MSBP#3 24/09

A project manager is struggling to set clear objectives for a new software development project. The team is unsure about the project's direction. What should the project manager focus on first?

• Developing a detailed project schedule

• Creating S.M.A.R.T objectives aligned with the project aim

• Assigning tasks to team members

• Conducting a risk assessment

Answer explanation

The project manager should first create S.M.A.R.T objectives aligned with the project aim. This provides clear direction and measurable goals, ensuring the team understands the project's purpose before moving on to scheduling or task assignments.

The construction project team realizes they've built an exact replica of the Taj Mahal instead of the planned shopping mall. The stakeholders, a mix of bewildered local politicians and eccentric businessmen reminiscent of Jagathy Sreekumar and Innocent, stand slack-jawed at the site. As chaos ensues, with workers running around like a Priyadarshan climax scene, it becomes clear that in the planning phase, they overlooked the critical step of actually defining the project scope and _.

A software development team is consistently delivering features that don't meet user expectations, despite following the project plan. What aspect of project management needs immediate attention?

• Stakeholder communication

• Resource allocation

• Quality assurance processes

• Risk management

Answer explanation

The team is delivering features that don't meet user expectations, indicating a failure in quality assurance processes. Improving these processes will help ensure that the features align with user needs and expectations.

The project to modernize Thrissur Pooram hits a snag when the team, led by contractor Kottayam Kunjachan, discovers the new high-tech elephant costumes are allergic to fireworks. As news spreads, causing more drama than a Mammootty-Suresh Gopi face-off, chaos erupts faster than a Dileep comedy sequence. Local politicians argue like a heated Asianet News debate, while traditionalists protest louder than percussion at Tripunithura temple. Amidst the mayhem, our hero realizes that a comprehensive _ identification and planning could have prevented this jumbo-sized fiasco.

At Malabar Tech, project manager Ravi feels like he's trapped in "Manichitrathazhu." What started as a smooth project is now spiraling into resistance. The stakeholders, once supportive like Ganga in her calm moments, have now turned into Nagavalli, pushing back on every decision. Ravi knows if this continues, the project could end up like an unsolved mystery. What strategy should Ravi adopt to manage the growing resistance and win back the stakeholders' support before his project becomes a full-fledged nightmare? Ans: Develop a tailored _(1) plan for different _(2) groups

A project is consistently falling behind schedule due to unexpected resource shortages.

What tool could have helped prevent this issue?

• Gantt Chart

• Work Breakdown Structure

• SWOT Analysis

• Stakeholder Register

Answer explanation

A Gantt Chart visually represents project timelines and resource allocation. By using it, the project manager could have identified potential resource shortages early, allowing for adjustments to the schedule or resource planning.

A project manager needs to gather detailed insights about user experiences with a new product.

Which research method would be most appropriate?

• Quantitative surveys

• Secondary research

• In-depth interviews

• Observation of public behavior

Answer explanation

In-depth interviews are ideal for gathering detailed insights about user experiences, allowing for open-ended questions and deeper understanding, unlike quantitative surveys or secondary research which provide less depth.

A project team needs to quickly understand market trends for a new product launch.

Which research approach would be most efficient?

• Conducting focus groups

• Analyzing existing market reports

• Developing a new survey

• Performing field experiments

Answer explanation

Analyzing existing market reports is the most efficient approach as it provides quick access to relevant data and insights on market trends, saving time compared to conducting focus groups, surveys, or field experiments.

A project requires feedback from a large, diverse user base, but resources are limited.

Which sampling technique should be used?

• Convenience sampling

• Stratified random sampling

• Cluster sampling

• Quota sampling

Answer explanation

Stratified random sampling is ideal for obtaining feedback from a diverse user base, as it ensures representation from different subgroups. This method balances the need for diversity with limited resources.

At KeralaTech, project manager Thomas feels like he's stuck in "Ramji Rao Speaking"—everyone’s talking, but nothing’s getting done! Tasks are floating around like Sreenivasan’s misplaced bank files, and tracking progress is as messy as a Jagathy scheme. Developers blame designers, designers blame deadlines, and Thomas watches as chaos unfolds like a comedy of errors.

What tool should Thomas implement to bring order to this confusion, allocate tasks clearly, and track progress before his project ends up like a classic Priyadarshan comedy?