Predictive Methodologies Flashcards

In a predictive lifecycle, which type of dependency is defined by contractual obligations or legal requirements?

Answer: External dependency

External dependencies involve relationships between project activities and non-project activities, often driven by contracts or regulations outside the team's control.

A project manager is applying 'management by exception' in a predictive project. What does this mean?

Answer: Reporting only variances that exceed defined thresholds to leadership

Management by exception means escalating only issues that exceed pre-set variance thresholds, allowing the team to handle routine matters independently.

Which predictive estimation technique uses a mathematical relationship between historical data and project variables to calculate estimates?

Answer: Parametric estimating

Parametric estimating uses statistical relationships (e.g., cost per unit, hours per function point) derived from historical data to produce more accurate estimates.

During project execution in a predictive approach, the sponsor requests a significant scope addition. What should the project manager do first?

Answer: Submit a change request through Integrated Change Control

Any scope addition must first be documented as a change request and evaluated through Integrated Change Control before any work begins.

In predictive project scheduling, what is a milestone?

Answer: A significant point or event in the project with zero duration

A milestone represents a significant event or achievement in the project and has a duration of zero because it marks a point in time, not a span of work.

Which communication method is most appropriate when a project manager needs to obtain immediate clarification from a stakeholder in a predictive project?

Answer: Interactive communication

Interactive communication (e.g., meetings, phone calls) enables real-time two-way exchange and is best for immediate clarification.

A project manager calculates the Estimate at Completion (EAC) using the formula EAC = BAC / CPI. When is this formula most appropriate?

Answer: When future work will be performed at the same CPI as to date

EAC = BAC / CPI assumes future work will continue at the same cost efficiency rate experienced to date, making it appropriate when the current CPI is expected to persist.