CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
A project manager is developing a work breakdown structure (WBS) for a software development project. The team is struggling with defining the lowest-level work packages. Which technique should the project manager use to ensure the WBS is complete and properly decomposed?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse decomposition with rolling wave planning, thinking that progressive elaboration is the same as breaking down the WBS, but decomposition is a distinct, structured technique applied upfront to create a complete WBS, not a phased planning approach.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Decomposition
Decomposition is the correct technique because it is the process of subdividing project deliverables into smaller, more manageable components until the work package level is reached. This directly addresses the team's struggle with defining the lowest-level work packages, ensuring the WBS is complete and properly decomposed by breaking down deliverables iteratively.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Decomposition
Why this is correct
Decomposition subdivides project deliverables into progressively smaller, manageable work packages until each can be estimated, scheduled and assigned. It is the specific technique that produces the lowest-level WBS components, resolving the team's difficulty defining adequately sized work packages.
- ✗
Critical path method
Why it's wrong here
Critical path method sequences activities and calculates float to determine project duration; it operates on an existing activity list and network diagram, so it cannot decompose deliverables into work packages. It is tempting because it identifies schedule risk, and would be correct when estimating durations and identifying the longest path through defined activities.
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Expert judgment
Why it's wrong here
Expert judgment supplies opinion from experienced practitioners, but the stem asks which technique ensures the WBS is complete and properly decomposed — a structured decomposition method, not subjective input. It is tempting because experts guide work package sizing, and would be correct when validating estimates or resolving technical uncertainty within already-decomposed packages.
- ✗
Rolling wave planning
Why it's wrong here
Rolling wave planning defers detailed decomposition of later deliverables until more information exists; it deliberately leaves work packages undefined, which contradicts the requirement to fully decompose the lowest level now. It is tempting because it suits uncertain scope, and would be correct for long projects where near-term phases are planned in detail and later phases only at high level.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.