PMP - Scope

A work breakdown structure numbering system allows the project team to:

• Systematically estimate costs of work breakdown structure elements
• Provide project justification
• Identify the level at which individual elements are found
• Use it in project management software

Answer explanation

The numbering system allows team members to quickly identify the level in the work breakdown structure where the specific element is found. It also helps to locate the element in the WBS dictionary

The work breakdown structure can BEST be thought of as an effective aid for _________ communications.

• Team
• Project manager
• Customer
• Stakeholder

Answer explanation

The term "stakeholder" encompasses all the other choices. In this case, it is the best answer since the WBS can be used (but does not need to be used) as a communications tool for all stakeholders to "see" what is included in the project

Which of the following is a KEY output of the Verify Scope process?

• A more complete scope management plan
• Customer acceptance of project deliverables
• Improved schedule estimates
• An improved project management information system

Answer explanation

The output of the Verify Scope process is customer acceptance of project deliverables. The other choices all happen during project planning, well before the time the Verify Scope process takes place

During project executing, a team member comes to the project manager because he is not sure what work he needs to accomplish on the project. Which of the following documents contain detailed descriptions of work packages?

• WBS dictionary
• Activity list
• Project scope statement
• Scope management plan

Answer explanation

Activity lists may identify the work package they relate to, but they do not contain detailed descriptions of the work packages. The project scope statement defines the project scope, but it does not describe the work a team member is assigned. The scope management plan describes how scope will be planned, managed, and controlled. It does not include a description of each work package. The WBS dictionary defines each element in the WBS

During which part of the project management process is the project scope statement created?

• Initiating
• Planning
• Executing
• Monitoring and controlling

Answer explanation

The project scope statement is an output of the Define Scope process, which occurs during project planning

The program was planned years ago, before there was a massive introduction of new technology. While planning the next project in this program, the project manager has expanded the scope management plan because, as a project becomes more complex, the level of uncertainty in the scope:

• Remains the same
• Decreases
• Decreases then increases
• Increases

Answer explanation

The level of uncertainty in scope increases based on the scale of effort required to identify all the scope. For larger projects, it is more difficult to "catch" everything

During a meeting with some of the project stakeholders, the project manager is asked to add work to the project scope. The project manager had access to correspondence about the project before the project charter was signed and remembers that the project sponsor specifically denied funding for the scope mentioned by these stakeholders. The BEST thing for the project manager to do is to:

• Let the sponsor know of the stakeholders' request
• Evaluate the impact of adding the scope
• Tell the stakeholders the scope cannot be added
• Add the work if there is time available in the project schedule

Answer explanation

Though one could let the sponsor know about the stakeholders' request, the best choice listed would be to say no. An even better choice would be to find the root cause of the problem, but that choice is not listed here

A new project manager is being mentored by a more experienced PMP-certified project manager. The new project manager is having difficulty finding enough time to manage the project because the product and project scope are being progressively elaborated. The PMP-certified project manager advises that the basic tools for project management, such as a work breakdown structure, can be used during project executing to assist the project manager. For which of the following can a work breakdown structure be used?

• Communicating with the customer
• Showing calendar dates for each work package
• Showing the functional managers for each team member
• Showing the business need for the project

Answer explanation

A WBS does not show dates or responsibility assignments. The business need is described in the project charter. In this situation, the product and project scope are being fine tuned. It would save the project manager time in effectively managing progressive elaboration if the WBS was used as a communications tool

During a project team meeting, a team member suggests an enhancement to the scope that is beyond the scope of the project charter. The project manager points out that the team needs to concentrate on completing all the work and only the work required. This is an example of:

• Change management process
• Scope management
• Quality analysis
• Scope decomposition

Answer explanation

The team member is suggesting an enhancement that is outside the scope of the project charter. Scope management involves focusing on doing the work and only the work in the project management plan that meets the objectives of the project charter

When should the Verify Scope process be done?

• At the end of the project
• At the beginning of the project
• At the end of each phase of the project
• During the planning processes

Answer explanation

The Verify Scope process occurs during project monitoring and controlling. It is done at the end of each project phase to get approval for phase deliverables, as well as at other points to get approval for interim deliverables