PMQ

Question 1

Explain 3 differences between functional and matrix organisational structures

Answer 1

Resourcing
Project Mgt
Employees

Question 2

Describe 3 functions of a PMO?

Answer 2

Deployment Support
Process Improvement

Question 3

Explain 2 differences in responsibility of PM & Sponsor in Deployment phase of a project?

Answer 3

Change control
Gate decisions

Question 4

Explain 2 differences between responsibilities of PM & Sponsor in Definition phase

Answer 4

Reporting
Resources

Question 5

Explain 2 ways OBS is used to create a responsibility assignment matrix

Answer 5

OBS shows team roles and allocations
OBS shows governance

Question 6

Explain 2 benefits of an embedded PMO?

Answer 6

Admin support
Tailored support

Question 7

Explain 2 benefits of Hub and Spoke PMO?

Answer 7

Tailored support whilst maintaining portfolio wide perspective
Support senior mgt with governance through global reporting

Question 8

Explain 2 reasons why projects are structured in phases in linear lifecycle?

Answer 8

Support governance
Easier to manage

Question 9

Explain 3 reasons why a project may close early?

Answer 9

No longer viable
Product failure due to technical reasons
Change in requirements
Resources not being available
Force Majeure

Question 10

Explain 2 differences between project & extended lifecycle?

Answer 10

Project delivers product whereas extended realises the benefits
Roles & responsibilities involved

Question 11

Outline 4 ways knowledge & info can inform decision making in a project

Answer 11

1) Supporting gate decisions
2) Gathering information to anticipate changes
3) Avoiding mistakes
4) Actions in response to data

Question 12

Explain 3 differences between linear & iterative lifecycles?

Answer 12

No of passes through lifecycle phases
Length of time to release benefits
Level of uncertainty in the outputs

Question 13

State 4 factors that can affect communication

Answer 13

-ve - Use of Jargon
-ve - Medium of Communication
+ve - Right person
-ve - Time zones/Geography

Question 14

Explain 3 benefits of a communication plan?

Answer 14

Increase effectiveness of communication
Supports stakeholder engagement
Increase efficiency and ease of communication

Question 15

Explain two differences between using multiple suppliers and single suppliers?

Answer 15

Procurement and mgt of single supplier is simple and multiple is more complex

Control and risk over the supply chain

Question 16

Explain 3 reasons why a project should use a robust supplier selection process

Answer 16

Ensure best supplier is identified

Ensure make or buy in is considered

Protect project from unnecessary risk

Question 17

Explain 3 stages of a supplier selection process

Answer 17

Pre qualification
Tendering/Bidding
Evaluation of Bids
Negotiation and contract award

Question 18

Explain 3 differences between permanent and temporary structures

Answer 18

Temp funded through BC, where Perm funded through annual budget

Temp generate outputs, perm use outputs to realise benefits

Temp form teams for projects and disband, perm have consistent and well established teams

Question 19

Explain why progress against schedule is reported on

Answer 19

Understand if ahead or behind
Determine action to bring back on track
Implement change process if scope requires adjustment
Re-estimation of completion
Manage stakeholder expectations

Question 20

Explain by actual spend against planned spend is reported on

Answer 20

See if money being spent as baseline plan
Re-estimate final cost
Inform sponsor - decision re viability
Allows potential reallocation of resource
Flag up problems with cash flow