Question 1

If someone wants a system cheaply, quickly, and with a large scope, we can conclude:
A) That desire represents the three sides of the Project Triangle
B) This is normally not possible: you can usually only achieve two of those three objectives at a time.
C) Management might be providing an impossible goal.
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The Project Triangle, also known as the Triple Constraint, posits that among scope, cost, and time, typically only two can be optimized at the expense of the third. Therefore, wanting a system that is cheap, quick, and broad in scope is often unrealistic, making all the given options correct interpretations of this scenario.

Question 2

Integrating within the organization is a mechanism to manage project complexity, and includes frequent team meetings as an example.

Accepted Answer

Integrating within the organization, including frequent team meetings, helps manage project complexity by promoting communication and collaboration among team members.

Question 3

A research firm found that a majority of software projects are delivered late or over budget or simply fail to meet expectations.

Accepted Answer

This statement is supported by research and is generally accepted in the software industry.

Question 4

According to Brooks, adding extra personnel to a system project more often makes it later, not earlier.

Accepted Answer

Brooks' Law states that adding more people to a late software project will only make it later. This is because new members take time to get familiar with the project and get integrated with the team, thus increasing communication and coordination overhead. In addition, adding more people may also create more complexity and increase the need for management and coordination, which can further slow down progress.

Question 5

What is the name given to the department that develops project management skills, boosts efficiency for projects, and improves project delivery?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the name given to the...

Question 6

A system development life cycle
A) Assures us that as some systems die others are born in a sort of "circle of life."
B) Is a chain of events that count down to the demise of a system.
C) Illustrates the steps needed to go from one stage to another: for example, analysis to design to construction to implementation to operation to maintenance.
D) Specifies how to build a prototype quickly then improve on it.
E) Is a self-propelled ride at the "Technology Amusement Park" in San Francisco.

Accepted Answer

A system development life cycle (SDLC) is a structured approach to developing and maintaining a system, which includes steps such as analysis, design, construction, implementation, operation, and maintenance. It is a process that guides a project from its initial conception to its ultimate demise, and it ensures that all necessary steps are followed to create a successful system. SDLC is essential to manage the risks associated with developing a system and to ensure that the end product meets the users' requirements.

Question 7

Small projects that are low in complexity and low in clarity are low in risk.

Accepted Answer

Low complexity does not necessarily equate to low risk; projects with low clarity can have high risks due to uncertainties and unknowns.

Question 8

Strong project leadership can trade off against strong project management processes. That is, if the leader is not strong, then processes can be strengthened to make up for it. And if the processes are weak, a strong leader is needed.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. A strong project leader can compensate for weak processes and if the processes themselves are strong, then a strong project manager can help ensure success. However, it is always ideal to have strong leadership and strong processes in place for the best chance of success.

Question 9

To transform resources into profits, organizations combine two types of work - operations and ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of To transform resources into profits, organizations combine...

Question 10

The maintenance and review phase is the longest phase of the software development lifecycle.

Accepted Answer

The maintenance and review phase involves updating and improving the software based on feedback and changes in requirements, which can continue indefinitely. This makes it the longest phase of the software development lifecycle.

Question 11

In calling something a "project," the issues of uniqueness and temporariness are very important.

Accepted Answer

A project is a unique and temporary endeavor that is designed to achieve specific objectives within a given timeframe. Therefore, both the concepts of uniqueness and temporariness are crucial in defining a project.

Question 12

These are the individuals and organizations that are involved in or may be affected by a given project.

Accepted Answer

The answer of These are the individuals and organizations that...

Question 13

67% of projects fail, if you define success by:
A) Being on or under budget
B) Meeting performance criteria
C) Being completed on time
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The question defines success by multiple factors such as being on or under budget, meeting performance criteria, and being completed on time. Therefore, the best choice would be D, which is "All of the above."

Question 14

Adding more people to a project can be helpful, but most projects are not made more efficient by simply adding labor.

Accepted Answer

Simply adding labor may increase the number of hands working on the project, but it may also increase the time needed for coordination, communication, and integration of the work done by each person. The most efficient way to manage a project is to carefully plan the workload, allocate resources, and make sure that each team member has a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities.

Question 15

The riskiest approach to system implementation is a parallel conversion.

Accepted Answer

Parallel conversion is considered one of the safer approaches to system implementation because the old and new systems run simultaneously for a period, reducing the risk of data loss or system failure.

Question 16

Open source software is free but often an organization will have to pay for training and technical support for the software.

Accepted Answer

Open source software is indeed free to use, but organizations may require training and technical support to effectively utilize the software, and this may come at a cost.

Question 17

To support a common language and improve communication, a project manager should develop a private collection of acronyms and make frequent use of them.

Accepted Answer

While acronyms can be useful in certain contexts, relying too heavily on them can create confusion and may hinder communication with team members or stakeholders who are unfamiliar with the terms. It's better to use clear, concise language that everyone can understand.

Question 18

A project is a permanent endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service.

Accepted Answer

A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.

Question 19

This is the term used to describe what happens when a project's scope increases after it has started.

Accepted Answer

The answer of This is the term used to describe...

Question 20

Prototyping and RAD can be used to minimize problems of defining a scope that is too broad or narrow at the beginning of a project.

Accepted Answer

Prototyping and RAD (Rapid Application Development) allow for iterative development and testing, which can help to refine and adjust the scope of a project as needed. This can help to avoid the problems caused by a scope that is either too broad or too narrow at the outset of the project.

Quiz 12: Managing IT Projects

If someone wants a system cheaply, quickly, and with a large scope, we can conclude: