Question 1

The Integration Management knowledge area consists of the processes that coordinate all the various processes and activities contained in all five process groups-Initiate, Plan, Execute, Control, and Closing.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The Integration Management knowledge area is responsible for coordinating all the processes and activities in all five process groups.

Question 2

List and describe the steps in the integrated change control process.

Accepted Answer

The steps in the integrated change control process shown in Figure 11-1 are explained below:
Step 1. Create the RFC-Any person (the initiator) in the organization or another approved stakeholder can write a request for change (RFC). The RFC could also be written by a designated representative of an outsourcing partner. The completed form is sent to the designated change screener. The change screener can be more than one person but generally is just one person who has knowledge of the area affected by the change.
Step 2. Initial review RFC-The screener's first job is to make sure that the RFC is completely filled out, with all required information. If the RFC is not complete, it is returned to the initiator.
Step 3. Review and assign priority-The screener reviews the priority assignment suggested by the initiator to make sure it is accurate, based on his or her knowledge of the project and the initiator. Some individuals may submit all their requests with the highest priority and urgency, thinking this is the only way to get their issue passed.
Step 4. Review and assign category-The screener reviews the category assignment suggested by the initiator to make sure it is accurate, based on his or her knowledge of the project and the initiator.
Step 5. Update change log and schedule-An update is made to the master change control log, with all relevant information. Based on the priority and category of the change, it is scheduled for CAB review.
Step 6. Inform all of status-The screener is responsible for communicating all actions to the initiator, CAB, and other concerned stakeholders.
Step 7. Review changes-The CAB meets either in person or electronically to review any and all RFCs that have been scheduled for review:
• First, the CAB must determine whether it has the authority to make the change. If it does not, the RFC is elevated to the proper senior person(s).
• Second, the CAB reviews the change and has the option to do one of the following:
• Reject-The change, in its current form, will not be made.
• Approve-The change is scheduled, based on priority and category.
• Defer-The change is deferred to a later meeting.
• Analyze further-More information is needed about the change before a decision can be made.
• If rejected, the change is sent back to the initiator, with an explanation.
• If deferred, the change remains pending and is reviewed at a later meeting.
• If sent for further analysis, the change is sent back to the initiator with an explanation of needed information.
• If approved, the change is scheduled for incorporation into the project.
Step 8. Schedule change-When scheduled, the change is assigned to a change owner, who is the person responsible for making sure the change is made, tested, and communicated to the screener.
Step 9. Make change-Once the change is completed and verified, the screener updates the master change log accordingly.

Question 3

The organization and project manager must foster an environment that allows for the honest reporting of results.

Accepted Answer

It is important for the organization and project manager to create a culture of transparency and open communication where team members feel comfortable reporting honest results, even if they are not favorable. This helps the team identify and address issues and make data-driven decisions to improve project outcomes.

Question 4

List the types and examples of project work performance information used in monitoring and control.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List the types and examples of project...

Question 5

When you have a committee of leaders to review change requests, analyze the impacts, and make approve/deny decisions, those decisions tend to be respected by all parties, and the responsibility and stress are not levied on just one person.

Accepted Answer

Having a committee of leaders to review change requests and make decisions allows for a more collaborative and shared responsibility approach, which can lead to better decision making and less stress on one person.

Question 6

The monitoring and control process begins very early in the life of a project and overlaps all other processes.

Accepted Answer

The monitoring and control process starts in the planning phase and continues throughout the project's life, overlapping with all other processes.

Question 7

Define integrated change control and list its key activities.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define integrated change control and list its...

Question 8

To increase the chances for biased reporting, the process should be as automated as possible, and there needs to be a separation of responsibilities.

Accepted Answer

Automating the reporting process and creating a separation of responsibilities could actually decrease the likelihood of biased reporting. Introducing human oversight and checks and balances can help to catch and prevent biased reporting.

Question 9

What do the following acronyms stand for in relation to earned value: PV, BCWS, AC, ACWP, EV, ETC, EAC, BAC, CV, SV, CPI, SPI. Also, describe what each term or concept means (or the formula associated with it).

Accepted Answer

The answer of What do the following acronyms stand for...

Question 10

List at least five of some of the major sources of scope changes experienced on IT projects.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List at least five of some of...

Question 11

What is the difference between monitoring and control?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between monitoring and...

Question 12

Name and describe the four elements in the configuration management process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Name and describe the four elements in...

Question 13

List at least ten elements that should be included in the request for change (RFC).

Accepted Answer

The answer of List at least ten elements that should...

Question 14

Monitoring and control involves a set of processes from seven of the nine knowledge areas.

Accepted Answer

Monitoring and control involves processes from all of the ten knowledge areas, not just seven out of nine.

Question 15

Describe at least five benefits of using a formal integrated change control process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe at least five benefits of using...

Question 16

Daily raw numbers are related to resource time expended per task assignment, milestones achieved, cost information, and resource calendar updates.

Accepted Answer

Daily raw numbers can provide information on how much time and effort is being expended on each task assignment, which can help with tracking milestones, analyzing costs, and updating resource calendars.

Question 17

List and describe three tools a team can use to aid in making percentage complete estimates.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and describe three tools a team...

Question 18

Monitoring and control processes are used to measure and report progress; handle changes to scope, time, cost, and quality; manage risk mitigation strategies; and administer procurement contracts.

Accepted Answer

Monitoring and control processes are indeed used for those purposes in project management.

Question 19

The two represent the same functions: Monitoring is collecting and reporting information concerning previously defined project performance elements, and control uses the information supplied by the monitoring techniques in order to bring project actual results in line with stated project performance standards.

Accepted Answer

Monitoring and control are related but distinct functions. Monitoring involves collecting and reporting data on project performance, while control involves using that data to make adjustments to align actual results with project standards.

Question 20

With respect to monitoring and control, the following elements should have been defined during the execution phase of the project: the items to be monitored, who is assigned to monitor them, how the data will be collected, and the frequency of monitoring.

Accepted Answer

The answer of With respect to monitoring and control, the...

Quiz 11: Project Monitoring and Control, Part I