Question 1

Slack activity time is the difference between the early start and the late finish of a project activity time.

Accepted Answer

Slack time is the difference between the late start and early start or the late finish and early finish of a project activity, not the difference between the early start and late finish.

Question 2

One of the advantages of a functional project organizational structure is that a team member can work on several projects.

Accepted Answer

In a functional project organizational structure, team members are grouped by specialized functions (such as marketing, finance, HR, etc.) and can work on different projects within their respective functional areas. This allows for more flexibility and efficient allocation of resources.

Question 3

A matrix project structure is often referred to as a "skunkworks."
A pure project is nicknamed skunkworks.

Accepted Answer

A "skunkworks" refers to a small, autonomous group working on advanced or secret projects, not specifically tied to a matrix or pure project structure.

Question 4

A matrix project attempts to blend properties of functional and pure project structures.

Accepted Answer

A matrix project structure involves team members that report to both functional and project managers, combining aspects of both functional and pure project structures.

Question 5

Complex projects are often subdivided into a series of tasks that are typically configured to be not longer than several months in duration.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Complex projects are often divided into smaller tasks or sub-projects that are more manageable and easier to track. These tasks are typically configured to be completed within a few weeks to several months to ensure that the project stays on schedule and on budget.

Question 6

The second step in managing a project is writing the statement of work.

Accepted Answer

The second step in managing a project is typically creating a project charter or defining the project scope, not writing the statement of work. Writing the statement of work usually comes after the scope has been defined.

Question 7

A work breakdown structure is used in project management but it is not used when the critical path method is involved.

Accepted Answer

The work breakdown structure is actually used in conjunction with the critical path method to help organize and define the tasks needed to complete the project. It is used to break down the overall project into smaller, more manageable components, allowing for better scheduling, resource allocation and tracking of progress.

Question 8

An event unit package is a subdivision of a project.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An event unit package is a subdivision...

Question 9

The fact that organizations are flattening is one of the reasons that project management is important.

Accepted Answer

Flattening organizations mean there are fewer levels of hierarchy, which can lead to increased responsibility and autonomy for individuals. Therefore, effective project management becomes essential to ensure efficient task completion, communication, and coordination among team members.

Question 10

One of the disadvantages of a pure project organizational structure is that the project manager has full authority over the project.

Accepted Answer

In a pure project organizational structure, the project manager having full authority over the project is considered an advantage, as it allows for clear decision-making and accountability. A disadvantage might be the potential for duplication of resources or isolation from the rest of the organization.

Question 11

Project management can be defined as planning, directing, and controlling resources to meet the technical, cost, and time constraints of the project.

Accepted Answer

Project management involves planning, directing and controlling resources to achieve project objectives within the given constraints of technical, cost and time factors.

Question 12

Upper-level management must decide between pure, functional, and matrix structures as ways to organize projects.

Accepted Answer

Upper-level management is responsible for making decisions about organizational structures, including whether to use pure, functional, or matrix structures for projects.

Question 13

CPM is an abbreviation for critical path method.

Accepted Answer

CPM stands for critical path method, which is a project management technique used to identify the most critical tasks and ensure timely completion of a project.

Question 14

The critical path in a project is that sequence of activities that consume the longest amount of time in a project network of activities.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the definition of the critical path in a project network of activities.

Question 15

In CPM, the late start time estimate is the latest time you can start an activity and still keep the entire project on schedule.

Accepted Answer

This is correct, as the late start time is the latest possible start time for an activity to not delay the overall project schedule.

Question 16

A disadvantage of a matrix project organizational structure is that a project manager is held responsible for successful completion of the project.

Accepted Answer

In a matrix project organizational structure, the project manager shares responsibility with functional managers, which can lead to confusion and conflict over authority and accountability.

Question 17

A project may be defined as a series of related jobs directed toward some major output and requiring a significant period of time to perform.

Accepted Answer

This is a commonly accepted definition of a project.

Question 18

The critical path of activities in a project is the sequence of activities that form the shortest chain in a project network of activities.

Accepted Answer

The critical path is actually the longest duration path through a project's schedule, determining the shortest time in which the project can be completed.

Question 19

The Gantt chart is an example of a project control chart.

Accepted Answer

The Gantt chart is a type of project control chart that displays the tasks and schedule for a project. It is commonly used in project management to monitor and track progress.

Question 20

The critical path in a CPM analysis is always the shortest path through the network.

Accepted Answer

The critical path in a CPM analysis is not always the shortest path through the network. It is the longest path that determines the minimum amount of time required to complete the project. This path is identified by calculating the total duration of each path and selecting the path with the longest duration.

Quiz 4: Project Management