind schedule.
Why this answer
A negative schedule variance (SV = EV - PV) indicates that the earned value (EV) is less than the planned value (PV), meaning the project is behind schedule. In this case, SV = -$5,000 confirms the project has accomplished less work than planned at the measurement date.
Exam trap
Cisco often tests the confusion between schedule variance (SV) and cost variance (CV), where candidates mistakenly associate a negative SV with being over budget instead of behind schedule.
How to eliminate wrong answers
Option A is wrong because a negative SV means the project is behind schedule, not ahead; a positive SV would indicate ahead of schedule. Option C is wrong because SV measures schedule performance, not cost performance; cost variance (CV = EV - AC) is used to determine if the project is under or over budget. Option D is wrong because a negative SV does not indicate being over budget; cost overruns are measured by a negative CV, not SV.
An agile team uses a tool where they maintain a list of features, enhancements, and bug fixes that are not yet scheduled for a sprint. This list is prioritized by the product owner. What is this list called?
The product backlog is the prioritized list of all desired work.
Why this answer
The product backlog is an ordered list of everything that is known to be needed in the product.
A project manager uses a control chart to monitor the number of defects found during testing. The chart shows one data point above the upper control limit (UCL). What action should the project manager take?
Special cause needs investigation.
Why this answer
A point above the UCL indicates a special cause variation, which requires investigation to identify and address the root cause.
A project has a budget at completion (BAC) of $200,000. The earned value (EV) is $120,000 and the actual cost (AC) is $150,000. What is the estimate at completion (EAC) using the typical cost performance index (CPI) assumption?
Correct. EAC = BAC / CPI = $200,000 / 0.8 = $250,000.
Why this answer
EAC = BAC / CPI. CPI = EV/AC = $120,000/$150,000 = 0.8. Thus, EAC = $200,000 / 0.8 = $250,000.
Which THREE items are typically found in a project management plan? (Select THREE).
Schedule management plan is a subsidiary plan.
Why this answer
The project management plan contains subsidiary plans, including scope, schedule, cost, quality, etc. The project charter and WBS are separate documents.
A project manager is creating a visual representation of the project schedule that shows tasks as horizontal bars along a timeline, including dependencies and milestones. Which tool is being used?
Correct. Gantt charts are timeline bar charts showing tasks, dependencies, and milestones.
Why this answer
The Gantt chart is the correct tool because it visually represents a project schedule with horizontal bars plotted against a timeline, where each bar corresponds to a task, and it can display dependencies (via arrows or linking lines) and milestones (as diamond symbols). This aligns directly with the description in the question, making it the standard choice for schedule visualization in project management.
Exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a milestone chart with a Gantt chart because both use a timeline, but a milestone chart omits task durations and dependencies, which are essential to the description in the question.
How to eliminate wrong answers
Option A is wrong because a control chart is a statistical tool used in quality management to monitor process stability over time by plotting data points against control limits, not for showing tasks on a timeline. Option B is wrong because a network diagram (e.g., PERT or CPM) focuses on the logical sequence and dependencies of tasks using nodes and arrows, but it does not represent tasks as horizontal bars along a timeline. Option C is wrong because a milestone chart only marks key events or milestones on a timeline, without showing the duration or progress of individual tasks as horizontal bars.
A project team uses a tool that displays columns such as 'To Do', 'In Progress', and 'Done' to visualize workflow. This is an example of which type of board?
Kanban boards visualize workflow with columns.
Why this answer
A Kanban board uses columns to represent workflow stages, helping to visualize work in progress.
A project has a cost performance index (CPI) of 1.2 and a schedule performance index (SPI) of 0.9. Which of the following best describes the project's status?
CPI >1 indicates under budget; SPI <1 indicates behind schedule.
Why this answer
A CPI of 1.2 means the project is earning $1.20 for every $1.00 spent, indicating it is under budget. An SPI of 0.9 means the project is earning only $0.90 for every $1.00 of planned work, indicating it is behind schedule. Therefore, the project is under budget and behind schedule, making option B correct.
Exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that a CPI greater than 1.0 means over budget, when in fact it means the project is under budget because the earned value exceeds the actual cost.
How to eliminate wrong answers
Option A is wrong because a CPI greater than 1.0 indicates the project is under budget, not over budget. Option C is wrong because an SPI less than 1.0 indicates the project is behind schedule, not ahead of schedule. Option D is wrong because both conditions are reversed: CPI > 1 means under budget, and SPI < 1 means behind schedule.
A project team is transitioning from a traditional to an agile approach. The project manager wants to adopt agile artifacts. Which THREE artifacts are commonly used in agile projects to track progress and manage work?
Correct: The sprint backlog contains work selected for the sprint.
Why this answer
Agile artifacts include product backlog, sprint backlog, and burndown charts. These are key to transparency and inspection.
A project manager is creating a risk register. One risk has a probability of 0.3 and an impact of $50,000. What is the expected monetary value (EMV) of this risk?
Correct calculation.
Why this answer
EMV = Probability * Impact = 0.3 * $50,000 = $15,000.
A project team is using a tool to track user stories, epics, and bugs within sprints. The tool allows the team to view work in columns such as 'To Do', 'In Progress', and 'Done'. Which tool feature is being described?
Kanban boards use columns to represent workflow stages.
Why this answer
A Kanban board visualizes workflow with columns representing stages. A Gantt chart uses a timeline. A burndown chart tracks remaining work.
A product backlog is a list of items, not a board with columns.
Which project document formally authorizes the project and identifies the project manager?
The charter authorizes the project.
Why this answer
The project charter is the document that formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority.
A project manager needs to create a RACI matrix for a project. Which THREE roles should be included in the matrix?
Accountable is a standard RACI role.
Why this answer
The RACI matrix defines roles as Responsible (doer), Accountable (final decision-maker), Consulted (subject matter experts), and Informed (kept updated). These are the four typical categories. 'Supporting' is not a standard RACI role.
A project manager is using a network diagram to identify the critical path. Which TWO statements are true about the critical path?
Correct: Activities on the critical path have zero float; any delay delays the project.
Why this answer
The critical path is the longest path through the network diagram and determines the shortest project duration. Any delay on this path delays the project.
A project manager wants to visualize task dependencies and the critical path for a construction project. Which tool should they use?
Correct; network diagrams show dependencies and critical path.
Why this answer
A network diagram shows activities and their dependencies, and is used to identify the critical path. Gantt charts show timelines but not as clearly for path analysis.
Which project scheduling tool depicts activities as bars on a timeline, showing dependencies and milestones?
Correct: Gantt charts display tasks as bars on a timeline, with dependencies and milestones.
Why this answer
A Gantt chart uses horizontal bars to represent tasks over time, with dependencies and milestones typically marked.
A project manager is evaluating earned value metrics for a project. The CPI is 0.8 and the SPI is 0.9. Which TWO conclusions can the project manager draw?
Correct: SPI < 1 means schedule efficiency is less than planned.
Why this answer
CPI < 1 indicates over budget; SPI < 1 indicates behind schedule.
In a user story, which component describes the benefit or value that the feature will provide?
The benefit is the reason or value.
Why this answer
The standard format is 'As a [role], I want [feature], so that [benefit]'. The 'so that' clause captures the benefit.
A project manager is reviewing the communication plan and notices that stakeholder A is listed as 'Responsible' for a task in the RACI matrix. According to RACI, what does 'Responsible' mean?
Correct; responsible does the work.
Why this answer
In RACI, 'Responsible' means the person who does the work to complete the task. 'Accountable' is the person who signs off.
A project team uses planning poker to estimate user stories. What is the purpose of this technique?
Correct. Planning poker helps the team agree on relative sizing.
Why this answer
Planning poker is a consensus-based estimation technique where team members discuss and vote on story point estimates to reach agreement.
In a RACI matrix, which role is ultimately accountable for the successful completion of a task?
Correct. Accountable (A) is the final decision-maker.
Why this answer
In a RACI matrix, 'A' stands for Accountable, meaning the person who is ultimately answerable for the task. There should be only one 'A' per task.
A project manager is tracking the completion of key deliverables against the project schedule. Which tool should they use to display only major milestones without showing detailed dependencies or tasks?
Milestone charts display only key events.
Why this answer
A milestone chart is specifically designed to show key events or milestones, not detailed tasks or dependencies.
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