PMP Questions and Answers

In project communications, messages must be tailored to the stakeholder's role, interest, and level of influence. The Communications Management Plan defines how information is formatted, delivered, and customized. It is standard practice to segment communication content by stakeholder groups to ensure relevance and engagement.

The PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition emphasizes tailoring communications “based on stakeholder needs and preferences” and aligning the format and detail with their interests. This ensures effective communication and reduces the risk of disengagement or misinterpretation.

Option A is close but implies arbitrary compliance, not intentional tailoring.

Option B describes an inefficient and impractical practice.

Option C describes organizational norms, not best practices per PMI standards.

According to the PMBOK® Guide, 7th edition, one of the principles of project management is to tailor the delivery approach based on context1. This principle suggests that project managers should select and adapt the delivery approach that best suits the project characteristics, stakeholder needs, and organizational goals. It also implies that project managers should recognize and respond to changes in the project environment and facilitate the transition between different delivery approaches1.

In a hybrid project, the delivery approach combines elements of predictive, adaptive, and iterative methods2. A hybrid project may start with a predictive phase to define the scope, schedule, and budget, and then switch to an adaptive or iterative phase to deliver the product or service incrementally2. A hybrid project may also use different delivery approaches for different components or work packages within the same project2.

In this scenario, the project manager observes that the team performance was excellent during the predictive stages, but declined when the iterations began. This could indicate that the team members are not comfortable or familiar with the change in the delivery approach, and that they are lacking the skills, mindset, or tools to work effectively in an adaptive or iterative environment. Therefore, the best course of action for the project manager is to perform team-building activities and enhance collaboration. This will help the team to build trust, rapport, and cohesion among themselves and with other stakeholders, and to align their expectations, roles, and responsibilities with the new delivery approach. It will also help the team to learn and apply the agile values and principles, such as customer collaboration over contract negotiation and working software over comprehensive documentation3.

The other options are not as effective as option B. Option A, giving team members more authority to make decisions, may be appropriate for an agile team, but it does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the change in the delivery approach. It may also create more confusion and conflicts if the team members are not clear about the decision-making process or criteria. Option C, identifying the team members who are impacting low morale, may be helpful, but it does not solve the problem of the team’s performance. It may also create a blame culture or a sense of isolation among the team members. Option D, coaching the team members on agile processes and knowledge, is also a good practice, but it is not sufficient to improve the team’s morale. Coaching should be complemented by team-building and collaboration activities to foster a positive and supportive team culture.

 According to the PMBOK Guide, the product owner is the person responsible for defining and prioritizing the product backlog, and ensuring that the product delivers value to the customer and stakeholders1. The product owner also collaborates with the project team and the project manager to review the work in progress and provide feedback2. Therefore, if a key agile project team member takes a leave of absence in the middle of an iteration and will not return to work for a while, the project manager should review the work in progress with the product owner to determine the next step regarding the feature on which the team member was working. The product owner may decide to defer, modify, or cancel the feature depending on the value and urgency of the feature. The other options are not the best actions for the project manager to do next. Assigning the feature to another team member may not be feasible or desirable, as it may disrupt the team’s self-organization and velocity3. Reviewing team capacity and reassigning the functionality to additional iterations may not be aligned with the product owner’s vision and expectations4. Determining if the team member can work from home may not be possible or appropriate, as it may depend on the team member’s personal situation and the nature of the work. References:

1: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 49

2: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 50

3: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 52

4: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 53

: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 54

: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 57

When a project team is consistently behind schedule and their work requires frequent corrections, it is essential to first evaluate the team’s ability to perform the assigned tasks. This involves assessing whether the team members possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to meet the project’s requirements. By identifying any gaps in competencies or resources, the project manager can take appropriate actions such as providing additional training, reallocating tasks based on team members’ strengths, or adjusting timelines to accommodate the team’s capabilities. This approach aligns with the principles of project human resource management, which emphasize the development and management of the project team to enhance its performance and productivity123. References: (Project Management Institute. (2012). Increase project team effectiveness: step-by-step. Retrieved from PMI; Project Management Institute. (2007). Quality in project management–a practical look at chapter 8 of the PMBOK® guide. Retrieved from PMI; Siles, R. (2023). How to Improve Team Performance. Retrieved from LinkedIn).

In project management, effective communication and stakeholder engagement are crucial. When a business analyst requires input from a marketing consultant, it is the project manager’s responsibility to facilitate this interaction to ensure project tasks can continue. The project manager should actively engage with the consultant to understand their constraints and schedule a dedicated time for discussion that aligns with the project needs1. This approach ensures that the project moves forward without unnecessary delays and maintains a collaborative environment.

According to the PMBOK Guide, a servant leader is a leadership style that focuses on serving the needs of the team, empowering them, and creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and ownership. A servant leader should also motivate and inspire the team, especially when they face challenges or fatigue. If some team members are starting to complain about the length of the project, creating a risk for lack of performance at this critical stage, the project manager should schedule a team event with the project sponsor to highlight the importance of the project and recognize the work of the team. This will help the project manager to mitigate the risk by showing appreciation and gratitude to the team, reinforcing the project vision and value, and boosting the team morale and engagement. Scheduling a team event with the project sponsor is also a way of celebrating the team’s achievements and rewarding them for their efforts. Meeting with the team to reinforce their responsibilities and the consequences if the project deliverables are not completed on time is not a servant leader approach, as it may demotivate and pressure the team, and create a negative atmosphere. Applying additional controls to the project deliverables to ensure that all milestones are achieved on time is not a servant leader approach, as it may micromanage and constrain the team, and reduce their autonomy and creativity. Contacting the functional manager to ensure that team motivation remains high until the end of the project is not a servant leader approach, as it may delegate the responsibility and authority of the project manager, and undermine the relationship and trust between the project manager and the team. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 56-57, 686-687, 723-724.

The project manager should schedule a one-on-one meeting with the team member to talk about the issue and get their cooperation. This is an example of the problem-solving technique, which involves confronting the issue directly and cooperatively to find a mutually acceptable solution1. This technique is usually the most effective way to manage conflict in a project team2. Scheduling a meeting with the team member and their manager to discuss the issue (A) is not a good option since it may create a sense of distrust and resentment in the team member. Talking to the project sponsor about the team member’s attitude (B) is also not advisable since it may escalate the conflict and damage the relationship between the project manager and the team member. Finding another person to replace this team member (D) is not a viable option since it would disrupt the project schedule, budget, and scope. References:

1: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.5.2.2

2: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.5.2.3

The project manager should recommend the product owner prioritize the missing work higher because it is needed for the initial launch of the new product. The product owner is responsible for defining and prioritizing the product backlog, which is a list of features and requirements that the customer wants to have in the product. The product owner should ensure that the product backlog reflects the customer’s needs and preferences, as well as the project’s scope and objectives. The project manager should collaborate with the product owner and provide guidance and support on the product backlog management. The project manager should also communicate with the agile team and facilitate their involvement and feedback on the product backlog. The project manager should advise the product owner to prioritize the missing work higher because it is essential for the minimum viable product (MVP), which is a version of the product that has enough features and functionality to satisfy the customer’s needs and expectations. The MVP is the main goal of the initial launch of the new product, as it allows the project team to deliver value to the customer early and often, and to obtain feedback and validation for the product. The project manager should explain to the product owner the importance and benefits of delivering the MVP, and the risks and consequences of delaying or omitting the missing work. The project manager should also help the product owner to balance the competing demands and trade-offs of the product backlog, and to align the product backlog with the project’s vision, goals, and strategy.

The other options are not the best actions for the project manager to take in this situation. Letting the project team pull the recommended work from the bottom of the backlog to maximize value creation may cause confusion and inconsistency in the product backlog, as well as conflict and distrust between the product owner and the agile team. The product owner is the sole authority for defining and prioritizing the product backlog, and the agile team should respect and follow the product owner’s decisions. The project manager should not undermine the product owner’s role or authority, but rather support and facilitate the collaboration and communication between the product owner and the agile team. Analyzing and reprioritizing the backlog and providing the decision to the product owner and team may also undermine the product owner’s role and authority, as well as violate the agile principles and values. The project manager should not impose their own decisions or opinions on the product backlog, but rather advise and assist the product owner in making informed and effective decisions. The project manager should also not act as a intermediary or a gatekeeper between the product owner and the agile team, but rather enable and encourage direct and frequent interaction and feedback among them. Empowering the product owner by supporting the decision and instructing the team to follow the prioritization as provided may ignore the agile team’s input and feedback, as well as jeopardize the project’s success and quality. The project manager should not blindly support the product owner’s decision or instruct the agile team to follow the prioritization as provided, especially if the decision or the prioritization is not aligned with the project’s scope and objectives, or the customer’s needs and expectations. The project manager should challenge and question the product owner’s decision or prioritization if it is not based on valid and relevant criteria or data, or if it does not deliver the maximum value to the customer and the project. The project manager should also listen and consider the agile team’s input and feedback, as they have the technical expertise and experience to perform the work and to deliver the product. References:

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Appendix X3, Section X3.2.2.4, “Prioritized Product Backlog”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Appendix X3, Section X3.2.2.6, “Minimum Viable Product”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 13, Section 13.2.2.1, “Stakeholder Engagement Plan”

PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide: 2021 Exam Update, 10th Edition, Chapter 12, Section 12.2, “Agile Project Management” 1

To define the MVP in an agile project, it's essential to identify the highest-value features and gather input from stakeholders. MVP refers to the smallest functional product that delivers value to users.

Option D (Conducting an information-gathering session) aligns with MVP development since the value delivered is the priority in Agile.

Option E (Referring to the stakeholder register) ensures that the right stakeholders are consulted to define what "minimum" means from their perspective.

Option A (Creating a WBS) is traditional/predictive and not suitable for MVP-focused, value-driven development.

Option B (RACI) is useful for role clarity but not directly relevant to defining an MVP.

Option C (Developing a PM Plan) is broader and not MVP-specific.

According to the PMBOK Guide, a design change is a type of change request that modifies the product or service specifications, features, or functions. A design change might potentially add value to the project, but it might also affect the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and other aspects. Therefore, the project manager should not accommodate, consult, or convince the client without following the change management process. The change management process involves identifying, analyzing, documenting, presenting, deciding, communicating, and implementing the change request. The project manager should make transactional decisions focusing on the project goals, which means assessing the feasibility, desirability, and priority of the change request, and preparing a recommendation for the change control board (CCB). The CCB is the formal recognized group that reviews, evaluates, and takes decision on change requests. The CCB can approve, partially approve, or reject the change request based on the project goals, objectives, and constraints. The project manager should communicate the decision of the CCB to the client and implement the approved changes accordingly. References:

PMBOK Guide’s Change Management Process For PMP Exam

Change Log - Project Management Knowledge

Project Management Change Request Form & Process

Change Log Template - Project Management Docs

When a defect is identified during user acceptance testing that could significantly impact the system’s performance, and the project team advises that this defect puts the delivery date at risk, the appropriate risk management process to perform is Plan Risk Responses. This process involves developing options, selecting strategies, and agreeing on actions to address overall project risk exposure, as well as to treat individual project risks. The aim is to determine how to approach, plan, and execute the risk management activities for a project1.

 The project manager should refer to the requirements traceability matrix to verify whether the customer’s claims are valid or not. The requirements traceability matrix is a grid that links product requirements from their origin to the deliverables that satisfy them1. It helps to ensure that each requirement adds business value by linking it to the business and project objectives2. It also provides a means to track requirements throughout the project life cycle, helping to ensure that requirements approved in the project scope statement are delivered at the end of the project3. Revising the project scope baseline (B) is not a good option since it would imply accepting the change requests without verifying their validity. Escalating the change request to the project sponsor © is also not advisable since the project manager should first analyze the situation and propose a solution. Reviewing the approved project charter (D) is not relevant since the project charter does not contain the detailed product requirements. References:

1: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Glossary, page 717

2: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 5, Section 5.2.3.1

3: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 5, Section 5.6.3.1

 According to the PMBOK Guide, the project manager is responsible for managing the project information and ensuring that it is appropriately distributed, stored, and protected. The project manager should also adhere to the policies and procedures regarding the confidentiality and security of the project information. If the project sponsor requests technical specifications for a project-related component that he or she does not have the authorization to see, the project manager should first meet with the project sponsor as soon as possible to discuss the matter further and understand the reason behind the request. The project manager should also explain the implications of disclosing the specifications without proper authorization and try to resolve the issue amicably. Updating the issue log, creating a stakeholder engagement plan, or providing the specifications with some information removed are possible actions that the project manager can take after meeting with the project sponsor, depending on the outcome of the discussion. However, they are not the first actions that the project manager should take in this situation. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 376-377, 395-396.

 The best practice in project management, as per the PMBOK® Guide, involves confirming that all project deliverables meet the predefined acceptance criteria and obtaining formal approval from the client before considering the project or phase closed. This ensures that all requirements have been met and the client is satisfied with the outcomes, thus preventing any post-delivery issues related to unmet requirements.

The project manager should address this concern with the functional managers to ensure there will be no further delays in the project. The functional managers are the managers who have authority over the team members in their respective functional areas, such as engineering, marketing, finance, etc. The functional managers are responsible for assigning and releasing the team members to the project, as well as providing them with the necessary training, support, and feedback. The project manager should communicate and coordinate with the functional managers to ensure that the team members are available and committed to the project, and that they are not distracted or overloaded by other nonproject-related tasks. The project manager should also explain to the functional managers the impact of their emails on the team’s productivity and morale, and request them to respect the team’s priorities and schedules. The project manager should also seek the support and intervention of the project sponsor or the senior management, if needed, to resolve any resource conflicts or issues.

The other options are not the best actions for the project manager to take in this situation. Asking the product owner to speak with the functional managers to ensure future requirements come through the product owner is not relevant or effective, as it does not address the current problem of the team members receiving emails from their functional managers to support other nonproject-related tasks. The product owner is the person who represents the customer’s voice and defines and prioritizes the product backlog, which is a list of features and requirements that the customer wants to have in the product. The product owner is not involved in the resource management or allocation of the project, and may not have the authority or influence to negotiate with the functional managers. Logging this as a risk in the risk register and continuing to monitor the issue at subsequent meetings is not proactive or sufficient, as it does not prevent or mitigate the negative impact of the team members receiving emails from their functional managers to support other nonproject-related tasks. The risk register is a document that records the identified risks, their causes, impacts, probabilities, responses, and owners. The project manager should not just document and monitor the issue, but also take action to resolve it as soon as possible. Scheduling a meeting with all of the functional managers to resolve the resource conflicts may be too time-consuming and complicated, as it may involve multiple parties and perspectives. The project manager should not wait for a meeting to address the issue, but rather contact the functional managers individually and directly, and seek their cooperation and understanding. References:

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.2, “Plan Resource Management”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.3, “Acquire Resources”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.5, “Control Resources”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 11, Section 11.4, “Plan Risk Responses”

PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide: 2021 Exam Update, 10th Edition, Chapter 8, Section 8.2, “Planning Resources” 1

The project manager should use the alignment of the project with the benefits management plan as an indicator that the project is actually delivering value because this is the best way to measure the project’s contribution to the organization’s strategic objectives and expected outcomes. The benefits management plan defines the benefits that the project is expected to deliver, the metrics and targets to evaluate them, the roles and responsibilities for benefits realization, and the timeline and process for benefits review and transition. By comparing the project’s performance and deliverables with the benefits management plan, the project manager can assess the value of the project and identify any gaps or issues that need to be addressed. The other options are not the best choices because they do not necessarily reflect the value of the project. Stakeholders’ satisfaction with the current status (option A) may be subjective and biased, and may not consider the long-term benefits of the project. The project being under budget and on schedule (option B) may indicate the project’s efficiency and adherence to the plan, but it does not guarantee the project’s effectiveness and alignment with the business needs. The project being aligned with the project charter (option C) may show the project’s compliance with the initial scope, objectives, and assumptions, but it does not account for any changes or updates that may affect the project’s value proposition. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 33-34, 75-76, 129-130. PMP Questions page 457. PMP Practice Exam | Free PMP Practice Questions.

The project manager should have established ground rules for the team at the beginning of the project, which would include guidelines for communication, decision making, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement. Ground rules help the team to work effectively and collaboratively, and to avoid misunderstandings and disagreements. Providing copies of the stakeholder engagement plan (A) is not enough, as it does not specify how the team should interact with the stakeholders. Defining the roles and responsibilities of the team members (B) is also important, but it does not address the issue of who should attend the meeting with the local council authority. Updating the communications management plan © is not relevant, as it does not prevent the conflict from occurring in the first place. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 91; Agile Practice Guide, page 14.

According to the PMBOK Guide, an agile approach is based on delivering value in small increments and iterations, rather than in one large deliverable at the end of the project1. This allows the project team to incorporate feedback, changes, and learning into the product or service, and to reduce rework and dissatisfaction2. Therefore, the project manager should adopt an incremental cycle of delivering value to the customer, and align the project objectives and scope with the customer needs and expectations. The other options are incorrect because:

A. Decreasing the scope of the portfolio and sending new solutions to the customer is not an agile strategy, but a reactive one. It may imply that the project team is not able to deliver the agreed scope, or that they are not collaborating with the customer to understand their requirements and preferences.

B. Delivering a schedule with the portfolio timeline and delivery to the customer is not an agile strategy, but a predictive one. It may imply that the project team is following a rigid and fixed plan, rather than responding to changes and uncertainties in the project environment.

D. Preparing deliveries with more details to satisfy the customer is not an agile strategy, but a waterfall one. It may imply that the project team is focusing on documentation and specifications, rather than on working products and solutions. References:

1: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 1, Section 1.2.3, page 7

2: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 3, Section 3.8, page 52

: Agile Practice Guide, Chapter 2, Section 2.1.1, page 13

: Agile Practice Guide, Chapter 2, Section 2.2, page 14

 According to the PMBOK Guide, the project manager should follow the change management process to handle any change request, regardless of the source or nature of the change. The change management process involves identifying, analyzing, documenting, presenting, deciding, communicating, and implementing the change request. The first step in this process is to validate the proposed change’s impact on the project, which means assessing how the change would affect the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and other aspects. This would help the project manager to determine the feasibility, desirability, and priority of the change request, and to prepare a recommendation for the change control board (CCB). The project manager should not check the budget, accept, or refuse the change request without validating its impact first, as these actions would bypass the change management process and could lead to negative consequences for the project. References:

PMBOK Guide’s Change Management Process For PMP Exam

Change Management Process for Project

Managing Change in Organizations: A Practice Guide

The project manager should address the communication needs of all stakeholders and ensure that they are satisfied with the level and frequency of information they receive. The best way to do this is to discuss the issue with all stakeholders and work on a communications management plan that defines the communication requirements, methods, formats, frequency, and responsibilities for each stakeholder group. This will help to avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and complaints in the future. Recording the meeting and sharing it with the stakeholders who missed it (option C) is a good practice, but it does not solve the root cause of the problem. Ensuring that the stakeholders who are complaining are present for the next meeting (option B) or changing the meeting time to their time zone (option D) are not feasible or fair solutions, as they may create inconvenience or dissatisfaction for other stakeholders. The project manager should consider the time zones of all stakeholders and try to find a suitable time that works for most of them, or use alternative communication methods such as email, video, or audio recordings. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 377-378, section 10.1 Plan Communications Management

PMP Exam Prep, 10th edition, page 405, question 405, answer and explanation

According to the PMBOK Guide, one of the key roles of the project manager in an agile environment is to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders and the team. This helps to manage conflicts, clarify requirements, and align expectations. The project manager should also promote the agile values and principles, such as customer satisfaction, responding to change, and delivering value incrementally. By doing so, the project manager can help move the project forward and ensure the delivery of a high-quality product that meets the customer’s needs. (PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pp. 53-54) References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 3: The Role of the Project Manager, Section 3.3: The Project Manager’s Sphere of Influence, pp. 53-54

Agile Practice Guide, Chapter 2: An Introduction to Agile, Section 2.2: Agile Manifesto Values and Principles, pp. 10-13

 The project manager should take these two actions to align customer expectations with the current situation of the project. The sprint velocity is a measure of how much work the agile team can complete in a sprint. By reviewing the updated sprint velocity with the customer, the project manager can show the impact of losing two team members on the project schedule and scope. The customer can then adjust their expectations accordingly and provide feedback on the project progress. The prioritized backlog is a list of features and requirements that the customer wants to have in the product. By asking the product owner to review the prioritized backlog with the customer, the project manager can ensure that the most valuable and important features are delivered first. The customer can also reprioritize the backlog items based on their changing needs and preferences. This way, the project manager can deliver early results that meet the customer’s satisfaction.

The other options are not the best actions to align customer expectations. Asking the agile team to review and update the quality management plan with the customer is not relevant to the budget reduction or the early results. The quality management plan defines the quality standards, criteria, and methods for the project. It is not a tool for communicating the project status or scope with the customer. Reviewing the impediments log with the customer is not a good practice, as it may expose the internal issues and challenges of the agile team. The impediments log is a record of the obstacles and problems that the agile team faces during the project. It is used by the agile team and the scrum master to identify and resolve the impediments. The customer does not need to know the details of the impediments log, as it may affect their trust and confidence in the project team. Sending a detailed project management plan to the customer is not appropriate for an agile project, as it may imply a fixed and rigid approach to the project. The project management plan is a formal document that describes how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled. It is not suitable for an agile project, as it does not accommodate the changes and uncertainties that occur during the project. An agile project relies on frequent and informal communication, collaboration, and feedback with the customer, rather than a detailed project management plan. References:

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 6, Section 6.7, “Control Schedule”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 13, Section 13.2, “Plan Stakeholder Engagement”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Appendix X3, Section X3.2.2.3, “Sprint Velocity”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Appendix X3, Section X3.2.2.4, “Prioritized Product Backlog”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Appendix X3, Section X3.2.2.5, “Impediments Log”

PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide: 2021 Exam Update, 10th Edition, Chapter 12, Section 12.2, “Agile Project Management” 1

The project manager should address the issue between the two team members by scheduling a meeting with them and using conflict resolution techniques to find a mutually acceptable solution. This way, the project manager can prevent the issue from escalating and affecting the project performance and team morale. This approach is consistent with the agile principle of fostering collaboration and trust among the team members12. References: 1: PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 9: Project Resource Management 2: Agile Practice Guide, Chapter 2: An Agile Mindset

 The project manager should call for a team meeting to identify the root cause for the declining performance, as this is part of managing project team. Managing project team involves tracking team member performance, providing feedback, resolving issues, and managing team changes. By calling for a team meeting, the project manager can engage the team members in problem-solving, address any conflicts or misunderstandings, and motivate them to improve their performance. The other options are not the best ways to improve the situation, as they either ignore, delay, or bypass the team involvement. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.4

PMP Exam Content Outline, June 2019, Domain III, Task 10

PMP Sample Test Questions, Question 175

According to the PMBOK Guide, acceptance criteria are the standards by which the project deliverables are measured and verified to meet the stakeholder’s expectations and requirements1. They are defined during the project planning process and agreed upon by the project team and the client2. By highlighting how the acceptance criteria were met in the project closure report, the project manager can demonstrate that the project outputs have fulfilled the client’s business needs and have been formally accepted by them3. This can also help to resolve any doubts or disputes that the client may have about the quality or value of the project deliverables4. How the quality, scope, and stakeholders were managed are also important aspects of the project closure report, but they are not directly related to the stakeholder’s concern about the project outputs. The project manager should focus on showing how the project deliverables met the acceptance criteria, which are the basis for the stakeholder’s satisfaction and sign-off. References:

1: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 161

2: Project Management Acceptance Criteria with Examples, KnowledgeHut, page 1

3: A Guide to Project Closure: 12 Essential Things To Do, Rebel’s Guide to Project Management, page 2

4: Project Client Acceptance and Sign-Off Form, ProjectManagement.com, page 1

According to the PMI-PBA guide, one of the key competencies of a business analyst is to facilitate collaboration and negotiation among stakeholders1. This is especially important in agile projects, where the business analyst may also act as the project manager or product owner2. The PMBOK guide also states that the project manager should foster a collaborative project team environment that enhances individual and team performance3. Therefore, the best way for the project manager to influence the agile team is to express trust in their ability to deliver value and meet the project objectives, rather than imposing authority, control, or additional resources. References:

1: PMI-PBA guide, page 16

2: PMI-PBA guide, page 23

3: PMBOK guide, page 59

The project manager should analyze both projects to determine the most effective use of common resources, such as human, material, equipment, or facilities1. This will help the project manager to allocate and balance the resources across the two projects, and to identify and resolve any resource conflicts or shortages2. This may also help to reduce the duration of the critical project by ensuring that the required resources are available when needed. The other options are not appropriate or feasible in this situation. Applying fast-tracking techniques to compress the schedule of the critical project is not possible, as the question states that the schedule does not have activities that can be overlapped3. Using resource optimization to justify requesting more resources for the critical project may not be realistic, as the question implies that the project manager does not have access to additional resources4. Providing schedule optimization training to the project teams to improve their skills may not have an immediate impact on the duration of the critical project, and may also consume more time and resources. References: 1: PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2021, p. 201. 2: PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2021, p. 202. 3: PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2021, p. 211. 4: PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2021, p. 203. : PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2021, p. 212.

 According to the PMBOK Guide, a hybrid delivery approach is a combination of predictive, iterative, incremental, and agile methods that best suit the project context and objectives. A hybrid delivery approach may require a phased structure, where each phase has a review gate to ensure alignment and quality. To ensure consistency for this hybrid delivery, the project manager should get agreement from stakeholders on high-level deliverables and requirements. This will help to define the scope and objectives of each phase, as well as the acceptance criteria and success factors. The project manager should also involve the stakeholders in the planning and execution of each phase, and solicit their feedback and approval at the review gates. The project manager should not ask SMEs to provide a detailed plan for each phase, as this may not reflect the stakeholder needs and expectations. The project manager should not commit to a detailed global plan from the initiation phase, as this may not accommodate changes and uncertainties in a hybrid environment. The project manager should not request the PMO to review the initial plan, as this may not ensure the stakeholder buy-in and satisfaction. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53…

PMI-PBA Guide, pages 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53…

 According to the Agile Practice Guide, one of the principles of agile project management is to “reflect on how to become more effective, then tune and adjust behavior accordingly” (Section 2.1). This implies that the project manager should facilitate regular retrospectives, where the team can inspect their work processes, identify what went well and what can be improved, and plan actions for the next iteration. By conducting a focused retrospective, the project manager can help the team to discover the root cause of why they had to work extra hours, and find ways to avoid or mitigate it in the future. This is also consistent with the PMBOK® Guide, which states that “the project manager should use retrospectives to review the effectiveness of the project team and the project management approach” (Section 4.6.3.3). References:

Agile Practice Guide, Section 2.1

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Section 4.6.3.3

According to the PMP Exam Content Outline, one of the tasks of the project manager is to “Assess stakeholder needs, interests, values, and influence, and determine the appropriate approach for engaging stakeholders across the project life cycle” (Task 1, Domain I: People). This implies that the project manager should evaluate the engagement needs of stakeholders based on their expectations, requirements, preferences, and level of influence and interest in the project. By doing so, the project manager can tailor the communication and collaboration methods to ensure high involvement from the stakeholders throughout the project. This will help to build trust, manage expectations, and increase stakeholder satisfaction. References:

PMP Exam Content Outline, Domain I: People, Task 1, page 61

PBA Exam Content Outline, Domain II: Planning, Task 3, page 102

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 13: Project Stakeholder Management, Section 13.2: Plan Stakeholder Engagement, page 5133

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 4: Needs Assessment, Section 4.2: Identify Stakeholders, page 694

According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 5.6.2, the project manager should perform an impact analysis when a change request is received, to assess the potential effects on the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, risk, and other aspects.3

The project manager should also communicate the impact analysis to the relevant stakeholders, such as the project sponsor, the product owner, the customer, and the team, to facilitate the decision making process and obtain their agreement on the change.3

The project manager should not accept or reject the change request without performing an impact analysis, as this may lead to unrealistic expectations, missed deadlines, scope creep, or stakeholder dissatisfaction.3

The project manager should not ask the product owner to prioritize the new request without performing an impact analysis, as this may disrupt the agile team’s work and compromise the quality of the deliverables.4

The project manager should not call the stakeholder to tell them that the final product schedule must be extended without performing an impact analysis, as this may damage the trust and relationship with the stakeholder and cause them to lose confidence in the project.

The references for this answer are:

1: Discuss Exam PMP Topic 2 Question 499 Discussion | Actual4test 2: Free PMP Practice Exam Questions - 120 Sample Test Questions 3: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Project Management Institute, 2017, pp. 149-152. 4: Agile Practice Guide, Project Management Institute, 2017, pp. 37-38. : [Managing Stakeholder Expectations for Project Success: A Knowledge Integration Framework and Value Focused Approach, Ori Schibi, 2013, pp. 97-98.](https://www.pmi.org/learning

The project manager should gather relevant cultural data and engage members in discussions covering their work ethics because this is the best way to avoid uncertainty in the project due to different cultures. Cultural differences can affect the communication, collaboration, and performance of a virtual team, and may lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or delays. Therefore, the project manager should collect and analyze information about the cultural backgrounds, preferences, and expectations of the team members, and use this data to design and implement appropriate communication and management strategies. The project manager should also facilitate open and respectful dialogue among the team members, and encourage them to share their work values, norms, and practices. This can help to build trust, rapport, and mutual understanding within the team, and foster a positive and productive work environment. The other options are not the best choices because they do not address the root cause of the problem, which is the lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity. Starting the project and adding any uncertainty that arises to the risk register (option A) may be too reactive and insufficient, as it does not prevent or mitigate the potential issues caused by cultural differences. Dissolving the virtual team and building a colocated team (option B) may be impractical or impossible, as it may depend on the availability, budget, and scope of the project. Building a culturally neutral team that will not be affected by cultural differences (option D) may be unrealistic or undesirable, as it may ignore or suppress the diversity and richness of the team members’ cultures, and may also violate the agile principle of valuing individuals and interactions over processes and tools. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 52, 273, 335, 686-687. PMP Questions page 447. PMP Practice Exam | Free PMP Practice Questions.

The agile leader should develop working agreements with the team to address the trouble and disputes they are facing. Working agreements are a set of guidelines or norms that the team agrees to follow to improve their collaboration, communication, and performance. They help to establish a shared understanding of the team’s values, expectations, and behaviors. They also help to resolve conflicts, clarify roles and responsibilities, and foster trust and respect among the team members. Developing working agreements with the team is a participatory and iterative process that involves the input and feedback of all team members. The agile leader should facilitate this process and ensure that the working agreements are aligned with the agile principles and practices. Escalating the issue to the team’s manager (option A) is not a good option, as it may undermine the team’s autonomy and empowerment. Removing some of the team members (option B) is also not a good option, as it may disrupt the team’s dynamics and morale. Reviewing the roles and responsibilities document (option C) is a useful step, but it may not be sufficient or effective to address the root causes of the trouble and disputes. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 52, section 2.4.2 Project Team

[Agile Practice Guide], page 27, section 3.1.2 Working Agreements

PMP Exam Prep, 10th edition, page 465, question 465, answer and explanation

According to the PMBOK® Guide, the project manager is responsible for managing the project changes and ensuring that they are aligned with the project objectives and stakeholder expectations. Therefore, the project manager should evaluate the impact of the decision to switch from a cloud-based system to a dial-up service on the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and communication. The project manager should then communicate the impact analysis and the potential alternatives to the management and seek their approval or guidance. Agreeing with management and continuing working the project management plan may not be the best option, as it may result in poor project performance, stakeholder dissatisfaction, or ethical issues. The project manager should not blindly accept the decision without analyzing its consequences and exploring other options. Meeting with management about their decision and asking them to get another project manager may be unprofessional and irresponsible. The project manager should not abandon the project or escalate the issue without trying to resolve it first. Replacing some of the team members that work virtually to help the company save money may not be feasible or desirable. The project manager should consider the impact of losing valuable team members, the cost and time of hiring and training new ones, and the effect on the team morale and productivity. References: PMBOK® Guide, Sixth Edition, Chapter 4, Section 4.6 (Perform Integrated Change Control) and Chapter 13, Section 13.3.2.4 (Project Manager)

When a proposed change could potentially enhance delivery value or improve testing efficiency, the best practice is to assess the impact on scope, schedule, and stakeholder expectations before making a decision. The PMBOK® Guide encourages evaluating change requests for their implications.

Option C reflects this by not outright rejecting the proposal, but rather responsibly assessing its impact.

Option A may bring in stakeholders too early before the impact is known.

Option B is rigid and may ignore potential benefits.

Option D logs an issue prematurely before the impact is clear.

The project manager should address the team member’s concerns by using a problem-solving approach, which involves identifying the root cause of the conflict, generating and evaluating alternative solutions, and implementing the best option. The project manager should set up a discussion with the team lead and the team member to facilitate open and honest communication, listen to both sides of the story, and help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution. This is consistent with the principle of leading with empathy and respect, which is part of the PMI Talent Triangle®. References:

PMBOK Guide 7th Edition, page 133

Agile Practice Guide, page 48

PMI Talent Triangle® 1

According to the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Guide, a change request is a formal proposal to modify any document, deliverable, or baseline. A change request should include a clear description of the change, the rationale for the change, the impact of the change on the project, and the alternatives considered. A change request should also be evaluated for its feasibility, benefits, risks, and alignment with the project objectives and scope. In this scenario, the project manager should have assessed the change’s overall impact to the project before submitting it to the CCB. This would have helped the project manager to determine if the change was necessary, beneficial, and feasible, and to communicate the pros and cons of the change to the SME and the CCB. This would have also helped the project manager to avoid or mitigate any potential conflicts or resistance from the SME or the CCB. Requesting that the sponsor approved the change request first, ensuring that the change request was aligned with the project scope, or submitting the change request directly to the CCB are actions that should be taken after the change’s impact assessment, not before. These actions do not address the root cause of the situation, which is the lack of a proper impact analysis of the change request. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Guide, Chapter 6, Section 6.4.1.1

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 8, Section 8.2.2.1

 The new project manager should encourage participation in decision making and empower the team to improve their motivation and engagement. This is a key aspect of managing human resources in a project, as it fosters trust, collaboration, and ownership among the team members. The project manager should also communicate the project vision, goals, and expectations clearly and regularly to align the team and provide feedback and recognition. These actions can help the project manager to build a high-performing team and enhance the project performance.

The other options are not the best choices for the new project manager. Ensuring everyone performs their assigned tasks as planned may not address the root cause of the team’s lack of direction and enthusiasm. It may also imply a micromanagement style that can demoralize the team further. Organizing frequent team building sessions and updating the risk register are good practices, but they are not sufficient to improve the team’s morale and commitment. They should be complemented by other actions that involve and empower the team. Meeting with the project sponsor and proposing a corrective action for the project may be necessary if the project is facing serious issues, but it does not directly address the team’s situation. The project manager should first try to understand and resolve the team’s concerns before escalating them to the sponsor. References:

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.4, “Manage Project Team”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.4.2.3, “Interpersonal and Team Skills”

PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide: 2021 Exam Update, 10th Edition, Chapter 8, Section 8.3, “Managing Resources” 1

In a fixed time and budget project, the project manager needs to balance the customer’s expectations and the project’s profitability. If the customer wants the development of a core component to be based on agile practices, the project manager should use a hybrid contract that combines both fixed and agile elements. This way, the project manager can accommodate the customer’s changing requirements while maintaining control over the project scope, schedule, and cost. A tiered contract for fixed and agile components allows the project manager to define the fixed deliverables and the agile deliverables separately, and assign different payment terms and conditions for each. For example, the fixed deliverables can be paid based on milestones, while the agile deliverables can be paid based on iterations or value delivered. This also helps the project manager to manage the risks and uncertainties associated with the agile component. Providing alternatives to scope change at specific project phases within the contract is another way to control the development costs and ensure the profitability of the project. The project manager can specify the criteria and process for requesting and approving scope changes, and offer different options for the customer to choose from, such as adding or removing features, adjusting the quality standards, or modifying the schedule or budget. This way, the project manager can negotiate with the customer and reach a mutually beneficial agreement that satisfies both parties’ needs and expectations. Limiting the number of iterations for development in the contract is not a good control, as it may compromise the quality and value of the agile component. Establishing a governance committee to review the contract delivery is not a specific control for the development of the core component, but a general practice for any project. Requiring that only internal resources be utilized for this project is not a relevant control, as it does not address the customer’s requirement or the project’s profitability. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 704-705, 718-719.

According to the PMBOK Guide, the portfolio management office (PMO) is responsible for ensuring that the projects and programs within the portfolio are aligned with the organizational strategy and objectives. The project manager should demonstrate the project alignment to the organizational strategy by showing how the project delivers value and benefits to the organization and its stakeholders. This may include presenting the project business case, benefits management plan, stakeholder analysis, and other relevant documents that justify the project’s existence and contribution. Demonstrating the project alignment to the organizational strategy is the best way to continue the project and avoid suspension by the PMO. Meeting with the project team and revising the project goals (A) may not be effective if the project is already in alignment with the organizational strategy and the PMO is not aware of it. Updating the project charter to make it align with organizational strategy (B) may not be feasible or ethical if the project charter has already been approved and authorized by the project sponsor and other key stakeholders. Escalating the issue with the project sponsor to request support (D) may be a possible action, but not the best one, as it may create conflict or resentment between the project sponsor and the PMO. The project manager should first try to resolve the issue with the PMO directly by demonstrating the project alignment to the organizational strategy. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 33-34, 75-76, 129-130.

 According to the PMBOK® Guide, the project manager is responsible for performing integrated change control, which involves reviewing and approving change requests that may affect the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, or other aspects. Therefore, the project manager should review the benefits of the proposed changes in relation to the business case, which is the document that justifies the project initiation and continuation based on the expected value and alignment with the organizational strategy. The project manager should evaluate if the proposed changes are necessary, feasible, and beneficial for the project and the organization, and if they outweigh the potential costs and risks. Assessing the time overrun, and starting implementation to avoid additional delays may not be the best option, as it may result in scope creep, quality issues, or stakeholder dissatisfaction. The project manager should not implement the changes without reviewing and approving them first, and without communicating them to the relevant parties. Requesting a provisional budget increase to avoid any budget overruns may not be possible or timely. The project manager should not request more funds without analyzing the impact of the changes on the project budget, and without obtaining the approval or guidance from the management or the sponsor. Motivating the team to avoid the frustration of working on a prolonged project may be a good practice, but it is not the first thing the project manager should do. The project manager should first address the change requests and their implications for the project, and then manage the team’s expectations and morale accordingly. References: PMBOK® Guide, Sixth Edition, Chapter 4, Section 4.6 (Perform Integrated Change Control) and Chapter 5, Section 5.1.3.1 (Business Case)

The project manager should review the operations manager’s concerns and ensure these concerns are addressed, as this is part of managing stakeholder engagement. Stakeholder engagement involves communicating and working with stakeholders to meet their needs and expectations, address issues, and foster appropriate stakeholder involvement. By reviewing and addressing the concerns, the project manager can increase the stakeholder satisfaction and support for the project, as well as avoid potential conflicts and delays. The other options are not the best ways to handle this situation, as they either ignore, escalate, or document the concerns without resolving them. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 13, Section 13.3

PMP Exam Content Outline, June 2019, Domain II, Task 9

PMP Sample Test Questions, Question 163

The project manager should describe to the team members how specific tools and techniques can be used to finish on time, as this will help them understand the rationale behind the rigorous process and how it can benefit the project. This will also demonstrate the project manager’s respect for the team’s expertise and autonomy, and foster a collaborative and supportive environment. The other options are not as effective or appropriate as describing the tools and techniques to the team. Crashing the project schedule and asking the team to work overtime may increase the risk of errors, burnout, and resentment. Motivating the team by offering incentives may not address the root cause of the resistance, and may create a sense of coercion or manipulation. Convincing the team to use a specific methodology may not be feasible or suitable for the project, and may undermine the team’s self-organization and creativity. References:

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 249

PMI-PBA Exam Content Outline, 2018, page 11

According to the PMI Guide to Business Analysis, emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, and manage one’s own and others’ emotions. It is an essential skill for agile teams, as it helps to foster collaboration, trust, communication, and feedback. A project leader who invests in developing the team’s emotional intelligence can help to motivate the team members, resolve conflicts, and improve performance. Asking the unmotivated team member to take a short leave, reducing the number of meetings, or sending the team member to another team are not effective solutions, as they do not address the root cause of the problem or help the team member to improve their motivation and engagement. References:

PMI Guide to Business Analysis, pages 38-39, 2.4.3 Emotional Intelligence

PMI-PBA Sample Questions, question 10, answer A

 Inviting the manager to the scheduled sprint review aligns with the principles of stakeholder engagement and communication management as outlined in the PMBOK® Guide. It encourages transparency and provides an opportunity for early feedback, which is beneficial for the project’s success. The PMBOK® Guide emphasizes the importance of involving stakeholders and keeping them informed about the project’s progress. By inviting the manager to the sprint review, the project manager is adhering to these best practices.

 According to the PMBOK Guide, an iterative-based strategy is a release strategy that delivers the product incrementally over multiple iterations, each adding more functionality and value. This strategy allows the project team to obtain early feedback from the customers and stakeholders, and to adapt to changing requirements and priorities. In this scenario, the project manager should recommend an iterative-based strategy to maximize value by releasing the product to each country as it is finalized and ready for release in that country. This will help to meet the specific requirements of each country, and to deliver value faster and more frequently. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 19-20. PMP Questions page 515, question 515. PMP Practice Exam, question 4.

According to the PMBOK Guide, the project management plan is a formal, approved document that defines how the project is executed, monitored, and controlled1. It integrates and consolidates all of the subsidiary plans and baselines from the project management processes1. One of the inputs to the process of developing the project management plan is the project charter, which provides the high-level description of the project and its boundaries, as well as the high-level requirements, risks, assumptions, and constraints2. Therefore, the project manager should clarify the high-level business requirements with the event organizer as a basis for forming the deliverables list, which is part of the project scope management plan, a component of the project management plan3. The other options are not the best actions for the project manager to complete the task of developing the project management plan. Benchmarking other similar exhibitions’ deliverable lists and final outcomes is a technique that can be used to collect requirements, but it is not sufficient to form the deliverables list without clarifying the high-level business requirements first. Initiating a survey to solicit end-customer opinions and prioritize exhibition contents is also a technique to collect requirements, but it is not the first step in developing the project management plan. Initiating an additional services agreement in case the key deliverables list was not clearly stated in the contract is a risk response strategy that can be used to deal with potential scope changes, but it is not a necessary action to develop the project management plan. References:

1: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 89

2: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 77

3: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 131

: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 148

: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 443

According to the PMBOK Guide, the project closing process group consists of two processes: close project or phase and close procurements. The close project or phase process involves confirming that the project or phase scope and requirements have been met, obtaining formal acceptance of the final product, service, or result from the customer, and transferring the ownership and responsibility of the deliverables to the assigned stakeholders. The close procurements process involves completing and settling each contract, including resolving any open items, and closing each contract applicable to the project or phase. Therefore, the project manager should review the deliverable requirements, check the customer approval criteria, and proceed accordingly to close the project or phase. Asking the customer to issue a change request, meeting with the customer to reach agreement on the scope, or contacting the project sponsor for help are not appropriate actions during the closing process, as they imply that the project scope is not finalized or agreed upon, which should have been done during the planning and executing processes. References: PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition, pages 123-124, 377-378; PMI-PBA Guide, First Edition, pages 209-210.

Net Present Value (NPV) is the most appropriate financial metric for comparing long-term project investments such as build vs. buy options. It helps assess which option provides greater value over time after considering costs and future benefits discounted to present value.

PMI recommends NPV as a key tool in investment decision-making during project selection and early planning stages.

EMV is best used in risk-based decision-making.

EV measures performance during execution.

Impact value is not a recognized PMI metric.

The first thing the project manager should do is to evaluate the impact that the inclusion of this new requirement will have on project performance. This is because the project manager needs to assess how the new requirement will affect the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and stakeholder satisfaction. The project manager should also consider the feasibility, desirability, and viability of the new requirement, and whether it aligns with the project objectives and business case. Based on the impact analysis, the project manager can then decide whether to accept or reject the change request, or to escalate it to the appropriate authority for approval. The project manager should also communicate the results of the impact analysis to the stakeholder and explain the rationale behind the decision. References:

Change Management | What is Change Management | Prosci

What Is Project Scope? Scope Management Steps, Tips & Tools

Definition of Change Management - Prosci

According to the PMBOK Guide, an iteration is a fixed time period during which a set of activities are performed to deliver a potentially releasable product increment. In an agile or hybrid environment, the project manager should encourage the team to continuously inspect and adapt their processes and practices to improve their performance and deliver value to the customer. If a team member suggests a new method of doing things that provides no value to the end customer, but may help the team to work more efficiently, the project manager should consider the change because it will help the team work more efficiently. This means that the project manager should evaluate the benefits and costs of the proposed change, and determine if it is worth implementing. The project manager should also consult with the team and the product owner to get their feedback and approval. The change should not be immediately added to the product backlog, as it may disrupt the prioritization and planning of the customer requirements. The change should not be presented to the project sponsor for approval, as it is not a significant change that affects the project scope, schedule, or budget. The change should not be rejected because it adds no value to the end customer, as it may add value to the team and the project by improving the team’s efficiency and quality. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 18-19, 686-687, 723-724.

According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, one of the key processes of the Project Stakeholder Management knowledge area is Identify Stakeholders, which involves identifying the people, groups, or organizations that could impact or be impacted by the project, and analyzing their expectations, interests, and influence. One of the outputs of this process is the stakeholder register, which contains information such as the identification, assessment, and classification of the project stakeholders. By reviewing the stakeholder register, the project manager can gain insight into the expectations of the specific client team member who is requesting trivial information, and understand the possible reasons behind their behavior, such as lack of trust, low engagement, or hidden agenda. This will help the project manager to plan and implement appropriate strategies to manage the stakeholder’s expectations and requests, and avoid unnecessary conflicts or delays in the project. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 509-510, 515.

According to the PMBOK Guide, one of the key skills for a project manager is to be able to adapt to different environments and cultures1. This includes understanding the cultural expectations and norms of the country where the project is performed, and adjusting the leadership style accordingly2. Different countries may have different preferences for communication, decision making, conflict resolution, power distance, and teamwork3. A project manager who is transferred to another country should do some research on the cultural dimensions and values of that location, and determine a leadership style that is suitable for that context. For example, some countries may prefer a more participative and democratic leadership style, while others may prefer a more directive and authoritative one. By determining a suitable leadership style, the project manager can ensure collaboration within the team, as well as with other stakeholders, for a successful delivery. References:

1: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 53

2: Cultural expectations and leadership, British Council, page 1

3: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 56

: Guide to International Employee Relocation, Globalization Partners, page 3

: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 57

Team velocity is a measure of the amount of work a team can complete in a given time period, usually a sprint or iteration. It is calculated by adding up the story points or effort estimates of the user stories that were completed and accepted during the sprint. Team velocity can help project managers and teams to plan, monitor, and improve their performance and delivery. However, team velocity can vary due to various factors, such as changes in scope, team size, team skills, dependencies, risks, and impediments. Impediments are any issues or obstacles that prevent the team from achieving their goals or performing at their optimal level. Impediments can be internal or external, technical or non-technical, and can affect the team’s productivity, quality, morale, or collaboration. Some examples of impediments are: lack of resources, unclear requirements, technical debt, bugs, conflicts, communication gaps, etc. Therefore, it is important for the project manager and the team to identify, track, and resolve impediments as soon as possible, to avoid negative impacts on the team velocity and the project outcome. One of the best ways to do this is to use the daily standup meeting, which is a short, time-boxed, and focused meeting where the team members share their progress, plans, and problems. The standup meeting can help the project manager and the team to: - Align on the sprint goals and priorities - Monitor the team’s progress and performance - Identify any impediments or risks that are affecting or could affect the team’s velocity - Assign ownership and accountability for resolving the impediments - Collaborate and support each other to overcome the challenges - Adapt and adjust the plan as needed to meet the sprint and project objectives By using the standup meeting to assess impediments and problems, the project manager can help the team to improve their velocity and meet the next review gate goal. The other options are not the best choices, because: - Increasing the sprint duration to allow the team more time would violate the agile principle of delivering value in short and frequent iterations, and would not address the root causes of the low velocity. - Prioritizing the contents of the backlog and removing some stories would reduce the scope and quality of the project, and would not solve the impediments that are affecting the team’s velocity. - Creating a change request to modify the gate review goals would delay the project delivery and increase the cost and risk of the project, and would not improve the team’s performance or velocity. References:

Velocity Chart in Project Management – What Is It and How Do You Use It?

What is Velocity in Agile?

Velocity - Project Management Knowledge

PMP Questions velocity

How to Calculate Team Velocity

What is team velocity and how to calculate it

According to the PMBOK Guide, the project manager should communicate the organizational culture and project goal to the external stakeholders in a formal and written manner. This will help the stakeholders understand the context, scope, objectives, and deliverables of the project, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the project team and other stakeholders. A report is an appropriate communication tool for this purpose, as it can provide a comprehensive and structured overview of the project information. The other options are either too informal, indirect, or ineffective for communicating the organizational culture and project goal to the external stakeholders. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 376-377, section 10.1.2.1.

 An issue is a point or matter in question or in dispute, or a point or matter that is not settled and is under discussion or over which there are opposing views or disagreements. An issue log is a project document that provides a mechanism for recording and communicating issues that arise during a project. It also helps to monitor their resolution. According to the PMBOK Guide, the first step in managing issues is to identify and document them in the issue log. The issue log should include information such as issue description, type, priority, owner, due date, status, and resolution. Updating the issue log will help the project manager to track and resolve the issue of the government-owned area, and communicate it to the relevant stakeholders. Identifying an alternative site, issuing a change request, or updating the risk register are possible actions that may be taken after the issue is documented and analyzed, depending on the impact and urgency of the issue. References: : PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 89 : PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 558 : PMP Sample Test Questions

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According to the Agile Practice Guide, one of the principles of agile project management is to “build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done” (Section 2.1). This implies that the agile project manager should foster a collaborative and self-organizing team culture, where team members share their knowledge and skills with each other, and are able to adapt to changing situations. By asking the team member to work with their peers to knowledge share, the agile project manager can ensure that the team has the necessary information and expertise to continue working on the project, even when the specialized team member is unavailable. This is also consistent with the PMBOK® Guide, which states that “the project manager should facilitate knowledge sharing among the project team and other stakeholders” (Section 4.4.3.3). References:

Agile Practice Guide, Section 2.1

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Section 4.4.3.3

According to the PMBOK Guide, a project manager is responsible for leading and motivating the project team and ensuring their engagement with the project. A project manager should create an environment that encourages leadership, translates ambitions into growth opportunities, and rewards overtime workers when working with a project team composed of recent university graduates. This will help to inspire, empower, and recognize the team members, and to align their personal and professional goals with the project objectives. Creating an environment that encourages leadership, translates ambitions into growth opportunities, and rewards overtime workers is the best action that the project manager should take in this situation. Providing clear direction on the work to be done and its alignment to the major objectives of the organization, using technology to communicate (A) may be a necessary action, but not sufficient to ensure the team’s engagement, as it may not address their needs, interests, and expectations. Establishing a clear hierarchical environment and allowing them to navigate through the project faster using social networks (B) may not be effective or appropriate, as it may create a rigid or bureaucratic structure, and undermine the team’s collaboration and communication. Fostering proactive decision making and developing a hierarchy to approve decisions based on different levels of complexity © may be a good practice, but not the best one, as it may not create a conducive environment for the team’s development and growth. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 349-350, 361-362.

The project manager should review the terms of the contract in order to determine the next steps. This is part of the Control Procurements process, which involves managing procurement relationships, monitoring contract performance, and making changes and corrections as appropriate1. The project manager should check if the contract has any clauses or penalties for the supplier’s delay or breach of contract, and take appropriate actions to protect the project’s interests and minimize the impact on the schedule. Updating the project team on the delay so that resources can be utilized elsewhere (A) is not a sufficient action since it does not address the root cause of the problem or prevent it from happening again. Analyzing the schedule and looking for fast tracking and crashing alternatives (B) is also not a good option since it may increase the project risk and cost without resolving the issue with the supplier. Updating the lessons learned register to serve as an input for future material transactions (D) is a good practice, but it is not the most urgent action in this situation. References:

1: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 12, Section 12.3.3.1

According to the Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, one of the tasks of a business analyst is to “facilitate conflict resolution within the team to ensure that team members work effectively together” (Task 5.4). This implies that the project manager should also address any interpersonal issues that may affect the team performance and morale. By setting up a meeting with the distracted team member, the project manager can show empathy, listen to their concerns, and help them resolve any problems they may have. This is also consistent with the PMBOK® Guide, which states that “the project manager should manage conflict in a constructive manner, and help to develop a collaborative project team environment” (Section 9.4.2.3). References:

Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, Task 5.4

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Section 9.4.2.3

 According to the PMBOK Guide, one of the tools and techniques for performing integrated change control is risk analysis1. This involves assessing the potential impact of a change request or a defect on the project objectives, such as scope, schedule, cost, and quality. By performing risk analysis, the project manager can evaluate the pros and cons of deploying the system with the defect, and determine the best course of action. The other options are not appropriate, as they do not address the issue of whether to deploy the system or not. Proposing a solution redesign, revising the quality control measurements, and developing a mitigation plan are all possible actions that could be taken after performing risk analysis, depending on the results. References:

1: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 120

The project manager should evaluate the impact the new regulations will have on the project and submit a change request, as this is part of performing integrated change control. Performing integrated change control involves reviewing all change requests, approving changes, and managing changes to the deliverables, organizational process assets, project documents, and the project management plan. By evaluating the impact of the new regulations, the project manager can determine how the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risks will be affected, and propose the necessary changes to align the project with the new standards. The other options are not the best ways to handle this situation, as they either ignore, delay, or bypass the change control process. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 4, Section 4.6

PMP Exam Content Outline, June 2019, Domain II, Task 7

PMP Sample Test Questions, Question 372

According to the Agile Practice Guide, the product owner is the person who is responsible for defining and prioritizing the product backlog, and ensuring that the product meets the customer’s needs and expectations (Section 3.2.2). The product owner is also the key stakeholder who has the authority to accept or reject the work results, and to make the final decisions regarding the scope and requirements of the product (Section 3.2.3). Therefore, if there is a requirement that conflicts with the product owner’s requirements, the product owner is the one who should analyze the new requirement and make the final decision, in collaboration with the other stakeholders and the project team. This is also consistent with the PMBOK® Guide, which states that “the project manager should work with the product owner to ensure that the project delivers the agreed-upon features and functionality” (Section 5.1.2.2). References:

Agile Practice Guide, Section 3.2.2, Section 3.2.3

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Section 5.1.2.2

 According to the PMP Exam Content Outline, one of the tasks of the project manager is to “Assess and prioritize impact on project scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risks of approved changes, and determine cause and effect relationships” (Task 5, Domain II: Process). This implies that the project manager should evaluate the impact of any change that affects the project performance, such as the removal of a key team member. By doing so, the project manager can identify the potential consequences and benefits of the change, and look for alternatives to mitigate the negative effects or enhance the positive ones. The project manager should also submit a change request if required, to update the project management plan and baselines accordingly. This will help to maintain the project alignment with the objectives and expectations of the stakeholders. References:

PMP Exam Content Outline, Domain II: Process, Task 5, page 101

PBA Exam Content Outline, Domain IV: Evaluation, Task 4, page 152

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 4: Project Integration Management, Section 4.6: Perform Integrated Change Control, page 1233

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 6: Traceability and Monitoring, Section 6.4: Manage Changes to Requirements, page 117

 The project manager should meet with the stakeholders to recommend the use of a time and materials (T&M) contract to address the problem, as this type of contract is more suitable for agile projects that have changing requirements and priorities. A T&M contract allows the buyer to pay the seller based on the actual hours of work and the cost of materials, rather than a fixed price. This can provide more flexibility and adaptability for the project, and reduce the risk of budget overrun. The other options are not as effective or appropriate as recommending a T&M contract. Sending a detailed status report may inform the stakeholders of the issue, but it does not propose a solution. Submitting a change request may increase the funding, but it does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the mismatch between the contract type and the project approach. Waiting until the next gate review meeting may delay the resolution of the problem, and increase the likelihood of further deviation from the EAC. References:

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 163

PMI-PBA Exam Content Outline, 2018, page 10

PMP question 391

According to the PMBOK Guide, one of the tools and techniques for managing communications is communication methods1. This includes choosing the appropriate method of communication for the project stakeholders, such as interactive, push, or pull communication. Interactive communication is the most effective way to ensure a common understanding among the stakeholders, as it allows for real-time exchange of information and feedback1. Virtual and face-to-face meetings are examples of interactive communication methods that can help the project manager address the situation of having a geographically dispersed project team. By coordinating these meetings, the project manager can improve the communication among the team members, as well as with other stakeholders, and foster trust, collaboration, and cultural awareness23. References:

1: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 377

2: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 378

3: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 379

 The project manager should request an architecture review as the first step to address the design flaw that may potentially impact the final quality. An architecture review is a process of evaluating the design of a system or a product against a set of criteria, such as requirements, standards, best practices, and quality attributes. An architecture review can help to identify and resolve design issues, risks, and gaps, as well as to ensure alignment with the project objectives and stakeholder expectations. By requesting an architecture review, the project manager can involve the relevant experts, such as the new architect, the previous architect (if possible), the quality assurance team, and the customer, to assess the impact of the design flaw and to propose and agree on the necessary changes. This will also help to update the project scope, schedule, cost, and quality baselines accordingly. References:

Architecture Reviews - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Architecture Review Process - SEBoK

Architecture Review - The Open Group

Design Flaw Attacks - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

DESIGN FLAWS: FLAWS BY DESIGN? / The Design Society

According to the PMBOK Guide, the project management plan is a formal, approved document that defines how the project is executed, monitored, and controlled1. It integrates and consolidates all of the subsidiary plans and baselines from the project management processes1. One of the subsidiary plans is the procurement management plan, which describes how the project will acquire goods and services from outside the performing organization2. The procurement management plan should include the procurement strategy, the types of contracts, the procurement documents, the source selection criteria, the roles and responsibilities, the make-or-buy decisions, and the assumptions and constraints2. Therefore, the project manager should have communicated the project management plan, including the procurement management plan, to the procurement division earlier in the project to ensure the purchase of the specific equipment. The other options are not the best actions for the project manager to have done earlier in the project. Communicating the project charter to the procurement division may not be sufficient, as the project charter only provides the high-level description of the project and its boundaries, not the details of the procurement activities3. Including a procurement division member on the project team may not be necessary or feasible, as the project team may have limited authority or influence over the procurement division’s policies and procedures. Reminding the project sponsor about the procurement division’s reputation is not a constructive or professional way to deal with the issue, as it may create conflict or resentment between the parties. References:

1: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 89

2: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 463

3: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 77

: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 33

: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 558

The project manager should ensure that the product owner collaborates with the compliance officer to review the user stories in the product backlog and ensure that they meet the regulatory requirements. This is consistent with the agile principle of satisfying the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software. The project manager should also monitor the compliance status of the product backlog items and communicate any risks or issues to the relevant stakeholders. The project manager should not have the team consult with the compliance officer to update the DoD for the past sprint, as this would be a waste of time and resources. The project manager should not have the product owner consult with the CCB, as this would introduce unnecessary bureaucracy and delay the delivery of value. The project manager should not have the scrum master organize a weekly meeting with the compliance officer, the product owner, and the project team, as this would reduce the autonomy and self-organization of the team. References:

PMP Exam Content Outline (2021), Domain II: Process, Task 2: Execute project with the urgency required to deliver business value, p. 101

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 5: Project Scope Management, Section 5.4.2.1: Product Backlog, p. 1542

Agile Practice Guide, First Edition, Chapter 2: Life Cycle Selection, Section 2.2.1: Scrum, p. 213

Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Examination Content Outline (2018), Domain III: Analysis, Task 1: Elicit Requirements, p. 14

 According to the Agile Practice Guide, one of the benefits of agile approaches is that they enable early and frequent delivery of value to the customer and stakeholders1. This can help to build trust and collaboration among the project team and the stakeholders, and also to validate and adapt the project requirements and solutions2. Therefore, the project manager should propose a phased project approach with multiple small interactions and build trust with the stakeholder through frequent value delivery. This will help the stakeholder to see the benefits of agile and overcome their reluctance. The other options are incorrect because:

B. Documenting the request and escalating to upper management to consider a modification of the project charter is not a persuasive strategy, but a confrontational one. It may create resistance and conflict with the stakeholder, and also undermine the project manager’s authority and credibility3.

C. Agreeing on a predictive approach, but applying agile concepts under the project management umbrella is not a transparent or ethical strategy. It may confuse and mislead the stakeholder, and also create inconsistency and ambiguity in the project management processes and practices4.

D. Ensuring the stakeholder that an agile approach will deliver all of the expected results in a shorter period of time is not a realistic or honest strategy. It may create unrealistic expectations and pressure on the project team, and also ignore the uncertainty and complexity of the project environment5. References:

1: Agile Practice Guide, Chapter 2, Section 2.1, page 13

2: Agile Practice Guide, Chapter 2, Section 2.2, page 14

3: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 13, Section 13.3.2.3, page 524

4: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 1, Section 1.2.3, page 7

5: Agile Practice Guide, Chapter 2, Section 2.3, page 15

In today's global and hybrid working environments, virtual meetings are a standard method for maintaining productivity when physical presence isn't possible. The PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition emphasizes the use of collaborative tools and techniques, especially in distributed or constrained environments.

Option A reflects a pragmatic and proactive approach, ensuring continuity without delay. It also supports agile principles of adaptability and responsiveness to change.

Option B shifts the decision-making unnecessarily to the sponsor.

Option C may cause delays if resolution takes time.

Option D is unnecessarily confrontational and escalates prematurely.

According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, one of the key processes of the Project Resource Management knowledge area is Develop Team, which involves improving the competencies, interaction, and overall team environment to enhance project performance. One of the tools and techniques for this process is training, which involves providing guidance and instruction to enhance the skills and competencies of the team members. By supporting the team members’ growth and development, the project manager can help them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively in an agile environment, and to adapt to the changes and challenges that may arise during the project. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 336-337, 341.

The communications management plan is a subsidiary plan of the project management plan that describes how project communications will be planned, executed, and monitored. It should include the stakeholder communication requirements, the information to be communicated, the communication methods and technologies, the frequency and timing of communication, the roles and responsibilities of communicators, and the escalation process for resolving communication issues. If a stakeholder is not receiving the project status report, it means that the communications management plan is not aligned with the stakeholder communication requirements, and it needs to be updated. The project manager should also send the current project status documentation to the missed stakeholder to ensure that they are informed and engaged in the project. This is the best option among the four choices, as it follows the best practices of project communication management and stakeholder management. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 8: Project Communications Management, Section 8.1.3.1: Communications Management Plan

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 4: Planning Business Analysis Work, Section 4.3.2: Communication Plan

Practice Standard for Project Stakeholder Management, Chapter 3: Plan Stakeholder Engagement, Section 3.3.2: Communication Requirements Analysis

The project manager should follow the Monitor and Control Project Work process, which involves tracking, reviewing, and reporting the progress and performance of the project, as well as managing changes and issues that arise. One of the main outputs of this process is the work performance reports, which provide information on the project status, progress, forecasts, issues, risks, and corrective actions. The project manager should use these reports to communicate with the relevant stakeholders and manage their expectations regarding the impact of the component delay on the project schedule. The project manager should also assess the component delay and determine the appropriate response strategy, such as requesting a change, implementing a contingency plan, or escalating the issue to senior management. The project manager should not perform a detailed analysis of the release content for each component of the solution (B), as this is not relevant to the current issue and may waste time and resources. The project manager should not propose a new design of the solution to replace the external component with an internal one ©, as this may introduce new risks, costs, and scope changes that may not be feasible or acceptable to the stakeholders. The project manager should not ask for expedited delivery of the component to mitigate the risk of schedule delays (D), as this may not be possible or realistic, and may also increase the cost and quality risks of the project. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 105-106, 112-113, 123-124

PMP Exam Content Outline, 2020, pages 9-10, 13-14

PMP Sample Test Questions, 2019, page 5

According to the PMBOK Guide, the stakeholder engagement plan and the communications management plan are two key project documents that guide the project manager on how to manage stakeholder expectations and communicate project information. The stakeholder engagement plan identifies the stakeholder needs, interests, and level of engagement, and defines the strategies and actions to increase their support and minimize their resistance. The communications management plan specifies the communication requirements, methods, frequency, and formats for each stakeholder or stakeholder group. The project manager should review these plans to determine if the stakeholder requesting the status updates is appropriately engaged and informed, and if any changes are needed to accommodate the request. Reviewing the stakeholder engagement and communications management plans is the best action that the project manager should take in this situation. Starting to send status updates to this stakeholder based on the request (A) may not be appropriate or feasible, as it may violate the communication protocols, overload the stakeholder with unnecessary information, or create inconsistencies with other stakeholders. Asking the stakeholder’s manager if the stakeholder can be added to the list (B) may not be necessary or effective, as it may bypass the stakeholder’s own preference, authority, or influence, or create conflict with the stakeholder’s manager. Escalating the stakeholder’s request to the project sponsor (D) may not be warranted or advisable, as it may indicate a lack of project management skills, create unnecessary involvement of the project sponsor, or damage the relationship with the stakeholder. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 513-514, 537-538.

According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, the cost performance index (CPI) is a measure of the cost efficiency of the project. It is calculated by dividing the earned value (EV) by the actual cost (AC). A CPI of 1 indicates that the project is on budget, a CPI greater than 1 indicates that the project is under budget, and a CPI less than 1 indicates that the project is over budget. In this case, the CPI is 0.933, which means that the project is spending more than planned to achieve the same amount of work. This implies that the project will be difficult to complete as planned, unless corrective actions are taken to improve the cost performance. The other options are incorrect because they do not reflect the current situation of the project based on the CPI value. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 267; Earned Value for the PMP® Exam; Sample PMP Earned Value Questions

The project manager should conduct a meeting to help the team define the team charter, which is a document that describes the team’s purpose, vision, values, norms, roles, and responsibilities. The team charter is a useful tool for establishing the team’s identity, direction, and expectations, as well as fostering the team’s collaboration, communication, and commitment. The project manager should facilitate the team’s involvement and participation in creating the team charter, and ensure that the team charter is aligned with the project’s objectives and scope. The project manager should also review and update the team charter regularly, as the team evolves and adapts to the changing project environment.

The other options are not the best actions for the project manager to take in this situation. Planning an outdoor activity for the team to get to know each other may be a good idea for building the team’s rapport and trust, but it is not sufficient to address the team’s problems in meeting goals. The project manager should also focus on clarifying the team’s vision, values, and expectations, and providing the team with guidance and support on the agile project management approaches. Asking the team to review agile project management approaches may be helpful for enhancing the team’s knowledge and skills, but it is not enough to solve the team’s issues in meeting goals. The project manager should also ensure that the team understands and agrees on the team’s purpose, roles, and responsibilities, and that the team has the necessary tools and resources to perform the work and deliver the product. Asking the human resources department for an experienced agile team may not be feasible or desirable, as it may disrupt the existing team’s dynamics and relationships, as well as increase the project’s cost and risk. The project manager should not replace the team members without a valid reason, but rather help them to develop and improve their agile competencies and capabilities. References:

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Chapter 9, Section 9.1.3.1, “Team Charter”

PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Appendix X3, Section X3.2.2.1, “Agile Manifesto and Mindset”

PMP Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide: 2021 Exam Update, 10th Edition, Chapter 8, Section 8.2, “Planning Resources” 1

According to the PMBOK Guide, a stakeholder engagement plan is a document that identifies the current and desired levels of stakeholder engagement, and the strategies and actions to increase or maintain stakeholder support throughout the project. A stakeholder engagement plan is an essential tool for managing stakeholder expectations, addressing stakeholder concerns, and resolving stakeholder conflicts. Conflicts between project stakeholders can result in delays, rework, scope changes, or even project failure. Therefore, the project manager should focus on revisiting the stakeholder engagement plan, focusing on specific overlooked stakeholders, to identify the root causes of the conflicts and the best ways to engage them. By doing so, the project manager can improve the stakeholder relationships, align the stakeholder interests, and facilitate the deliverable and output approval process. References:

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 8: Communications, Section 8.3: Manage Communications, pp. 126-1271

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 9: Stakeholders, Section 9.2: Plan Stakeholder Engagement, pp. 141-1431

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 9: Stakeholders, Section 9.3: Engage Stakeholders, pp. 144-1451

Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Handbook, Section 5: Exam Content Outline, Domain 2: Planning, Task 2.4: Develop a stakeholder engagement plan, pp. 22-232

 According to the PMBOK Guide, the project manager should update the resource management plan and resource allocation chart to reflect any changes in the availability and assignment of resources. The resource management plan describes how the project resources will be acquired, allocated, managed, and released. The resource allocation chart shows the planned and actual allocation of resources over time. By updating these documents, the project manager can communicate the impact of the resource unavailability to the project team and stakeholders, and plan for alternative solutions to mitigate the schedule risk. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 318-319, section 9.1.3.1 Resource Management Plan; page 321, section 9.2.3.1 Resource Allocation Chart.

 The project manager should communicate directly with the director and inform them of the communications management plan, which defines how the project information will be exchanged among stakeholders, including the client. By doing so, the project manager can clarify the roles and responsibilities of the project team and the director, and ensure that the project scope is managed according to the agreed process. This will also help to avoid confusion, conflicts, and unauthorized changes in the project. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 10.1.3.1, page 366

PMP Exam Prep, 10th edition, Rita Mulcahy, page 357

PMP Practice Questions #49 - iZenBridge1

 According to the PMBOK Guide, a root cause analysis is a technique used to identify the underlying reasons for the occurrence of a problem or a deviation from the expected performance. It is part of the monitor and control project work process, which involves tracking, reviewing, and reporting the project progress and performance, and implementing corrective or preventive actions as needed. A root cause analysis can help the project manager to understand the causes of the budget shift and to take appropriate actions to address them. It can also help to prevent similar problems from happening again in the future. Adjusting the original budget estimates, negotiating the project changes, or reviewing the activity duration are possible actions that the project manager can take after performing a root cause analysis, but they are not the first step to do when faced with a significant budget shift. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 121-122, 4.5 Monitor and Control Project Work

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 686-687, Root Cause Analysis

PMP Sample Test Questions, question 1, answer D

According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, one of the principles of project management is to collaborate with stakeholders. This means that the project manager should identify, analyze, and engage the project stakeholders throughout the project life cycle, especially in an agile project where the stakeholder involvement and feedback are essential for delivering value. A stakeholder analysis is a tool that helps the project manager to understand the different perspectives, interests, needs, expectations, and influence of the stakeholders, and to plan the appropriate strategies to communicate and collaborate with them. By performing a stakeholder analysis, the project manager can handle the different stakeholders in a matrix organization more effectively, and avoid potential conflicts, misunderstandings, or misalignment of goals. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 9, Principle 2: Collaborate with Stakeholders; page 31, Section 2.3.1, Project Stakeholders; page 41, Section 2.5.1.1, Stakeholder Analysis.

A project manager who has team members around the world in different time zones should plan and schedule the tasks and work packages in a way that minimizes the dependency and communication gaps between the offices. This can be done by using techniques such as rolling wave planning, agile methods, or critical chain method, which allow for more flexibility and adaptability in the project schedule. The project manager should also consider the cultural differences, working hours, holidays, and availability of the team members when planning and scheduling the project work. This way, the project manager can avoid delays, conflicts, and misunderstandings caused by the geographical and time zone challenges. References:

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 3: Project Performance Domain, Section 3.2: Schedule Performance, pp. 55-56

Project Management Professional (PMP) Handbook, Section 2.2: PMP Exam Content Outline, Domain II: Process, Task 2: Plan and manage project schedule, pp. 15-16

Managing Projects Across Time Zones, by ProjectManager.com, published on July 9, 2019

The communications management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how project communications will be planned, structured, implemented, and monitored for effectiveness. It also defines the communication requirements, methods, and channels for different stakeholders, as well as the confidentiality and security levels of the information to be shared. The project manager should have reviewed the communications management plan before inviting an external client representative to the meeting, to ensure that the information presented was appropriate and authorized for external disclosure. The project manager should also have obtained the approval of the project sponsor and the CEO before sharing any sensitive or confidential information with the external client representative. By not reviewing the communications management plan, the project manager may have violated the communication policies and protocols of the organization, and potentially compromised the project’s budget, scope, quality, or schedule. This could have caused the CEO to end the meeting abruptly, to avoid further disclosure of information that could harm the project or the organization. The other options are not the best choices because they do not address the root cause of the situation, which is the lack of review of the communications management plan. Reviewing the cost management plan with internal participants and CEO prior to inviting an external client representative to the meeting (option B) may be a good practice, but it does not ensure that the information shared with the external client representative is appropriate and authorized. Performing a root cause analysis with the external client representative and documenting the findings in the lessons learned register (option C) may be useful after the situation has occurred, but it does not prevent the situation from happening in the first place. Sending the presentation slides to internal participants first and then to the external client representative prior to the meeting (option D) may also be a good practice, but it does not guarantee that the information in the slides is suitable and approved for external communication. References:

Project Management Professional (PMP) Reference Materials:

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 10: Project Communications Management, pp. 361-411

Project Communication Management According to the PMBOK

Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Reference Materials:

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 4: Planning Business Analysis Work, pp. 59-60

Effective Project Communication Plan Template: TeamGantt

According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 4.7, one of the main outputs of the close project or phase process is the final product, service, or result transition. This involves transferring the ownership and responsibility of the project deliverables to the customer or sponsor, and obtaining their formal acceptance and sign-off. The project manager should ensure that the project scope and quality criteria are met, and that the deliverables are aligned with the project objectives and stakeholder expectations. The other options are not appropriate for the end of the project, as they are either part of the planning or monitoring and controlling processes, and do not involve the client’s verification and acceptance. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 4.7; PMP Practice Exam, question 86.

According to the PMBOK guide, one of the tools and techniques for managing stakeholder engagement is interpersonal and team skills, which include emotional intelligence, influencing, and negotiation skills (p. 529). Emotional intelligence is “the ability to identify, assess, and manage the personal emotions of oneself and other people, as well as the collective emotions of groups of people” (p. 529). Influencing is “the ability to change the opinions, attitudes, or behaviors of others to achieve a desired outcome” (p. 530). Negotiation is “a process of conferring with others to come to terms with them or to reach an agreement” (p. 530). Therefore, the project manager should use these skills to persuade the stakeholder to accept the deliverables based on the project acceptance criteria, and to resolve any conflicts or issues that may arise. The other options are not as effective as persuading the stakeholder, because they either bypass the stakeholder’s authority, create more dependency on the project sponsor, or postpone the problem without solving it. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK guide, pages 529-530

PMI-PBA guide, pages 39-40

In an agile approach, the project scope is not completely defined upfront, but rather evolves and emerges throughout the project lifecycle. The project manager’s role is to facilitate the collaboration and communication among the project team, the product owner, and the stakeholders, and to ensure that the project delivers value and meets the customer needs. One of the ways to do this is to help the sponsors and stakeholders craft the product vision, which is a high-level description of the product’s purpose, features, and benefits. The product vision provides a clear direction and alignment for the project and guides the development of the product backlog, which is a prioritized list of user stories and other requirements. The project manager should also bring the team and the product owner together to clarify the expectations, assumptions, and constraints of the project, and to review and refine the product backlog regularly. This will help to ensure that the project scope is defined and validated iteratively and incrementally, and that the project delivers the most valuable features to the customer. The other options are not appropriate for an agile approach. Meeting with the general manager and convincing them to return to using predictive approaches would be counterproductive and disrespectful of the company’s decision to adopt agile. Asking for a budget increase to implement a double-check process would be wasteful and unnecessary, as agile relies on frequent feedback and testing to ensure quality and customer satisfaction. Asking the general manager to review every requirement would be micromanaging and interfering with the product owner’s authority and responsibility to prioritize and manage the product backlog. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 5.1.2, 5.4.2, 5.6.2, Agile Practice Guide, 1st edition, Chapter 2.2, 2.3, 3.2

Stakeholder engagement is the process of identifying, analyzing, planning, and implementing actions to communicate with, influence, and involve stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Stakeholder engagement aims to ensure that stakeholders are satisfied with the project outcomes, and that their expectations and needs are met. According to the Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials1, stakeholder engagement involves the following steps:

Identify stakeholders: Determine who are the individuals or groups that have an interest or influence in the project, and what are their roles, responsibilities, expectations, and power.

Analyze stakeholders: Assess the level of interest and influence of each stakeholder, and their potential impact on the project objectives, scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risks. Use tools such as stakeholder analysis matrix, power/interest grid, or salience model to categorize stakeholders based on their attributes.

Plan stakeholder engagement: Develop strategies and actions to effectively communicate with, involve, and manage stakeholders throughout the project. Use tools such as stakeholder engagement plan, communication plan, or RACI matrix to define the frequency, mode, content, and responsibility of stakeholder interactions.

Implement stakeholder engagement: Execute the planned activities to engage stakeholders, and monitor and measure their feedback, satisfaction, and performance. Use tools such as stakeholder register, issue log, change log, or performance reports to track and document stakeholder engagement.

Evaluate stakeholder engagement: Review and analyze the effectiveness and outcomes of stakeholder engagement, and identify areas for improvement or adjustment. Use tools such as lessons learned, surveys, or interviews to collect and analyze stakeholder feedback and recommendations.

In this scenario, the project manager realizes that a standard stakeholder engagement approach will not suffice, because one of the client representatives, who is not a key decision maker, is extremely opinionated and could become a roadblock to progress due to their perceived level of authority during meetings. This stakeholder could be classified as a high-interest, low-influence stakeholder, who needs to be kept informed and consulted, but not allowed to dominate or derail the project decisions. Therefore, the best option for the project manager is to allocate time to gain buy-in from the stakeholder prior to key decision meetings. This way, the project manager can:

Understand the stakeholder’s perspective, concerns, and expectations, and address them proactively and respectfully.

Build trust and rapport with the stakeholder, and demonstrate the value and benefits of the project for them and their organization.

Involve the stakeholder in the project planning and design process, and solicit their input and feedback on the project scope, objectives, deliverables, and requirements.

Negotiate and compromise with the stakeholder on any conflicting or unrealistic demands, and seek their support and agreement on the project decisions.

Acknowledge and appreciate the stakeholder’s contribution and participation, and recognize their role and authority within their organization.

By allocating time to gain buy-in from the stakeholder prior to key decision meetings, the project manager can enhance the stakeholder engagement, satisfaction, and collaboration, and reduce the risk of resistance, conflict, or delay in the project.

The other options are not the best choices, because:

Asking that only key decision makers attend the project meetings could alienate and offend the stakeholder, and damage the relationship and trust with them and their organization. It could also create a communication gap and a lack of transparency and accountability in the project.

Updating the project schedule to cater to this particular stakeholder could disrupt the project workflow and priorities, and create inefficiencies and delays in the project. It could also cause resentment and frustration among other stakeholders, who may feel that their needs and expectations are not being met or respected.

Updating the risk register to consider the possible project impacts could be a useful step, but it is not sufficient to address the root cause of the problem, which is the stakeholder’s opinionated and authoritative behavior. It could also imply that the project manager is avoiding or ignoring the stakeholder, rather than engaging and influencing them.

This answer is based on the PMBOK® Guide, which is one of the reference materials for the PMP exam1. According to the guide, an opportunity is a positive risk or uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, has a positive effect on one or more project objectives1. Opportunities can be identified and managed throughout the project life cycle, using various tools and techniques, such as risk identification, risk analysis, risk response planning, and risk monitoring and control1. When an opportunity is outside of the project scope, the project manager should update the risk register to document the opportunity and its potential impact, and escalate the opportunity to a higher level, such as the project sponsor, the portfolio manager, or the organization’s management1. The higher level can then decide whether to pursue the opportunity or not, and allocate the necessary resources and authority to do so1. The project manager should share the opportunity with another project that may benefit from it, or suggest a new project to exploit the opportunity1. The other options are not correct because they do not follow the best practices of opportunity management. Establishing a contingency reserve is a risk response strategy for negative risks, not positive ones1. Further monitoring the opportunity is not sufficient to realize its benefits, and may result in missing the opportunity or losing it to competitors1. No more action is required is not a proactive or responsible approach to managing opportunities, and may imply a lack of interest or commitment to the project objectives1. References:

PMBOK® Guide

 The project manager should ensure that the team has a common understanding of agile, as this is a key factor for the success of agile projects. Having a common understanding of agile means that the team members and stakeholders share the same vision, values, principles, and practices of agile, and can collaborate effectively and efficiently. Having a common understanding of agile also helps to avoid confusion, conflicts, and waste that may arise from using different agile methodologies or applying them inconsistently. The project manager should facilitate the creation of a common understanding of agile by providing training, coaching, mentoring, and guidance to the team and stakeholders, and by establishing clear and transparent communication channels and feedback loops. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 27: “The project manager should ensure that all project stakeholders have a common understanding of the project objectives, approach, deliverables, and expected outcomes.”

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 28: “The project manager should ensure that the project team and other stakeholders are familiar with the chosen agile approach and practices, and that they receive the necessary training and coaching.”

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 29: “The project manager should foster collaboration among team members and stakeholders, and promote self-organization and empowerment within the team.”

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 30: “The project manager should establish an environment where feedback is welcome and encouraged, and where learning and improvement are continuous.”

The correct answer is D. According to the PMBOK® Guide, the project manager should manage stakeholder expectations and engagement by applying appropriate tools and techniques, such as stakeholder analysis, communication management, conflict resolution, and negotiation1. The project manager should also use the project charter as a reference document to clarify the project objectives, scope, and deliverables2. By breaking down the situation and identifying the root causes for the disagreement, the project manager can address the underlying issues and concerns of each stakeholder and align them with the project vision and goals. The project manager can then work with each stakeholder and participating entity on their exact roles and responsibilities, and ensure that they are committed and supportive of the project. References: 1: PMBOK® Guide, page 513-514; 2: PMBOK® Guide, page 77-78

According to the PMBOK® Guide, the project manager is responsible for creating a project charter that defines the project purpose, objectives, scope, and high-level risks. The project charter also establishes the project vision, which is a clear and concise description of the desired outcome of the project. The project vision provides a common understanding of the project goals and benefits among the project stakeholders, including the product owner and the agile team. The project manager should share the project vision with the agile team at the beginning of the project and ensure that it aligns with the product owner’s expectations. The project manager should also facilitate the definition of the team ground rules, which are the agreed-upon norms of behavior and expectations for the agile team. The team ground rules help to create a collaborative and respectful team culture, foster effective communication, and resolve conflicts. The project manager should ensure that the team ground rules are consistent with the project vision and the agile principles and values. By defining the team ground rules and sharing the project vision, the project manager can help the agile team to understand the product owner’s expectations, deliver value to the customer, and improve their performance. References: PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, pages 77-78, 541-542.

According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 14.2.2, “Information radiators are highly visible displays of project information that are easily accessible and frequently updated. They are used to communicate project status and progress to the project team and other stakeholders, especially in agile or hybrid approaches.” Therefore, the project lead should invite the executive to the project’s meeting space to determine if the project information radiators meet their needs, as this is the most effective and transparent way to provide an update on the project’s progress in an agile environment. Providing a link to the project’s shared drive for the executive to search through for any artifacts that are of interest (option A) may not be user-friendly or efficient, as the executive may not know what to look for or how to interpret the artifacts. Reaching out to the PMO for status report templates and providing project updates in that format (option C) may not be aligned with the agile principles or values, as it may introduce unnecessary documentation or bureaucracy. Asking the project sponsor or product owner to provide an update since the project lead should be trying to keep the team free from impediments (option D) may not be appropriate or respectful, as the project lead should also be responsible for communicating with the stakeholders and ensuring their satisfaction. References:

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 14.2.2

PMI-PBA Exam Practice Test and Study Guide, 2nd edition, page 183, question 20

 In Agile methodologies, feedback and adaptation are key principles. If the team members are not confident about the product increment they are building, it’s important to address this concern as soon as possible. Scheduling an additional interim demo with the product owner allows the team to validate their work and receive necessary feedback, which can help them adjust their approach if needed and continue delivering value. This aligns with the Agile principle of early and continuous delivery of valuable software.

According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 5.3.1, “The project scope statement is a component of the project management plan that describes, in detail, the project’s deliverables and the work required to create those deliverables. It provides a common understanding of the project scope among project stakeholders and describes the project’s major deliverables, assumptions, and constraints.” Therefore, the project manager should meet with management to explain the potential problems with running a project without a project scope statement, such as scope creep, misalignment of expectations, poor quality, increased risks, and wasted resources. Escalating the issue to the project sponsor and adding it to the risk register (option A) may be done after meeting with management, but not before. Refusing to work on the project because management is not following standard project management practices (option B) is unprofessional and may damage the relationship with the management and the project stakeholders. Starting the project with inputs from the project charter to save time (option D) may not be feasible or effective, as the project charter is a high-level document that does not provide enough details to define and control the project scope. References:

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 5.3.1

PMI-PBA Exam Practice Test and Study Guide, 2nd edition, page 182, question 18

The project charter is a document that authorizes the project and defines its objectives, scope, stakeholders, and high-level risks. It also includes the project management approach and the roles and responsibilities of the project team. The project charter should be distributed to all team members and other key stakeholders to ensure their awareness and alignment with the project vision and expectations. The project charter also contains the project ground rules, which are the agreed-upon norms and behaviors that guide the team’s interactions and collaboration. The ground rules should be clear, specific, measurable, and enforceable. They should also be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect any changes in the project environment or team dynamics. By distributing the project charter to all team members, the project manager can avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and disagreements regarding the project ground rules and the consequences of violating them. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 4.1.3.1; PMP Exam Prep, 10th edition, page 93

The team norms document (sometimes part of the team charter) outlines behavioral expectations, communication styles, and rules for collaboration. It’s the most appropriate document to provide HR insights into how the team works together.

The PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition emphasizes defining team agreements early and using them to manage team dynamics.

Option B shows transparency but doesn't offer structured insight.

Option C is broader and not focused specifically on team behavior.

Option D covers communication logistics, not interpersonal norms.

 The best course of action in this scenario is for the project manager to engage with the team to reprioritize tasks. This aligns with the PMP’s emphasis on the project manager’s role in leading and managing the project team. According to the PMBOK guide, the project manager should work with the team to assess the situation, reprioritize work, and apply resource optimization techniques to ensure that critical project milestones are met. This approach is proactive and focuses on problem-solving within the team’s capacity, rather than escalating the issue or sharing the challenges with stakeholders, which may not lead to a constructive solution.

????

In Agile (particularly Scrum), the Product Owner is solely responsible for backlog prioritization. The Scrum Master facilitates the process but does not have authority over content decisions. When a conflict arises about prioritization, the resolution lies in re-establishing role clarity—not in the project manager stepping in to override roles.

The correct action is to reinforce Agile roles and responsibilities, particularly that the Product Owner owns prioritization. This aligns with the Agile Practice Guide and the Scrum Guide.

Option B may be helpful but delays resolution and misses the fundamental answer.

Option C incorrectly shifts authority to the Scrum Master.

Option D bypasses the Agile team structure and disrespects team autonomy.

The RACI chart is a responsibility assignment matrix that helps define roles and responsibilities across project activities. It ensures clarity about who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed for each task or deliverable.

The PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition recommends responsibility assignment matrices such as RACI as part of stakeholder and resource management.

Option A outlines communication plans but not roles.

Option C visualizes workflow, not responsibilities.

Option D communicates high-level objectives, not detailed responsibilities.

Appreciating this team member’s performance throughout the project life cycle is the best way to acknowledge this team member’s commitment, because it shows that the project manager recognizes and values the team member’s continuous improvement, role modeling, and mentoring. Appreciation can be expressed in various ways, such as writing a thank-you note, acknowledging the team member’s contributions in a team meeting, sending an email to the team member’s manager, or giving a reward or recognition. Appreciation can motivate and inspire the team member to keep up the good work, as well as to influence other team members to follow the example. The other options are not the best ways to acknowledge this team member’s commitment, because they may not be appropriate, timely, or effective. Sending this person to a meeting to negotiate the scope with the client may not be relevant to the team member’s role or skills, and it may not be perceived as a positive acknowledgment. Promoting this team member to a coaching role after this project is completed may not be feasible or desirable, and it may not reflect the team member’s current performance. Documenting it in the team member’s end of year performance review may be too late or too formal, and it may not convey the project manager’s genuine appreciation. References: Acknowledge Members of the Project Team - 3 Simple Ways, Power of Acknowledgment -Results on Project Teams, 50 Impactful Phrases for Appreciating Team Members, Positive Reinforcement | PMI - Project Management Institute

In an agile project, the project manager does not assign tasks to the team members, but rather facilitates the team’s self-organization and empowerment. The team decides how to plan, execute, monitor, and control the work within the sprint, based on the agreed-upon requirements and priorities. The project manager supports the team by removing impediments, providing feedback, and ensuring alignment with the project vision and goals. The daily standup is a short meeting where the team members share their progress, challenges, and plans for the next 24 hours, not a place where the project manager instructs the team what to do. References:

Agile Practice Guide, page 37

PMBOK Guide 7th Edition, page 97

The finance team is a key stakeholder in the project, as they are responsible for approving the project budget and ROI. If they are not involved in building the business case for the project, they may not understand or agree with the project objectives, benefits, and assumptions. This can lead to conflicts, delays, and rework in the project execution. Therefore, the project manager should schedule a meeting with the product owner and the finance team to discuss the business case, clarify the requirements, expectations, and constraints, and agree on the course corrections needed to align the project with the organizational strategy and goals. This way, the project manager can ensure that the project delivers value to the organization and satisfies the stakeholder needs. References:

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 2: Value Delivery System, Section 2.1: Business Case, pp. 25-26

Project Management Professional (PMP) Handbook, Section 2.2: PMP Exam Content Outline, Domain III: Business Environment, Task 1: Plan and manage project compliance, pp. 16-17

How to Write a Business Case: 4 Steps to a Perfect Business Case Template, by ProjectManager.com, published on January 25, 2019

The project lead must investigate the client's claims to assess the validity of the concerns and the associated penalties. Engaging in fact-finding and documentation review is the first step. If there’s a dispute, negotiation should follow. This approach aligns with the PMBOK® Guide’s guidance on issue management and stakeholder engagement.

Option A is premature and accepts liability without due diligence.

Option C bypasses the client’s concern.

Option D deflects the responsibility and delays resolution.

According to the PMBOK Guide, the project manager is responsible for ensuring that the project deliverables meet the acceptance criteria and obtaining formal acceptance of the deliverables from the customer or sponsor1. The project manager should also involve the relevant stakeholders in the validation and acceptance process to ensure their satisfaction and buy-in2. Therefore, the best option is to set up a meeting with stakeholders to validate and confirm acceptance of the deliverables. Option A is incorrect because the project sponsor is not the only stakeholder who needs to approve the deliverables. Option B is incorrect because updating the project management plan and marking the milestone as completed are actions that should be done after obtaining formal acceptance, not before. Option C is incorrect because asking the vendor to validate the agreement for any deviations is not a sufficient way to ensure the quality and compliance of the deliverables. References: 1: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 4.6.3.2, p. 123 2: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 13.4.2.2, p. 529

According to the PBA Guide, the project manager should employ collaborative discussions as the primary tool to gain an understanding of the risks for an agile project1. Collaborative discussions are interactive sessions that involve the project team and other relevant stakeholders to identify, analyze, prioritize, and respond to project risks1. Collaborative discussions can take various forms, such as brainstorming, interviews, focus groups, surveys, or retrospectives1. Collaborative discussions enable the project manager to leverage the collective knowledge and experience of the participants, foster a shared understanding of the project risks, and promote a risk-aware culture within the project team1. Collaborative discussions are especially suitable for agile projects, as they support the agile principles of communication, collaboration, feedback, and adaptation2. Collaborative discussions can be conducted throughout the project life cycle, as part of the agile events such as sprint planning, daily scrum, sprint review, or sprint retrospective3. Collaborative discussions can also be integrated with other risk management tools, such as probability assessments, risk avoidance workshops, or interviews with the project champion, to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the risk management process1. References:

1: PBA Guide, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.2.1, Page 88

2: Agile Manifesto

3: Making Risk Management for Agile Projects Effective

According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 9.4.2.3, the project manager should use conflict management techniques to resolve conflicts among team members and stakeholders.3

Some of the conflict management techniques are: problem solving, compromising, smoothing, forcing, and withdrawing.3

In this scenario, the project manager has tried problem solving (holding a meeting to work out a permanent solution) and compromising (asking them to find a way to resolve the issues), but these techniques were unsuccessful.4

The project manager should not use smoothing (emphasizing areas of agreement and avoiding areas of disagreement), forcing (imposing a solution), or withdrawing (avoiding or postponing the conflict), as these techniques may not address the root cause of the conflict or may worsen the situation.4

Therefore, the project manager should escalate the issue to a higher authority, such as the functional manager, the sponsor, or the steering committee, who have more power and influence in a weak matrix environment.4

Escalating the issue to a higher authority may help to resolve the conflict, protect the project objectives, and maintain the team performance and morale.4

The references for this answer are:

1: PMP Exam Questions | 100% Free PMP Example Questions 2: PMP Practice Exam 1 | Free PMP Exam Questions 3: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Project Management Institute, 2017, pp. 349-350. 4: [Conflict Management Techniques for the PMP Exam - PM Study Circle] : [PMP Exam Prep: Project Human Resource Management - Simplilearn]

According to the Project Management Professional (PMP) guidelines, the project manager should keep project artifacts up-to-date and accessible to all stakeholders. This includes project performance data, which can be used as a reference for similar projects in the future. By doing so, the project manager ensures that the knowledge and experience gained from the current project can be leveraged to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of future projects.

A sprint retrospective is a scrum event in which the team reflects on the past sprint and identifies areas for improvement and action items for the next sprint. A sprint retrospective helps the team to continuously improve, inspect and adapt, and grow as a team and as individuals. A sprint retrospective also provides a safe space for the team to communicate openly and honestly about the issues and conflicts they faced during the sprint, and to find ways to resolve them and prevent them from happening again. A sprint retrospective is not a performance evaluation or a blame game, but a constructive and collaborative way to increase the team’s motivation and engagement with the project. References:

What is a Sprint Retrospective? | Scrum.org

The Sprint Retrospective - What It Is & Tips for Making the Most of Your Meeting

The situation described in the question is a common occurrence in project management known as scope creep, where additional features or functions are added to the project without changes to time, budget, or resources. This can lead to projects overrunning their budget and schedule, and can reduce the value delivered to the client. The Project Management Professional (PMP) guidelines emphasize the importance of managing scope creep. In this case, the project manager should refocus the team on the agreed-upon features to ensure that the project delivers the expected value within the agreed time and budget. References: Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Handbook from www.pmi.org and A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) from www.pmi.org.

An implementation strategy is a document that describes the necessary steps for the execution of a project1. An implementation strategy enables the project manager to manage the changes required with minimum disruption to the organization and its various stakeholders, also addressing the concerns of stakeholders outside the project team2. Before developing an implementation strategy, the project manager should review the business case and consider the environmental and regulatory factors that may affect the project in the new country, such as political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental aspects3. The project manager should also identify the high-level risks and assumptions that may impact the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, and resources4. These factors will help the project manager to define the project objectives, deliverables, scope, and requirements, as well as to select the appropriate project management methodology, tools, and techniques for the project.

Evaluating the environmental and regulatory factors and identifying high-level risks and assumptions should be considered first when developing an implementation strategy, as they provide the foundation for the project planning and execution. Acquiring project resources from the new country, monitoring the risks closely, and ensuring the project sponsors’ agreement are important activities, but they should be done after the initial assessment of the project environment and context.

To avoid the issue of a product not being designed to specifications, it is essential for the project manager to ensure that the customer’s requirements are accurately captured and understood. This involves engaging with the customer to elicit detailed requirements, which then guide the design and development of the product. The PMI’s standards on requirements management highlight the importance of a thorough needs assessment, elicitation, and analysis of requirements to ensure that the final product aligns with the customer’s expectations1. Additionally, the PMI-PBA emphasizes the role of the business analyst in working with stakeholders to define and shape project outputs to drive intended business outcomes2.

 Three-point estimating is a technique that can be particularly useful when there is uncertainty about the individual task estimates. It involves the development team providing optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates for each task, which can then be used to calculate an expected duration for the entire project. This method is beneficial when the team lacks experience with similar projects, as it allows for a range of possible outcomes to be considered, which can lead to a more realistic and reliable estimate123.

 the one that reflects the best practice of managing stakeholder expectations and communication, based on the project management plan and the stakeholder engagement plan. Reference: PMP Exam Set F – Q83 - This is a similar question with the same answer choices and a detailed explanation of why each option is correct or incorrect. It also provides a reference to the PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition, page 518.

 According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, one of the principles of project management is to collaborate with stakeholders. This means that the project manager should maintain effective communication and engagement with the project stakeholders throughout the project life cycle, especially during changes and transitions. When the customer’s project manager changes during the final stage of a project, the project manager should review the latest project status report and update the stakeholders, including the new customer’s project manager, on the project progress, deliverables, issues, risks, and closure activities. This will help to ensure a smooth handover, alignment of expectations, and timely completion of the project closure process. The project manager should also seek feedback and confirmation from the stakeholders on the project outcomes and satisfaction. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 9, Principle 2: Collaborate with Stakeholders; page 31, Section 2.3.1, Project Stakeholders; page 41, Section 2.5.2.1, Project Status Report.

In a highly adaptive project environment, it is crucial to leverage the collective knowledge and experience of the team. Reviewing lessons learned from similar projects can provide valuable insights into potential challenges and effective strategies, which can help in creating practical plans with high levels of buy-in from team members. This approach aligns with the principles of adaptive project management, which emphasizes learning and continuous improvement.

The project manager should analyze the reason for the gap in understanding with both sides and negotiate a solution, as this is a strategy for managing stakeholder dissatisfaction in agile projects. According to the Agile Alliance, one of the principles of agile software development is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software. However, sometimes the customer or stakeholder may not be satisfied with the product, even if it meets the acceptance criteria and is approved by them. This may happen due to various reasons, such as unclear or changing requirements, miscommunication, unrealistic expectations, or lack of feedback. The project manager should identify the root cause of the dissatisfaction and try to resolve it through dialogue and collaboration. The project manager should also use agile techniques, such as backlog refinement, user stories, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, to ensure that the product delivers value to the stakeholder and aligns with their vision and goals1.

The other options, asking the project team to perform the modifications, asking the stakeholder to submit a change request, or explaining to the stakeholder that the project can be closed, are not the best ways to manage stakeholder dissatisfaction in agile projects. Asking the project team to perform the modifications may not address the underlying issue of the dissatisfaction and may also introduce new risks or defects to the product. Asking the stakeholder to submit a change request may not be feasible or appropriate in an agile environment, where changes are expected and welcomed, as long as they add value to the product and do not compromise the quality or scope2. Explaining to the stakeholder that the project can be closed may not satisfy the stakeholder or improve the relationship, as it may imply that the project manager is not willing to listen to their feedback or concerns.

 In a predictive project approach, clear communication and coordination are crucial for maintaining alignment among team members, especially in a virtual setting. Setting up daily virtual meetings can significantly enhance communication, provide regular opportunities for team members to align on tasks, discuss current impediments, and share updates. This practice is supported by best practices for managing virtual project teams, which emphasize the importance of frequent communication to address the challenges posed by remote collaboration. Daily meetings help in establishing a routine, ensuring that all team members are on the same page, and fostering a collaborative environment123. References: (Abudi, G. (2012). Best practices for managing and developing virtual project teams. PMI Global Congress 2012—North America; Pitagorsky, G. (2007). Managing virtual teams for high performance. PMI Global Congress 2007—North America; LinkedIn. (2024). How to Ensure Team Alignment on a Project: 5 Effective Ways).

The project manager should approach this situation by requesting that the customer reviews and clarifies feature definitions for the current sprint. This is because the customer is the primary source of the requirements and the best person to provide the technical details that the project team needs. By reviewing and clarifying the feature definitions, the customer can ensure that the project team understands the requirements correctly and can deliver the expected value in the current iteration. This will also help to avoid rework, scope creep, and customer dissatisfaction in the future.

The other options are not the best ways to approach this situation. Sending a burndown chart of the current sprint to the customer and seeking clarifications may not be effective, as the burndown chart only shows the progress of the work done, not the quality or accuracy of the work. The customer may not be able to provide the technical details based on the burndown chart alone. Educating the customer and having them participate in daily standup meetings may not be feasible, as the customer may not have the time, interest, or expertise to attend the daily meetings and learn about the project details. This may also create unnecessary dependencies and interruptions for the project team. Scheduling weekly meetings and product reviews with the customer to clarify requirements may be too late, as the project team needs the technical details in the current iteration, not in the next week. This may also delay the feedback and validation process and increase the risk of delivering the wrong product.

A hybrid project management methodology is a combination of two or more different approaches to delivering projects, such as waterfall and agile1. Hybrid projects can offer benefits such as flexibility, adaptability, customer satisfaction, and innovation2. However, hybrid projects also require frequent reviews and feedback loops to ensure alignment, collaboration, and quality among the project team and stakeholders3. Therefore, the project manager should explain to the stakeholder the value of attending the iteration reviews, which are opportunities to inspect the project deliverables, provide feedback, identify issues, and plan for the next iteration4. By doing so, the project manager can demonstrate how the stakeholder’s involvement can contribute to the project success and avoid potential rework or waste. References:

Ultimate Guide To Hybrid Project Methodologies & How To Make Them

Hybrid project management – the key to a successful future? - APM

Hybrid project management – a systematic literature review …

TOWARDS A HYBRID PROJECT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE …

One of the methods to prioritize projects or features is to use a scoring model, which evaluates different aspects of a project or feature and assigns a numeric value to each criterion. In this case, the criteria are the business value and the development effort of each feature. A common way to calculate the score of a feature is to divide the business value by the development effort, which gives the value-to-effort ratio. The higher the ratio, the higher the priority of the feature. Using this method, the scores of the features are:

Feature A: 100 / 20 = 5

Feature B: 80 / 10 = 8

Feature C: 120 / 15 = 8

Feature D: 60 / 5 = 12

Feature E: 40 / 10 = 4

As you can see, Feature D has the highest score, but it also has the lowest business value. Therefore, it may not be the best choice to prioritize first, as it may not align with the strategic goals of the product or the organization. Feature C, on the other hand, has the same score as Feature B, but it has the highest business value among all the features. Therefore, Feature C should be the first feature to prioritize, as it delivers the most value with a reasonable effort.

A release burndown chart is a tool that shows the amount of work remaining in a project over time, based on the estimated effort and the actual progress of the team. It can help the project manager and the steering committee to monitor the project performance, identify any deviations from the plan, and adjust the scope, schedule, or resources accordingly. A release burndown chart can also provide an indication of the time remaining on a medium-sized project by comparing the ideal and the actual burndown lines, and projecting the completion date based on the current velocity and the remaining work. A release burndown chart is especially useful for agile projects that work in short iterations, as it can reflect the changes in the backlog and the scope due to feedback, reprioritization, or new requirements. References:

PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition, Chapter 6, Section 6.7.2.1

What is a Burndown Chart? by Agile Alliance

Burndown Chart: What it is, How to Use it, Example by Asana

Burnup Chart - Sprint & Release Tracking by Tech Agilist

According to the PMBOK Guide, the project manager should initiate the project by developing the project charter with the key stakeholders. The project charter should define the project objectives, scope, deliverables, success criteria, and high-level risks. The project charter should also establish the project vision, value proposition, and definition of done (DoD) for the agile project. The project charter should provide clarity and alignment among the project stakeholders and enable the agile team to deliver value to the customer in short iterations. Therefore, the project manager should schedule meetings with key stakeholders to build the agile project charter and set clear expectations for the project. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 18, 37, 75-76, 286-287.

In Agile and iterative environments, delivering a minimum viable product (MVP) or feature is a smart way to provide early value while buying time to complete more complex integration work. Planning for a partial but functional feature allows stakeholders to see progress and provides flexibility in managing dependencies between teams.

The Agile Practice Guide emphasizes delivering value early and often, and using MVPs to respond to fast-changing business needs.

Option B delays delivery and reduces responsiveness.

Option C ignores the urgency of marketing’s request.

Option D halts progress and disrupts the current release.

In the context of an agile project, when there is a shift in strategic objectives, it is crucial for the project manager to engage with the team to understand the implications of the change. Scheduling a meeting with the team allows for a collaborative assessment of the impact, enabling the team to adapt their current work and future iterations to align with the new strategic direction. This approach is consistent with agile principles, which emphasize team collaboration, responsiveness to change, and maintaining alignment with organizational goals123.

According to the PMBOK Guide, consensus decision-making is a technique that ensures that all input and ideas from a group or team are considered until a final decision that is acceptable to all emerges. This approach relies heavily on respectful dialogue and open-mindedness, and it is often used to build consensus regarding the requirements in project management. By organizing a face-to-face meeting with all stakeholders, the project manager can facilitate the communication and collaboration among them, and elicit their needs, expectations, and preferences. This can help to resolve any conflicts or contradictions, and reach a common understanding of the project requirements. References:

PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition, Chapter 5, Section 5.2.2.4

How to use Consensus Decision-Making for Project Management by Grace Windsor

When there is a change in government regulations that affects a project, the project manager should first understand the new regulations and evaluate their impact on the project. This involves studying the new regulations with the team and assessing how they affect various project variables such as scope, cost, schedule, and quality. Once the impact is understood, the project manager can then make necessary adjustments to the project plan. References: PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition, Section 4.3: Direct and Manage Project Work, and Section 11.6: Control Risks.

In a highly regulated market, where compliance and predictability are paramount, a hybrid approach offers the flexibility of agile methodologies while still adhering to the necessary regulatory standards. This approach allows the company to become more responsive to market changes and customer needs without completely abandoning the structured processes that are crucial in a regulated environment. By integrating the planning and documentation strengths of a predictive approach with the adaptability and speed of agile practices, a hybrid model can help shorten the product life cycle and improve profitability.

When a change request is received, it is essential for the project manager to conduct an impact analysis to understand how the proposed change will affect the project’s scope, schedule, cost, and quality. This analysis is a critical step before moving forward with any decisions regarding the change request. It allows the project manager to make an informed decision and to discuss the change with all relevant stakeholders, including the functional manager who submitted the request.

When the project manager identifies that the delay on the critical path was caused by the client, it is essential to formally document this and then seek a discussion with the client. This supports transparency, allows for resolution, and protects the contractor from inappropriate penalties.

Per the PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition and PMI's Contract Management standards, documenting the root cause and opening a dialogue is the first proper step in addressing contractual disputes.

Option B is a valid legal step, but only after engagement and documentation.

Option C refers to an internal party (sponsor) who may not be relevant here.

Option D may support analysis but does not immediately address the contractual issue.

Transitioning from a predictive to an agile approach requires a cultural shift and an organizational commitment1. Engaging operation teams in retrospectives and demo sessions allows for direct feedback on the product, which can lead to improvements in the transition to operations and minimize support issues2. This engagement is crucial as it fosters a collaborative environment where operational insights can directly influence the development process, ensuring that the product is aligned with operational needs and reducing the likelihood of issues post-deployment3. References:

Transitioning to agile - Project Management Institute1.

How to Handle Production Support When Using Scrum2.

Engaging Your Team to Greater Project Performance3.

 According to the PMBOK Guide, the communications management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how project communications will be planned, structured, implemented, and monitored for effectiveness. It includes information such as the communication requirements, methods, formats, frequency, roles, and responsibilities of the project stakeholders. When a company’s new communication system introduces online dashboard reporting, this is a change that affects the communication methods and formats of the project. Therefore, the project manager should update the communications management plan to reflect this change and ensure that the project communications are aligned with the new system and the stakeholder expectations. Updating the communications management plan will also help the project manager to identify and address any potential risks, issues, or challenges that may arise from the change, such as compatibility, security, or training needs. References: PMBOK Guide, Tools for managing projects : digital dashboards to report performance

According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 9.5.2.3, one of the tools and techniques for managing team conflict is agile release planning. This involves conducting daily stand-up meetings or Scrum meetings, where team members can communicate their progress, issues, and impediments. The project manager or scrum master can facilitate these meetings and help resolve any conflicts that arise among team members or with other stakeholders. This strategy ensures that conflicts are handled in a timely manner and do not escalate or affect the project performance. The other options are not specific to agile or hybrid projects and do not address the root causes of conflict. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 9.5.2.3; PMP Practice Exam, question 77.

The project manager should actively listen to the team member and identify ways to support their needs in completing the tasks. This is because active listening is a key skill for effective communication and stakeholder engagement. By actively listening to the team member, the project manager can show empathy, respect, and understanding, and can also identify the root causes of the team member’s dissatisfaction and frustration. The project manager can then work with the team member to find solutions that can help them cope with the complexity of the tasks, such as providing training, coaching, mentoring, feedback, or additional resources. The project manager can also help the team member align their personal goals with the project objectives and recognize their contributions and value to the project. By doing so, the project manager can improve the team member’s motivation, performance, and satisfaction, and also prevent potential schedule delays, conflicts, or turnover. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, Section 9.4.2.3, p. 339

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, Domain I: Needs Assessment, Task 4, p. 8

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Section 3.3.1, p. 63

In an agile environment, integration is not a separate phase that happens at the end of the project, but rather a continuous activity that happens throughout the project. Integration involves combining the work of different teams or individuals into a coherent whole that meets the customer needs and expectations. Frequent and continuous integration of work allows the project team to obtain early feedback, identify and resolve issues, and learn from the results. This helps to improve the quality, performance, and value of the product, and to reduce the risk of rework, delays, and defects. Therefore, the project manager should have ensured frequent and continuous integration of work to avoid the integration issues and the decline in the product release progress. The other options are not as effective or appropriate as frequent and continuous integration. Forming a separate quality assurance team to test all items at the end of each sprint would create silos, delays, and dependencies, and would not foster collaboration and ownership among the teams. Performing a Scrum of Scrums on a regular basis to help the teams remove impediments would be a good practice, but it would not address the integration issues directly, and it would depend on the frequency and quality of the communication and coordination among the teams. Arranging an online session on the integration concept and suggesting tools to the teams would be helpful, but it would not ensure that the teams actually integrate their work frequently and continuously, and it would not provide feedback and learning opportunities. References: Agile Practice Guide, 1st edition, Chapter 3.4.2, 3.5.2, PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 4.4.2, 4.6.2

According to the PMBOK Guide, the project team is responsible for conducting procurement activities, such as planning, conducting, controlling, and closing procurements. This includes reviewing and updating the contracts as needed to ensure compliance with the project requirements and the applicable laws and regulations. The project manager should also involve the legal department and other relevant stakeholders in the contract review process to avoid any potential issues or disputes. Therefore, if the contract violates a new law that was passed last year, it means that the project team has not performed an adequate review of the contract before renewing it, and has failed to identify and mitigate the risk of non-compliance. References:

PMBOK Guide, Chapter 12, Section 12.1, Plan Procurement Management

PMBOK Guide, Chapter 12, Section 12.2, Conduct Procurements

PMBOK Guide, Chapter 12, Section 12.3, Control Procurements

PMBOK Guide, Chapter 12, Section 12.4, Close Procurements

PBA Guide, Chapter 5, Section 5.3.2, Contract Review and Approval

According to the PMBOK Guide, a project issue is a point or matter in question or in dispute, or a point or matter that is not settled and is under discussion or over which there are opposing views or disagreements1. A project risk is an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on one or more project objectives2. A risk response strategy is a specific action or set of actions to be taken to address a risk3.

In this scenario, 1600 rpm is a project issue because it is a point of dispute between the risk owner and the project team, as it causes the system to stop working and crash. 1500 rpm is a project risk because it is an uncertain event that, if it occurs, has a negative effect on the project objective of delivering a functional power engine. 1400 rpm is an event that triggers a risk response strategy because it is a specific action taken to reduce the power and brake the engine to avoid the risk of reaching 1500 rpm or 1600 rpm.

 According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, one of the principles of project management is to collaborate with stakeholders. This means that the project manager should identify, analyze, and engage the project stakeholders throughout the project life cycle, using various communication methods and tools. The level and frequency of stakeholder engagement may vary depending on the stakeholder’s interest, influence, expectations, and needs. A member of the board of directors who is the sponsor of a project that is important to the organization but has many other priorities and is not currently engaged in the project activities should be kept informed and consulted with based on their needs. This will help to ensure that the sponsor is aware of the project status, issues, risks, and changes, and can provide support and guidance when needed. The project manager should also consult with the sponsor to understand their expectations, preferences, and feedback, and to involve them in governance and decision making as appropriate. Keeping the stakeholder informed and consulted with based on their needs will help to maintain a positive and trusting relationship with the sponsor and increase the likelihood of project success. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 9, Principle 2: Collaborate with Stakeholders; page 31, Section 2.3.1, Project Stakeholders; page 41, Section 2.5.1.1, Stakeholder Analysis; page 42, Section 2.5.2.2, Stakeholder Engagement Plan.

According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, one of the key activities of the project manager is to implement risk responses to address the issues and opportunities that may affect the project objectives and outcomes. This includes executing contingency plans, which are predefined actions or strategies that are triggered by the occurrence of a risk event. In this scenario, the missing input from the vendor is a risk event that has extended the critical path of the project, which means that the project schedule is at risk of being delayed. Therefore, the project manager should execute a contingency plan to address the issue with the vendor and recover the lost time. Option D is the best answer for this question.

Option A is not the best answer because starting an audit of the vendor’s processes and procedures is not the next thing that the project manager should do. It is a possible action that the project manager may take to identify the root cause of the miscommunication and prevent it from happening again, but it is not a timely or effective action to resolve the current issue. Moreover, starting an audit may not always be feasible or desirable, as it may increase the project costs and risks, and may damage the relationship with the vendor.

Option B is not the best answer because reviewing lessons learned from previous projects with this vendor is not the next thing that the project manager should do. It is a good practice to learn from past experiences and apply them to current projects, but it is not a relevant or helpful action to deal with the current issue. Reviewing lessons learned may not always be accurate or reliable, as the vendor may have changed their processes or procedures since the previous projects.

Option C is not the best answer because making a detailed analysis on vendor issues during the project is not the next thing that the project manager should do. It is a possible action that the project manager may take to monitor and evaluate the vendor’s performance and identify any gaps or improvements, but it is not a proactive or adaptive action to address the current issue. Making a detailed analysis may not always be necessary or appropriate, as it may delay the project delivery and may not reflect the current or future state of the vendor’s situation. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, pages 9-10, 15-16, 25-26, 35-36, 49-50, 59-60.

Developing the resource management plan is the first process in the resource management knowledge area. The resource management plan describes how the project resources, including human resources, will be acquired, allocated, developed, managed, and released. One of the components of the resource management plan is the training plan, which identifies the training needs, objectives, methods, and evaluation criteria for the project team members. By developing the resource management plan and ensuring adequate training, the project manager can address the skill gaps of the team members and prepare them for the key tasks later in the project. This will also enhance the team performance, motivation, and satisfaction. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, Section 9.1, pp. 308-313

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, Domain II: Planning, Task 2, p. 9

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Section 3.4.1, p. 66

In a situation where a significant portion of the project budget has been reallocated, it’s crucial to reassess the project scope and deliverables. The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach allows the project to deliver the most essential features with the remaining resources. This approach is often used in agile or hybrid project management methodologies to ensure that the most valuable features are delivered first, even when resources are limited. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition, Section 5.4.2.1: Define Scope: Tools and Techniques

When a customer introduces new quality standards during the finalization of project management plans, it is essential to align the project’s deliverables with these new standards to ensure customer satisfaction and project success. The project manager should collaborate with the client to agree on acceptance criteria that reflect the new quality standards. This agreement will guide the project team in adjusting their work processes and outputs to meet these criteria, thereby ensuring that the final product adheres to the customer’s requirements. Involving the client in this process also fosters a shared understanding and commitment to the quality objectives, which is crucial for a smooth delivery of the product.

 This answer is based on the PMI Guide to Business Analysis, which is one of the reference materials for the PMI-PBA exam1. According to the guide, quality is the degree to which a set of inherent characteristics fulfill requirements2. Quality requirements are the criteria that define the acceptable level of performance, reliability, usability, and other attributes of the project deliverables2. In a hybrid approach, which combines predictive and adaptive methods, the project manager should continually survey the quality of the deliverable to ensure that it meets the quality requirements and the stakeholder expectations2. This can be done by using various quality management tools and techniques, such as inspections, audits, reviews, testing, feedback, and metrics2. Continual quality surveillance helps the project manager to identify and correct any defects, errors, or deviations from the quality standards, and to prevent or mitigate any risks related to quality2. The other options are not correct because they are either part of the planning phase or not sufficient to ensure full compliance of quality requirements during the execution phase. References:

PMI Guide to Business Analysis

Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials

 According to the PMBOK Guide, the project manager should adapt the project management approach to the development approach and the project life cycle. In a hybrid environment, where some aspects of the project are predictive and some are adaptive, the project manager should balance the level of control and flexibility, and empower the team to make decisions based on the customer feedback and the project objectives. By supporting the decisions of the team and transferring the decision making responsibility to them, the project manager can foster collaboration, innovation, and customer satisfaction. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 19-20, section 1.2.3.2 Project Management Approaches and Development Lifecycles.

The project manager should follow the project escalation policy and communications management plan to address the situation of reduced cost and shortened schedule due to changes in EEFs. EEFs are external factors that can influence the project performance and outcomes, such as market conditions, government regulations, organizational culture, etc. When EEFs change, the project manager should assess the impact of the change on the project objectives, scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and stakeholder expectations. The project manager should then communicate the change and its implications to the appropriate stakeholders, such as the sponsor, customer, senior management, team members, etc., following the project escalation policy and communications management plan. The project escalation policy defines the process and criteria for escalating issues and decisions to higher levels of authority within the organization. The communications management plan describes how, when, and by whom information will be distributed, received, and stored throughout the project. By following these plans, the project manager can ensure that the change is properly reported, documented, approved, and implemented, and that the project stakeholders are kept informed and engaged. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 2.1.4; PMP Exam Prep, 10th edition, page 111

According to the PMBOK Guide, an issue log is a project document that records problems in a project and how they are resolved. A resource management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how resources will be estimated, acquired, developed, managed, and controlled. When a team member leaves the company, the project manager should update the issue log with the details of the problem and the impact on the project. Then, the project manager should refer to the resource management plan to find out how to deal with the resource gap, such as reassigning tasks, hiring a new team member, or requesting additional resources from the sponsor or other stakeholders.

In an agile or iterative environment, when external changes such as legal or regulatory updates affect project deliverables, the appropriate action is to assess and reprioritize the product backlog. This ensures alignment with the latest compliance needs while balancing value delivery.

According to the Agile Practice Guide and PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition, backlog refinement is used to review, adjust, and prioritize features based on changing business and legal contexts.

Option B assumes additional resources are needed without first evaluating impact.

Option C may be done, but the first step is impact analysis.

Option D assumes feasibility before performing analysis.

The first step for a project manager taking over a troubled project is to understand the current project situation comprehensively. Meeting with the project team and stakeholders allows the project manager to identify the root causes of the issues, which is essential before any corrective actions can be planned. This approach aligns with best practices in project management, which emphasize the importance of stakeholder engagement and root cause analysis in resolving project conflicts and getting projects back on track123.

The project manager should plan a working session focusing on the scope, vision, and mission of the initiative, as this is the best way to increase the project’s chances of success. By involving the research and development department and other relevant stakeholders in defining the project objectives, scope, and deliverables, the project manager can ensure that the product development aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and meets the customer’s needs and expectations. This will also help the project manager to establish a clear and shared understanding of the project’s purpose, value, and benefits, and foster a collaborative and innovative environment.

The first action recommended for a CEO with no prior project experience is to establish a framework that supports project success. This involves defining processes and practices that align with the organization’s goals and resources, ensuring that projects are managed effectively from the start. A framework provides guidance on roles, responsibilities, and procedures, which is crucial for a startup to manage projects successfully1.

 According to the PMBOK Guide, the communications management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how project communications will be planned, structured, implemented, and monitored for effectiveness. It also defines the communication methods, formats, frequency, and escalation process for different types of communication. In this scenario, the project manager should update the communications management plan to include informal requests from the executive, such as the dashboard, and specify how they will be handled by the project team. This way, the project manager can ensure that the communication expectations of the executive are met, and the project team is aware of their roles and responsibilities in providing the requested information. Updating the stakeholder engagement assessment matrix, asking the team member to develop a dashboard, or telling the team member to route the request through the project manager are not effective options, as they do not address the root cause of the communication issue, which is the lack of a clear and comprehensive communications management plan. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, pages 123-124, 127-128.

Agile project management is a flexible and iterative approach to delivering value to customers and stakeholders. Agile projects are built around motivated individuals who collaborate and communicate effectively, deliver working products frequently, and respond to changing requirements and feedback1. Motivation is a key factor that influences the performance, satisfaction, and retention of agile team members2. According to the agile manifesto, one of the principles of agile project management is to "build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done"3. Therefore, the project manager should implement a reward system that aligns with the agile values and principles, and that recognizes and reinforces the team’s achievements, contributions, and behaviors. A reward system can include both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, such as feedback, recognition, appreciation, autonomy, mastery, purpose, growth, learning, fun, collaboration, innovation, and compensation45. A reward system should be tailored to the needs, preferences, and goals of each team member, and should be fair, transparent, and consistent. A reward system should also be flexible and adaptable, and should be reviewed and improved regularly based on the team’s feedback and performance. References:

What Is Agile Project Management? | A Comprehensive Guide

Motivation and Drive in Agile Teams - InfoQ

Manifesto for Agile Software Development

Motivation - the Agile Way! - Mind Tools

How can Agile leaders create and motivate effective teams?

[Rewarding Agile Teams, What are the options?]

According to the PMBOK Guide, the project manager should manage stakeholder expectations and engagement throughout the project life cycle. The project manager should also support the product owner’s decisions and authority regarding the product scope and releases. The product owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product and ensuring that it meets the customer needs and expectations. Therefore, the project manager should support the product owner’s decision to launch the product with the MVP and seek better alignment with the marketing vice president in order to avoid this type of issue in the future. The project manager should also communicate the benefits and risks of the product launch and solicit feedback from the stakeholder. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 18, 37, 51-52, 286-287.

This option reflects the agile mindset of inspecting and adapting to the current situation, and finding the best way to deliver value to the customer. The other options are either too rigid (B and C) or too risky (D) for an agile project.

However, this is only a suggestion based on one source of reference. You may find other sources that support a different answer, or have a different interpretation of the question. Therefore, you should always check the validity and reliability of the information you find online, and compare it with your own knowledge and experience.

I hope this helps you with your question. If you need more information, you can use the links below to access the web search results. Thank you for using Bing.

The project manager should take two actions to deal with the situation of the neighbors resisting the project and threatening legal action. One action is to publish information on the city’s website about the benefits that the new tram station will bring, such as improved transportation, reduced traffic, increased safety, and enhanced economic development. This action can help to inform and educate the public about the project’s value proposition and address any misconceptions or concerns that the neighbors may have. The project manager can also use other communication channels, such as social media, newsletters, or press releases, to reach a wider audience and increase awareness and support for the project12.

Another action is to register this situation as a risk and develop a mitigation plan. A risk is an uncertain event or condition that can have a positive or negative effect on the project’s objectives. The situation of the neighbors opposing the project and threatening legal action is a negative risk that can potentially cause delays, cost overruns, reputation damage, or even project cancellation. The project manager should identify and document this risk in the risk register, along with its probability, impact, and priority. The project manager should also develop a mitigation plan to reduce the likelihood or severity of the risk. The mitigation plan may include actions such as engaging with the neighbors, negotiating with them, offering them compensation, or seeking legal advice34. References: = PMBOK® Guide, Sixth Edition, pages 376-377, 414-415; 8 Steps for Better Issue Management, Step 5: Communicate with the team; PMBOK® Guide, Sixth Edition, pages 395-396, 443-444; Project Risk Management - A Quick Guide, Step 3: Plan Risk Responses.

According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, one of the key activities of the project manager is to engage stakeholders and manage their expectations throughout the project. This includes discussing the options with the client as part of the change control process, which is a formal and documented procedure that defines how changes to the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, or any other aspect of the project will be requested, evaluated, approved, rejected, or implemented. In this scenario, the client’s request to use a new workaround instead of the approved contingency plan is a change request that may affect the project objectives and outcomes. Therefore, the project manager should discuss the options with the client as part of the change control process, and evaluate the impact, feasibility, and benefits of the proposed workaround, as well as the implications of not following the contingency plan. Option D is the best answer for this question.

Option A is not the best answer because requesting to use the management reserve to keep the schedule is not the next thing that the project manager should do. It is a possible action that the project manager may take if the change request is approved and the project budget is insufficient to cover the additional costs of the workaround, but it is not a necessary or immediate action. Moreover, requesting to use the management reserve may not always be feasible or desirable, as it may increase the project costs and risks, and may require the approval of senior management or the project sponsor.

Option B is not the best answer because mitigating risks associated with the workaround to avoid project delays is not the next thing that the project manager should do. It is a possible action that the project manager may take if the change request is approved and the workaround introduces new or increased risks to the project, but it is not a proactive or effective action to resolve the current issue. Moreover, mitigating risks may not always be possible or sufficient, as some risks may be unavoidable or unpredictable, and may require other risk response strategies, such as avoidance, transfer, or acceptance.

Option C is not the best answer because proceeding with the approved risk response plan is not the next thing that the project manager should do. It is a possible action that the project manager may take if the change request is rejected and the contingency plan is still valid and applicable, but it is not a respectful or collaborative action to deal with the client’s request. Moreover, proceeding with the approved risk response plan may not always be appropriate or acceptable, as the client may have valid reasons or new information to suggest a different workaround, and may escalate the issue or withdraw their support if their request is ignored or dismissed. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, pages 9-10, 15-16, 25-26, 35-36, 49-50, 59-60, 69-70.

According to the PMBOK Guide, a root cause analysis is a technique that involves identifying the underlying causes of problems or issues in a project. A root cause analysis can help the project manager and the team to understand the factors that contribute to the negative group behaviors and the lack of motivation and productivity. By conducting a root cause analysis session, the project manager can facilitate a collaborative problem-solving process that involves asking why the problem occurred, finding the root causes, and developing corrective actions to address them. A root cause analysis can also help to improve the team’s communication, trust, and morale, as well as the project’s quality, risk, and stakeholder management. Defining and analyzing performance metrics, escalating poor performance to functional managers, or updating the stakeholder engagement plan are not effective actions for improving the project team’s performance, as they do not address the root causes of the problem, and may create more resentment, frustration, or conflict among the team members. References: PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition, pages 176, 558; PMI-PBA Guide, First Edition, pages 87, 102.

Improving organizational readiness by addressing impediments to agile in the organization is a useful strategy to effectively help prepare the organization for this change, because it can help to create a supportive and conducive environment for agile adoption. Impediments to agile can include cultural, structural, procedural, or technical barriers that prevent or hinder the implementation of agile principles and practices. By identifying and addressing these impediments, the organization can reduce resistance, increase alignment, and foster collaboration among the stakeholders involved in the change. Some examples of addressing impediments to agile are: providing training and coaching on agile methods and mindsets, creating cross-functional and self-organizing teams, streamlining processes and workflows, and adopting agile tools and techniques. The other options are not useful strategies to effectively help prepare the organization for this change, because they may not address the underlying challenges or opportunities of agile adoption, or they may create more problems or risks. Creating a task force of executives who will monitor agile projects on a daily basis may not be effective, because it may imply a top-down and controlling approach that contradicts the agile values of trust, empowerment, and feedback. Adding multiple layers of managers who will be accountable for the agile execution may not be beneficial, because it may create bureaucracy, silos, and conflicts that hamper the agile delivery and responsiveness. Taking a big bang approach of moving the whole organization to agile at once may not be feasible or desirable, because it may overwhelm the organization with too much change and uncertainty, and it may not account for the different needs and readiness of different parts of the organization. References: Agile Change Management - Project Management Institute, How to Overcome the Top 5 Impediments to Agile Transformation, How to Prepare Your Organization for Agile Transformation

The project manager should submit a change request to update the scope of work, the schedule, and the budget to accommodate the missing deliverable. A change request is a formal proposal to modify any aspect of the project, such as the scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, or risks. A change request must be documented, reviewed, approved, and communicated by following the change control process. The change control process is part of the perform integrated change control process, which is one of the processes in the project integration management knowledge area. By submitting a change request, the project manager can ensure that the missing deliverable is properly identified, analyzed, and integrated into the project plan, and that the impact on the project objectives and constraints is minimized. The other options are not correct. Adding additional resources to the project may not solve the problem of the missing deliverable, and it may also introduce new risks, costs, and communication issues. Updating the scope of work without submitting a change request may lead to scope creep, which is the uncontrolled expansion of the project scope without proper authorization and approval. Reviewing the risk management plan may help to identify and mitigate any potential risks related to the missing deliverable, but it does not address the root cause of the problem or the impact on the project plan. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Chapter 4.6, 5.6, How to Manage Change Requests on a Project - PMI

According to the PMI Guide to Business Analysis, one of the key competencies of a business analyst is to facilitate collaboration and teamwork among stakeholders. This includes building trust, rapport, and respect among team members, as well as fostering a positive and supportive work environment. The guide also states that “team morale is influenced by the business analyst’s ability to communicate effectively, manage conflict, and motivate others” (p. 41).

One of the ways to build team connections and emotional bonds is to use emotional intelligence, which is defined as “the ability to perceive, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others” (p. 42). Emotional intelligence can help the business analyst to:

Recognize and acknowledge the feelings and perspectives of team members, especially when they are affected by a change or a loss

Express appreciation and gratitude for the contributions and achievements of team members

Provide constructive feedback and coaching to help team members improve their performance and skills

Encourage team members to share their ideas, opinions, and concerns, and listen actively and empathetically

Resolve conflicts and disagreements in a respectful and collaborative manner

Celebrate successes and milestones, and recognize the efforts and challenges of the team

By building team connections and emotional bonds, the business analyst can help to improve team morale and teamwork, as well as increase team engagement, commitment, and productivity.

According to the PMBOK Guide, a product backlog is an ordered list of requirements that a project team maintains for a product. It consists of features, functions, requirements, enhancements, and fixes that need to be delivered by the project. The product backlog is the single source of truth for what the project team will work on.

The PMI Guide to Business Analysis states that one of the key competencies of a business analyst is to elicit, analyze, and manage requirements that deliver value to stakeholders. The business analyst is also responsible for ensuring that the requirements are aligned with the business needs and objectives, and that they are prioritized and validated.

Therefore, to avoid the perception that the project did not add any business value, the project manager should have defined the product backlog priorities with the sponsor and key stakeholders to deliver business benefits. The project manager should have:

Engaged the sponsor and key stakeholders in the project initiation and planning phases, and clarified the project scope, objectives, and expected outcomes

Collaborated with the business analyst and the product owner to elicit, analyze, and manage the requirements that address the stakeholder needs and expectations

Established a clear and transparent prioritization criteria for the product backlog items, based on the business value, urgency, risk, dependency, and complexity

Involved the sponsor and key stakeholders in the prioritization and validation process, and obtained their agreement and approval on the product backlog

Communicated the product backlog priorities and changes to the project team and other stakeholders, and ensured their understanding and alignment

Reviewed and refined the product backlog regularly, and adapted to changing business needs and feedback

By defining the product backlog priorities with the sponsor and key stakeholders to deliver business benefits, the project manager can:

Ensure that the project delivers the most valuable and relevant features and functions to the customer

Increase the stakeholder satisfaction and engagement, and build trust and rapport

Reduce the waste and rework, and optimize the project resources and time

Enhance the quality and usability of the product, and increase the customer loyalty and retention

Demonstrate the business value and impact of the project, and celebrate the success and achievements

According to the PMBOK Guide, an adaptive approach in project management is one that responds to changes and uncertainties in the project environment. Adaptive tools are techniques that enable project managers to plan and execute projects in an iterative and flexible way. Some examples of adaptive tools are agile methods, scrum, kanban, and lean. However, not all projects are suitable for using adaptive tools, and some stakeholders may have different expectations and preferences regarding the project management approach. Therefore, before implementing adaptive tools in a project, the project manager should conduct individual interviews with key stakeholders to understand their concerns, needs, and expectations. This will help the project manager to identify the level of stakeholder engagement, the degree of change tolerance, and the potential risks and benefits of using adaptive tools. Based on the information gathered from the interviews, the project manager should then prepare a communications management plan that defines how the project information will be communicated to the stakeholders, including the frequency, format, and content of the communication. The communications management plan should also include a feedback mechanism that allows the stakeholders to provide their input and feedback throughout the project lifecycle. This will help the project manager to manage the stakeholder expectations, address the stakeholder concerns, and ensure the stakeholder satisfaction with the project outcomes. References:

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 2: Project Performance Domains, Section 2.1: Project Delivery Approach, pp. 23-251

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 3: Project Management Principles, Section 3.5: Engage Stakeholders, pp. 41-421

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 4: Tailoring, Section 4.2: Tailoring Considerations, pp. 51-531

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 8: Communications, Section 8.2: Plan Communications, pp. 123-1251

Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Handbook, Section 5: Exam Content Outline, Domain 2: Planning, Task 2.3: Develop a communication management plan, pp. 21-222

The project manager should initiate the change request to modify the scope and adjust the timelines. This is because the project manager is responsible for managing the project scope and ensuring that the project delivers the agreed outcomes within the approved budget and schedule. When the project manager encounters scope changes and a delay in the delivery of critical tasks, they should follow the change management process as defined in the project management plan. This process involves initiating a change request that describes the proposed changes, their impact, and their justification. The change request should then be submitted to the appropriate authority, such as the change control board or the steering committee, for review and approval. The project manager should also update the project documents, such as the scope baseline, the schedule baseline, and the cost baseline, to reflect the approved changes. The project manager should communicate the changes and their implications to the relevant stakeholders, such as the project team, the PMO, the sponsor, and the customer. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 4.6, page 115, PMP Exam Prep, 10th edition, page 180

According to the PMBOK guide, one of the principles of agile project management is to empower the team to self-organize and make decisions about how to best accomplish their work. Self-organizing teams are more likely to be motivated, creative, and productive, as they have a sense of ownership and autonomy over their work. Self-organizing teams also have the ability to inspect and adapt their processes and practices based on feedback and learning. Therefore, when a team faces recurring issues, the project lead should not intervene or impose solutions, but rather facilitate the team’s reflection and improvement. The project lead can use techniques such as retrospectives, which are meetings where the team reviews their performance and identifies what went well, what did not go well, and what actions they can take to improve. The project lead can also help the team to update their team working agreement, which is a document that defines the team’s norms, values, and expectations. A team working agreement can help the team to align on their goals, roles, responsibilities, and communication methods, as well as to resolve conflicts and issues. The project lead should not notify senior management, challenge the team, or post the agreements, as these actions may undermine the team’s trust, autonomy, and accountability. References:

PMBOK guide, page 18, section 1.2.3, Agile Considerations in Project Management

PMBOK guide, page 437, section 11.2.2.3, Meetings

Creating a Team Working Agreement

 The project manager is responsible for ensuring that the project’s lessons learned are captured, documented, and stored in the lessons learned register. The lessons learned register is a project document that records the knowledge gained from the project activities and processes, and that can be used in the current project and entered into the lessons learned repository for future projects12. The project manager should take ownership of documenting the occurrence that the SME identified, as it is part of the project manager’s role to facilitate the lessons learned process and to encourage the project team and other stakeholders to share their experiences and feedback. The project manager should also verify the accuracy and completeness of the information, and ensure that it is relevant and useful for the project and the organization. The project manager should update the lessons learned register throughout the project, not only at the end, as this allows the project team to learn and improve continuously. This is part of the Manage Project Knowledge process, which aims to use existing knowledge and create new knowledge to achieve the project objectives and contribute to organizational learning13. The other options are not the best choices because they do not reflect the project manager’s accountability and leadership for the lessons learned process. Assigning the documenting task to a project team member (option A) may delegate the project manager’s responsibility and reduce the project manager’s involvement and oversight of the lessons learned process. Asking the SME to document and capture the occurrence (option B) may shift the burden to the SME and discourage the SME from sharing more information and insights. Requesting the SME to wait until the project closure phase (option C) may delay the documentation and dissemination of the valuable knowledge and prevent the project team from applying it in the current project. References:

Project Management Professional (PMP) Reference Materials:

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 4: Project Integration Management, pp. 71-123

Lessons learned - Project Management Institute

Project Knowledge Management According to the PMBOK

Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Reference Materials:

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 6: Traceability and Monitoring, pp. 97-98

Lessons learned - Project Management Institute

Technical debt is the term used to describe the consequences of poor quality or incomplete work in software development projects. It refers to the implied cost of rework or maintenance that will be required in the future due to skipping or compromising on testing, documentation, design, or other best practices. Technical debt can negatively affect the project velocity, quality, performance, reliability, security, and customer satisfaction. According to the Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials1, technical debt can be classified into four types:

Deliberate and reckless: This is when the team intentionally chooses to skip testing or other quality measures, knowing that it will create problems later, but without a plan to address them. This is the most harmful type of technical debt, as it can lead to major defects, failures, or breaches that can jeopardize the project or the organization.

Deliberate and prudent: This is when the team intentionally chooses to skip testing or other quality measures, knowing that it will create problems later, but with a plan to address them as soon as possible. This is a common type of technical debt, as it can help the team meet urgent deadlines, deliver minimum viable products, or respond to changing requirements. However, this type of technical debt still requires careful management and prioritization, as it can accumulate over time and become unmanageable.

Inadvertent and reckless: This is when the team unintentionally creates technical debt due to lack of skills, knowledge, or experience, and without realizing the impact of their actions. This is a dangerous type of technical debt, as it can result in poor quality products, low customer satisfaction, and high maintenance costs. This type of technical debt can be prevented by investing in training, coaching, mentoring, and peer reviews.

Inadvertent and prudent: This is when the team unintentionally creates technical debt due to unavoidable factors, such as evolving technologies, standards, or customer needs, and with a plan to address them as part of continuous improvement. This is an inevitable type of technical debt, as it reflects the dynamic nature of software development. This type of technical debt can be managed by adopting agile practices, such as frequent feedback, retrospectives, and refactoring.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Increased technical debt. By skipping testing, the project manager and the team are creating deliberate and reckless technical debt, which can have severe consequences for the project and the organization. The project manager will need to focus on identifying, measuring, and reducing the technical debt as soon as possible, and avoid making such decisions in the future.

 Lessons learned are the documented information that reflects both the positive and negative experiences of a project. They help project managers and teams to learn from their successes and failures, and to apply that knowledge to improve current and future projects. Reviewing the lessons learned from the previous project is a good practice for the project manager to do before initiating a new project, especially if the new project is similar or related to the previous one. By reviewing the lessons learned, the project manager can identify what worked well and what did not work well in the previous project, and use that information to plan, execute, monitor, and control the new project more effectively and efficiently. The project manager can also avoid repeating the same mistakes, leverage the best practices, and incorporate the feedback and recommendations from the previous project stakeholders. This is part of the Develop Project Charter process, which aims to define the new project and authorize the project manager. The other options are not the best choices because they are not the first thing that the project manager should do before initiating a new project. Ensuring the stakeholder engagement plan is accurate and properly documented (option A) is an important activity, but it is done later in the planning phase, after the project charter is approved and the key stakeholders are identified. The stakeholder engagement plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how the project will communicate and interact with the stakeholders. Identifying the risk of implementing the new solution and evaluating the impact on the project (option C) is also an important activity, but it is done later in the planning phase, after the project scope, schedule, and cost are defined. The risk management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how the project will identify, analyze, prioritize, respond, and monitor the project risks. Creating a lessons learned document for the initiation phase (option D) is a good practice, but it is done at the end of the initiation phase, not at the beginning. The lessons learned document is a project document that records the knowledge gained from the project activities and processes. It is updated throughout the project and finalized at the end of the project. References:

Project Management Professional (PMP) Reference Materials:

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 4: Project Integration Management, pp. 71-123

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 13: Project Stakeholder Management, pp. 513-558

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Chapter 11: Project Risk Management, pp. 395-440

Lessons learned - Project Management Institute

Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Reference Materials:

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 2: Needs Assessment, pp. 25-40

Lessons learned - Project Management Institute

The project manager should first try to address the issue of team members not following the ground rules by scheduling a meeting with the project team to reinforce the ground rules. This is the most proactive and collaborative approach to resolve the problem and ensure team adherence to the ground rules. The project manager should also use this opportunity to listen to the team members’ feedback and concerns, and make any necessary adjustments to the ground rules to suit the project context and team dynamics. This is consistent with the agile principles of self-organizing teams, frequent communication, and continuous improvement. The other options are not the best choices, as they involve escalating the issue to external parties, such as the project sponsor, human resources, or the functional manager, without first trying to resolve it within the team. These options may also create a negative impact on the team morale, trust, and performance, and undermine the project manager’s leadership and authority. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, Chapter 9: Project Team Management, Section 9.2.2: Team Charter

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Chapter 5: Elicitation and Collaboration, Section 5.3.1: Ground Rules

Agile Practice Guide, Chapter 2: An Introduction to Agile, Section 2.3: Agile Teams

Expert judgment is a technique that uses the knowledge and experience of experts to identify risks in a project. Experts can be internal or external to the project team, and they can provide insights on the sources, causes, and effects of potential risks. Expert judgment can also help to assess the probability and impact of risks, as well as the appropriate responses to them. According to the PMBOK Guide, expert judgment is one of the tools and techniques for the Identify Risks process, which is part of the Project Risk Management knowledge area. The other tools and techniques are data gathering, data analysis, interpersonal and team skills, and prompt lists. The other options are not tools and techniques for the Identify Risks process, although they may be used in other risk management processes or activities. An analysis of shared risks between parties is a way of identifying common risks that affect multiple stakeholders or projects. A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a project or organization. A risk value assessment is a method of prioritizing risks based on their expected value, which is the product of their probability and impact. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 397-398, 419-420

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Handbook, page 9

Risk Identification in Project Management, section “PMP® Risk Identification Lifecycle”

Creating prototypes is a technique to elicit, analyze, and validate requirements by providing a working model of the expected product or service. Prototypes can help reduce ambiguity, resolve conflicts, and obtain feedback from the stakeholders and the development team. Prototypes can also facilitate communication and collaboration across different locations and cultures, and improve the quality and efficiency of the development process. By creating prototypes with the development team, the project manager can ensure that the client’s needs are understood and met, and that the rework and delays are minimized. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK® Guide, 6th edition, Section 5.2.2.4, p. 154

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Examination Content Outline, Domain II: Planning, Task 7, p. 9

Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide, Section 4.3.3, p. 93

I need to search the Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials study guide for a comprehensive and detailed explanation. References: I need to search the Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents for references.

However, based on the web search results from my internal tool, I can provide you with some possible hints and tips on how to approach this question.

One possible technique to prioritize product backlog items is the MoSCoW method, which stands for Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won’t have. This method helps to classify the items based on their value, urgency, and dependency. Product Backlog Explained [+ Examples] | Atlassian

Another possible technique is the Kano model, which categorizes the items based on how they satisfy the customer’s needs and expectations. The Kano model distinguishes between five types of items: Must be, One dimensional, Attractive, Performance, and Indifferent. 4 Product Backlog Prioritization Techniques That Work - Perforce Software

A third possible technique is the Cost of Delay, which measures the economic impact of delaying the delivery of an item. The Cost of Delay can be calculated by multiplying the value, urgency, and size of the item. The higher the Cost of Delay, the higher the priority. How To Do Backlog Prioritization Easily [Complete Guide] - Agile Digest

Following the stakeholder engagement plan is the best option for the project manager in this situation. The stakeholder engagement plan is a document that describes how the project manager will communicate with, manage the expectations of, and involve the stakeholders in the project decisions. By following this plan, the project manager can ensure that the decision about the new timeline is made in a transparent, collaborative, and timely manner, and that the stakeholders are informed and satisfied with the outcome. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK Guide, Seventh Edition, Section 13.2.3, “Stakeholder Engagement Plan”

Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Guide, Section 5.3.2, “Stakeholder Engagement”

According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 11.6, the project manager should monitor and control risks throughout the project life cycle, and update the risk register and other project documents as needed. The project manager should not assume that low-level risks are insignificant or that high-level risks are resolved permanently. The project manager should reevaluate the identified risks periodically and in response to triggering events, and reassess their probability, impact, priority, and response strategies. The project manager should also identify new risks, close risks that are no longer applicable, and communicate the risk status to stakeholders. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 11.6; PMP Practice Exam, question 68.

The attendance list is important because it is evidence that risk review meetings were held with the appropriate project team members, as this is a requirement of the risk management plan. The risk management plan defines how risk management activities will be performed, recorded, and monitored throughout the project, and it also identifies the roles and responsibilities of the project team members and stakeholders in relation to risk management. The attendance list shows who participated in the risk review meetings, which are periodic meetings to review and update the risk register, the risk response plan, and the risk metrics. The attendance list also helps to ensure that the risk review meetings are effective and efficient, as it allows the project manager to follow up with the attendees on their assigned actions and to communicate the results of the meetings to the relevant stakeholders. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 414: “The risk management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how risk management activities will be structured and performed.”

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 415: “The risk management plan should document the roles and responsibilities of individuals and groups for each risk management process, as well as their availability, competency, and authority levels.”

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 443: “Risk review meetings are held periodically to review and update the risk register, the risk response plan, and the risk metrics. The frequency of these meetings is determined by the project manager and the project team based on the project needs and the level of risk exposure.”

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 444: “The project manager should document the results of the risk review meetings and communicate them to the project team and other stakeholders as appropriate.”

 According to the PMBOK Guide, stakeholder involvement is a key factor for successful change management. Stakeholders are individuals or groups who can affect or be affected by the project outcomes. By involving stakeholders from all levels of the company, the project manager can ensure that everyone understands the need, benefits, and impacts of the change. This can help to reduce resistance, increase buy-in, and foster collaboration among the stakeholders. Additionally, by involving stakeholders early and often, the project manager can solicit their feedback, address their concerns, and incorporate their suggestions into the project plan. This can enhance the quality and acceptance of the project deliverables and outputs. Furthermore, by involving stakeholders from all levels of the company, the project manager can leverage their influence, expertise, and resources to support the project execution and implementation. This can improve the project performance and increase the likelihood of achieving the project objectives. References:

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 3: Project Management Principles, Section 3.5: Engage Stakeholders, pp. 41-421

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 9: Stakeholders, Section 9.1: Identify Stakeholders, pp. 137-1391

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 9: Stakeholders, Section 9.3: Engage Stakeholders, pp. 144-1451

Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Handbook, Section 5: Exam Content Outline, Domain 2: Planning, Task 2.4: Develop a stakeholder engagement plan, pp. 22-232

Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Handbook, Section 5: Exam Content Outline, Domain 3: Analysis, Task 3.1: Elicit and confirm information from relevant stakeholders, pp. 24-252

 According to the PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 13.1.1, “Stakeholder identification is the process of identifying the people, groups, or organizations that could impact or be impacted by a decision, activity, or outcome of the project, and analyzing and documenting relevant information regarding their interests, involvement, interdependencies, influence, and potential impact on project success.” Therefore, the project manager should conduct stakeholder identification and a project objectives review session, as this will help to ensure that the new key stakeholder is properly engaged and informed about the project scope and deliverables. Creating a change request and updating the scope management plan (option A) may not be necessary or appropriate, as the issue may not be related to the scope, but to the stakeholder’s expectations or understanding. Updating the stakeholder list and fixing the deliverables (option C) may not address the root cause of the issue, and may introduce unnecessary changes or rework. Updating the project management plan and lessons learned (option D) may be done later, after the issue is resolved and the stakeholder is satisfied. References:

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, section 13.1.1

PMI-PBA Exam Practice Test and Study Guide, 2nd edition, page 180, question 14

 According to the PMBOK® Guide, the issue log is a project document that records and tracks the issues that arise during a project and how they are resolved1. The change log is a project document that records all the changes that occur during a project, including their status, description, and impact2. The project manager should update these two documents as soon as possible to reflect the invoices with errors and the actions taken to correct them. The risk register is a project document that identifies and analyzes the project risks and their responses3, but it does not record the issues that have already occurred. The stakeholder register is a project document that identifies and classifies the project stakeholders and their requirements4, but it does not record the issues or changes that affect them. The backlog register is not a standard project document, but it may be used in agile projects to list the product features or user stories that need to be delivered, but it does not record the issues or changes that affect the product quality. References: 1: PMBOK® Guide, page 123; 2: PMBOK® Guide, page 122; 3: PMBOK® Guide, page 436; 4: PMBOK® Guide, page 513; : Agile Practice Guide, page 77

 According to the PMBOK Guide, the resource calendar is a component of the resource management plan that identifies the availability, capability, and skills of human resources, as well as the availability of physical resources. The resource calendar may be affected by various factors, such as organizational policies, holidays, vacations, and work shifts. If the project team members enroll in the work-from-home policy, the project manager should update the resource calendar to reflect their availability and working hours, as well as any potential impact on the project schedule, budget, quality, and risk. The project manager should not update the communication styles, roles and responsibilities, or stakeholder engagement plan, as these are not directly related to the change in the resource availability. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, pages 309-310, 313-314.

The project manager should use a collaborative or problem-solving strategy to resolve this conflict in the meeting. This strategy involves finding a solution that fully satisfies the concerns of both parties and results in a win-win outcome. The project manager should ensure that both managers understand the requirements and the impact of their contradiction on the project scope, quality, and schedule. The project manager should also facilitate a constructive dialogue between the managers and help them identify and evaluate alternative solutions that can meet the project objectives and satisfy the stakeholders. The project manager should avoid imposing a decision or favoring one side over the other, as this may lead to resentment, resistance, or further conflict.

Option A is not a good choice, because it does not address the root cause of the conflict or seek a resolution. It may also create confusion, ambiguity, or inconsistency in the project deliverable, as well as increase the project risk and complexity.

Option B is not a good choice, because it does not involve the managers in finding a solution or consider their interests and needs. It may also create dissatisfaction, frustration, or hostility among the managers, as well as affect the project quality and stakeholder satisfaction.

Option D is not a good choice, because it does not foster a cooperative or integrative approach to resolving the conflict. It may also create a competitive or adversarial atmosphere in the meeting, as well as ignore the non-monetary or intangible factors that may influence the managers’ preferences and expectations.

The project manager should inform the sponsor and document the request in the stakeholder engagement plan, as this is the best way to handle the situation without compromising the project scope, budget, or schedule. The sponsor can then decide how to deal with the key stakeholder’s request, and the project manager can update the stakeholder engagement plan accordingly. This will also help the project manager to maintain a positive relationship with the key stakeholder and avoid any potential conflicts or misunderstandings.

As a project manager of an agile team, one of your responsibilities is to facilitate team development and collaboration. Coaching is a technique that can help you achieve this goal. Coaching involves providing guidance, feedback, and support to the team members, both individually and collectively, to help them improve their performance, resolve conflicts, and learn from their experiences. Coaching can also help the team members develop their skills, self-confidence, and trust in each other. Coaching is not the same as directing, instructing, or micromanaging the team. Coaching is more about empowering the team to find their own solutions and take ownership of their work. Coaching is an ongoing process that should be done throughout the project, not just at the end of an iteration. Therefore, the best answer is D.

According to the PMBOK Guide, a project budget is the total projected costs needed to complete a project over a defined period of time. It’s used to estimate what the costs of the project will be for every phase of the project. To create a project budget, the project manager should first define the project scope and then create a cost breakdown structure, which allows them to pinpoint all the costs in a project. One of the methods to create a cost breakdown structure is to decompose the project into features, which are the deliverables or outputs that provide value to the customer or stakeholder. Each feature can be further decomposed into tasks or activities, which are the work packages that need to be performed to produce the feature. By breaking down the project into features and tasks, the project manager can estimate the cost for each task based on the resources, materials, and equipment required. One of the techniques to estimate the cost for each task is to use the velocity of the team, which is the rate at which the team can deliver value in a given time period. The velocity of the team can be measured by the number of features, tasks, or units of work that the team can complete in a fixed iteration or cycle. By multiplying the velocity of the team by the value of each feature or task, the project manager can obtain the estimate for each task. By adding up the estimates for all the tasks, the project manager can obtain the estimate for the whole project. This method of estimating the project budget is suitable for projects that use an adaptive or agile approach, where the scope, schedule, and cost are flexible and responsive to changes and uncertainties. By decomposing the project into features and using the velocity of the team, the project manager can prioritize the most valuable features and deliver them in short iterations, while adjusting the estimates as the project progresses. This can help the project manager to manage the project budget more effectively and efficiently. References:

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 2: Project Performance Domains, Section 2.1: Project Delivery Approach, pp. 23-251

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 4: Tailoring, Section 4.2: Tailoring Considerations, pp. 51-531

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 5: Scope, Section 5.2: Plan Scope, pp. 67-691

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 6: Schedule, Section 6.2: Plan Schedule, pp. 83-851

PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, Chapter 7: Cost, Section 7.2: Plan Cost, pp. 103-1051

How to Estimate Project Cost in 8 Steps (Accurately) - Toggl2

 The project manager should review the WBS dictionary, as this is a document that provides detailed information about each element in the work breakdown structure (WBS). The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the project scope into smaller and manageable components, called work packages. The WBS dictionary is a complementary document that describes the scope, deliverables, activities, resources, costs, risks, and quality requirements of each work package. The WBS dictionary helps the project manager and the project team to understand the work that needs to be done, and to avoid scope creep or ambiguity1. By reviewing the WBS dictionary, the project manager can identify what useful information is missing, and update it accordingly.

The other options, the project charter and scope statement, the requirements traceability matrix, and the business requirement documents (BRD), are not the best documents to review in this situation. The project charter and scope statement are high-level documents that define the project purpose, objectives, scope, deliverables, assumptions, constraints, and stakeholders. They do not provide detailed information about the work packages or the work breakdown structure2. The requirements traceability matrix is a document that links the project requirements to the project objectives, deliverables, and test cases. It helps to ensure that the project meets the stakeholder expectations and the business needs. It does not provide detailed information about the work packages or the work breakdown structure3. The business requirement documents (BRD) are documents that describe the business problem, the solution, and the benefits of the project. They do not provide detailed information about the work packages or the work breakdown structure4.

One of the principles of agile is to build projects around motivated individuals, give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done. Agile teams are expected to be self-organized, which means they can decide how to best accomplish their work, rather than being directed by others outside the team. Self-organization also implies that teams can inspect and adapt their own processes and practices, and continuously improve their performance and satisfaction. One of the key practices that enable self-organization and improvement is the retrospective, which is a regular meeting where the team reflects on what went well, what went wrong, and what can be done differently in the next iteration. A retrospective is a safe space for the team to share their feedback, concerns, and ideas, and to collaboratively come up with action items to address them. Therefore, if the project lead notices that the team is bored with their daily practices, the best course of action is to allow the team to self-organize and have them analyze the situation in their retrospective session and self correct. This way, the team can identify the root causes of their boredom, such as lack of challenge, variety, autonomy, or feedback, and propose solutions that suit their needs and preferences. The project lead can facilitate the retrospective and provide guidance and support, but should not impose any changes or solutions on the team, as this would undermine their self-organization and motivation. By allowing the team to self-organize and self correct, the project lead can foster a culture of trust, empowerment, and continuous learning within the team, and help them overcome their boredom and achieve higher levels of performance and satisfaction. References:

Agile Teams - Scaled Agile Framework

ProjectManagement.com - Beware the bored team member!

Mastering Agile Team Building: The Key to Enduring Success - Integrant

Fast-tracking is a schedule compression technique that involves performing activities in parallel that were originally planned to be done sequentially. This can reduce the overall project duration by overlapping the start and finish of different activities, but it also increases the risk of rework and errors due to dependencies and uncertainties. Fast-tracking is one of the tools and techniques for the Develop Schedule process, which is part of the Project Schedule Management knowledge area. The other tools and techniques are schedule network analysis, critical path method, critical chain method, resource optimization, data analysis, leads and lags, schedule compression, and project management information system. The other options are not schedule compression techniques, although they may be used in other project management processes or activities. Analyzing both projects to determine the most effective use of common resources is a way of managing multiple projects and optimizing resource allocation. Using resource optimization to justify requesting more resources for the critical project is a way of balancing the demand and supply of resources and resolving resource conflicts. Providing schedule optimization training to the project teams to improve their skills is a way of enhancing the team’s competencies and performance. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 201-202, 215-216, 718

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Handbook, page 9

5 Methods for Shortening A Project Schedule, section “Fast Tracking”

A procurement audit is a structured review of the procurement process and the contracts that were established with the suppliers. It evaluates the performance of the suppliers, the compliance with the contract terms and conditions, the quality of the deliverables, and the effectiveness of the procurement management. A procurement audit can help the project manager understand why there is an unexpected financial balance remaining at the end of the project, by identifying any errors, discrepancies, overpayments, or underpayments that occurred during the procurement process. A procurement audit can also provide recommendations for future improvements and lessons learned. The other options are not the best ways to understand why there is an unexpected financial balance remaining, because they may not focus on the procurement aspect of the project, or they may not provide enough detail or analysis to explain the cause of the issue. References: Project Procurement Management - PMBOK Guide, Procurement Audit - Project Management Knowledge

 According to the PMBOK® Guide 7th Edition, one of the principles of project management is to “focus on value”. This means that the project manager should deliver products, services, or results that meet the needs and expectations of the customer and other stakeholders. One of the ways to achieve this is to use an adaptive or agile approach, which allows for frequent feedback and collaboration with the customer. Working with the product owner to define the minimum viable product(s) (MVPs) is an example of an agile technique that helps to deliver value early and often, and to validate the customer’s requirements. MVPs are versions of the product that have enough features to satisfy the customer’s needs and provide feedback for future development. Therefore, this option is the best approach to remove the impediment of the customer’s unclear requirements. The other options are not as effective because they do not address the root cause of the problem, which is the lack of customer involvement and validation. Following a predictive approach may lead to delivering a product that does not meet the customer’s needs or expectations, and may result in rework or waste. Reinforcing the negotiation and soft skills of the team may help to improve the communication and relationship with the customer, but it does not ensure that the product will deliver value. Developing and monitoring a plan with due dates may help to manage the schedule, but it does not guarantee that the product will satisfy the customer’s requirements. References: : PMBOK® Guide 7th Edition, PMI, 2021, p. 9 : Agile Practice Guide, PMI, 2017, pp. 25-26

According to the PMBOK® Guide, one of the key skills of a project manager is to apply appropriate leadership styles to the needs and demands of various situations1. Leadership styles can range from directive to supportive, depending on the level of authority and involvement of the project manager1. Micromanagement is a type of directive leadership style that involves close supervision and control over the work of the team members2. While micromanagement may be suitable for some situations, such as when the team is new or inexperienced, it can be detrimental for others, such as when the team is senior or skilled2. Micromanagement can cause frustration, demotivation, and resentment among the team members, and hinder their performance and creativity23. Therefore, the project manager should adjust their management style to better fit senior team members, who may prefer more autonomy, trust, and feedback23. The project manager can use various techniques to adapt their management style, such as situational leadership, emotional intelligence, and coaching1 . References:

1: PMBOK® Guide – 4th Edition, Chapter 3: The Role of the Project Manager

2: Micromanager Definition: 25 Signs and How To Deal With One

3: What is micromanaging? 6 warning signs

: 4 Signs You’re a Micromanager in Your Projects

The servant leader’s role is to serve the team, and in this case, the best way to serve is to facilitate communication between the team member and the product owner. This will help the team member understand the requirement directly from the source and clarify any doubts or confusion. The other options may not address the root cause of the problem, which is the lack of understanding of the requirement. References: Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide, 6th Edition, Section 3.4: Role of the Project Manager

A high-visibility project with medium complexity requires careful time management to ensure that the project is delivered on schedule. The project manager should focus on planning, setting deadlines, and monitoring project progress1. Stakeholder engagement is also crucial in this scenario. The project manager needs to communicate effectively with all stakeholders to understand their expectations and keep them informed about the project’s progress23. This includes initiating regular status meetings and developing a clear communication protocol4. References: Coursera, The Digital Project Manager, Adobe, Project Central, Microsoft

In a situation where a project’s execution could impact a local community, particularly a school, it’s crucial for the project manager to ensure minimal disruption1. This can be achieved by liaising with the school to include nonworking project hours during school start and finish times1. This approach ensures that the project work does not interfere with the school’s operations, thus maintaining a smooth workflow for both the project and the school21. It’s also a demonstration of good project management practice, as it shows consideration for the project’s external stakeholders and their needs31. References: 

https://www.coursera.org/articles/project-management-lifecycle