PMBOK Chapter 9 - Project Human Resource Management

Question 1

Project Resource Management

Answer 1

includes the processes to identify, acquire, and manage the resources needed for the successful completion of the project.

Question 2

Plan Resource Management (process)

Answer 2

the process of defining how to estimate, acquire, manage and utilize physical and team resources

Question 3

Acquire Resources (process)

Answer 3

the process obtaining team members, facilities, equipment, materials, supplies, and other resources necessary to complete project work

Question 4

Develop Project Team (process)

Answer 4

the process of improving competencies, team member interaction, and overall team environment to enhance project performance

Question 5

Manage Project Team (process)

Answer 5

the process of tracking team members performance, providing feedback, resolving issues, and managing changes to optimize project performance

Question 6

What are hierarchical-type charts?

Answer 6

(organization charts and position description) the traditional organization chart structure can be used to show positions and relationships in a graphical, top-down format

Examples: WBS, OBS (organizational breakdown structure), and RBS (Resource Breakdown Structure)

Question 7

What are matrix-based charts?

Answer 7

(organization charts and position description) responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) is a grid that shows the project resources assigned to each work package

Question 8

What are text-oriented formats?

Answer 8

(organization charts and position description) team member responsibilities that require detailed descriptions can be specified in text-oriented formats.

Question 9

What is networking?

Answer 9

the formal and informal interaction with others in an organization, industry, or professional environment

Question 10

What is organizational theory?

Answer 10

provides information regarding the way in which people, teams and organizational units behave

Question 11

What is pre-assignment?

Answer 11

when project team members are selected in advance

Question 12

What is negotiation?

Answer 12

staff assignments are negotiated on many projects.

Question 13

What is acquisition?

Answer 13

when the performing organization is unable to provide the staff needed to complete a project, the required services may be acquired from outside sources

Question 14

What is multi-criteria decision analysis?

Answer 14

selection criteria are often used as a part of acquiring the project team.

Question 15

What are project staff assignments?

Answer 15

the documentation of these assignments can include a project team directory, memos to team members, and names inserted into other parts of the project management plan

Question 16

What are interpersonal skills?

Answer 16

behavioral competencies that include proficiencies such as communication skills, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, negotiation, influence, etc

Question 17

What is training?

Answer 17

includes all activities designed to enhance the competencies of the project team members

Question 18

What are team-building activities?

Answer 18

can vary from a 5-minute agenda item in a status review meeting to an off-site, professionally facilitated experience designed to improve interpersonal relationships

Question 19

What are ground rules?

Answer 19

establish clear expectations regarding acceptable behavior by project team members

Question 20

What is colocation?

Answer 20

also referred to as “tight matrix”, involves placing many or all of the most active project team members in the same physical location to enhance their ability to perform as a team

Question 21

What is recognition and rewards?

Answer 21

part of the team development process involves recognizing and rewarding desirable behavior

Question 22

What are personnel assessment tools?

Answer 22

give the project manager and the project team insight into areas of strength and weakness

Question 23

What are team performance assessments?

Answer 23

effective team development strategies and activities are expected to increase the team’s performance, which increases the likelihood of meeting project objectives

Question 24

Five general techniques for resolving conflict:

Answer 24

1) Withdraw / Avoid - retreating from an actual or potential conflict situation; postponing the issue to be better prepared or to be resolved by others
2) Smooth/Accommodate - emphasizing areas of agreement rather than areas of difference; conceding one’s position to the needs of others to maintain harmony and relationships
3) Compromise / Reconcile - searching for solutions that bring some degree of satisfaction to all parties in order to temporarily or partially resolve the conflict
4) Force / Direct - pushing one’s viewpoint at the expense of others; offering only win-lose solutions, usually enforced
5) Collaborate / Problem Solve - incorporating multiple viewpoints and insights from differing perspectives; requires a cooperative attitude and open dialogue that typically leads to consensus and commitment

Question 25

Estimate Activity Resources (process)

Answer 25

the process of estimating team resources and the type and quantities of material, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform project work

Question 26

What is Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS)?

Answer 26

arranged according to an organization’s existing departments, units, or teams, with the project activities or work packages listed under each department

Question 27

What is Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS)?

Answer 27

a hierarchical list of teams and physical resources related by category and resource type that is used for planning, managing, and controlling project work

Question 28

What is the resource management plan?

Answer 28

the component of the project management plan that provides guidance on how project resources should be categorized, allocated, managed, and released

Question 29

What is a resource calendar?

Answer 29

identifies the working days, shifts, start and end of normal business hours, weekends, and public holidays when each specific resource is available. Specifies when, and for how long, team and physical resources will be available during the project.