Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Upper level management plays a crucial role in deciding how projects will be structured and can choose between different organizational structures such as pure, functional, and matrix structures.

Question 2

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

Complex projects are often broken down into smaller, manageable tasks that can be completed within a few months, allowing for better coordination and control over the project's overall progress.

Question 3

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

The late start time estimate in CPM is the latest time an activity can start and still keep the project on schedule.

Question 4

CPM is an abbreviation for critical path method.

Accepted Answer

CPM stands for critical path method, which is a project management technique that helps in planning and scheduling project activities.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A matrix project structure is a hybrid structure that combines functional and pure project structures, allowing for more flexibility and a better ability to manage complex projects.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

A matrix project structure is a type of organizational structure that combines functional and project-based structures to optimize resources and knowledge sharing. The term "skunkworks" refers to a secret research and development project that operates outside of the traditional organizational structure, often used in the aerospace industry.

Question 7

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 8

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

Accepted Answer

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is often used in conjunction with the critical path method (CPM) to help break down the project into smaller, more manageable components. The WBS helps to identify all the tasks and activities that must be completed to achieve the project's objectives, while the CPM helps to determine the most critical tasks or activities that need to be completed to ensure the project is completed on time.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The Gantt chart is a widely used tool in project management for scheduling and tracking project progress. It is an example of a project control chart, as it helps project managers to monitor project tasks and timelines in order to stay within budget and meet project objectives.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of A disadvantage of a matrix project organizational...

Question 11

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 12

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 the commonly accepted definition of a project. It involves multiple jobs or tasks that are linked together towards a defined end result and lasts for a period of time.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

This is a commonly accepted definition of project management that emphasizes the key aspects of planning, directing, and controlling resources to achieve project objectives.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

The second step in managing a project is to define the project scope and objectives, not necessarily to write the statement of work, which comes later in the planning process.

Question 15

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 of dependent activities that determines the project's overall duration and must be closely monitored to ensure that delays on this path are managed effectively.

Question 16

An event unit package is a subdivision of a project.

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Flatter organizations often have fewer layers of management, making it more important to have effective project management processes in place to ensure projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Question 18

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 critical path is always the sequence of activities that takes the longest time to complete and determines the overall duration of the project.

Question 19

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 their areas of expertise, allowing them to work on multiple projects across different departments or functions. This improves resource utilization and can increase efficiency.

Question 20

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.

Quiz 5: Projects