CAPM Practice Questions: Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies Domain

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Analogous Estimating uses historical data from similar projects to predict future costs. Bottom-Up Estimating involves detailed estimates for individual components. Parametric Estimating uses statistical relationships. Three-Point Estimating considers optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely scenarios.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Gantt charts are primarily used to visualize the project schedule, showing the start and finish dates of project elements (PMBOK® 7th Edition, Chapter 6). Option A is incorrect as Gantt charts do not identify risks. Option C is incorrect because scope definition is part of scope management, not schedule visualization. Option D is incorrect as cost estimation is not a function of Gantt charts.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The primary purpose of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is to decompose the project deliverables into smaller, more manageable components, which helps in organizing and defining the total scope of the project. Option C is correct as it aligns with the purpose of a WBS. Option A is incorrect as defining activities is part of schedule management, not the WBS. Option B is incorrect because a communication plan is separate from the WBS. Option D is incorrect as creating a timeline is part of scheduling, not WBS creation. (Reference: PMBOK® Guide 7th Edition, Work Breakdown Structure)

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is crucial for developing the project schedule as it breaks down the project deliverables into manageable components. This allows for an accurate estimation of time and resources needed. Options A and B are not directly used for scheduling, and D is related to risk management. Refer to PMBOK® 7th Edition.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: The Critical Path Method (CPM) is used to determine the longest path of dependent activities and helps to identify the minimum project duration. Expert Judgment (B) is useful for decision-making but does not sequence activities. Resource Leveling (C) is used to address resource constraints, not sequencing. Monte Carlo Simulation (D) is a risk analysis tool, not a scheduling technique. Reference: PMBOK® 7th Edition, Project Schedule Management.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Requirements Traceability Matrix links requirements to their origin and tracks them throughout the project life cycle, ensuring deliverables meet requirements. The Project Charter (A) authorizes the project but does not track deliverables. The Scope Management Plan (B) outlines how scope will be managed but does not verify completion. The Work Breakdown Structure Dictionary (D) provides detailed deliverable descriptions but does not track completion. Reference: PMBOK® 7th Edition, Project Scope Management.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The key benefit of conducting a risk assessment is to identify and prioritize risks so they can be managed effectively, allowing the project team to focus on the most significant risks. This is critical in predictive methodologies to ensure project success. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe the benefits of risk assessment as per PMBOK® 7th Edition.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Control Quality involves monitoring and recording results of executing the quality management activities to assess performance and recommend necessary changes. Plan Quality Management (A) involves identifying quality requirements but not monitoring them. Perform Quality Assurance (C) focuses on auditing the quality requirements and results from quality control measurements. Manage Quality (D) involves translating the quality management plan into executable quality activities. (PMBOK® Guide 7th Edition, Section on Project Quality Management)

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: Three-Point Estimating is a technique used in predictive methodologies to estimate the duration of project activities by considering optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely scenarios. Monte Carlo Simulation is used for risk analysis, Earned Value Management is for tracking project performance, and Fishbone Diagrams are used for root cause analysis. (PMBOK® 7th Edition, Section 6.4)

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a technique used to determine the longest path through a project schedule, which identifies the minimum project duration. It does not involve risk identification, stakeholder engagement, or cost estimation. (PMBOK® 7th Edition, Section 6.5)