Project Planning & Execution Flashcards

Which stakeholder engagement technique involves systematically asking subject-matter experts to estimate project parameters through multiple anonymous rounds until consensus is reached?

Answer: Delphi technique

The Delphi technique uses iterative, anonymous rounds of expert input and feedback to converge on consensus estimates, reducing bias from dominant personalities.

A forester preparing a timber sale prospectus must include information about cruise data, contract terms, and environmental restrictions. The PRIMARY purpose of this document is to:

Answer: Provide prospective bidders with information needed to submit competitive bids

A timber sale prospectus gives prospective bidders the data they need—volume, species, contract terms, and restrictions—to formulate accurate and competitive bids.

When building a project team for a complex, multi-year watershed restoration project, which leadership approach is generally MOST effective during the early project phase?

Answer: Using a directive style to establish clear roles, expectations, and processes

During initial project phases, a directive leadership style helps establish clear structures, roles, and processes before the team transitions to more collaborative modes.

A forester must estimate the duration of a herbicide application task with high uncertainty. Using PERT estimation, if the optimistic estimate is 3 days, most likely is 5 days, and pessimistic is 13 days, the PERT expected duration is:

Answer: 6.0 days

PERT expected duration = (Optimistic + 4×Most Likely + Pessimistic) ÷ 6 = (3 + 20 + 13) ÷ 6 = 36 ÷ 6 = 6 days.

Which planning document translates a forest management plan's goals into specific, time-bounded activities with assigned resources and measurable outcomes?

Answer: Annual work plan (or operational plan)

An annual work plan (operational plan) breaks strategic forest management goals into scheduled, resourced, and measurable actions for the current planning period.

A contractor consistently delivers project deliverables late, citing weather delays not covered by contract force majeure provisions. The forester's BEST response is to:

Answer: Document delays, compare to weather records, and enforce contract liquidated damages if unexcused

The forester should document all delays, verify they are not weather-excused per contract terms, and apply liquidated damages as specified to enforce contract accountability.

Which forestry project quality control practice involves measuring a sample of work completed (e.g., spot-checking seedling spacing) to verify it meets contract specifications without inspecting every unit?

Answer: Statistical acceptance sampling

Statistical acceptance sampling uses a representative sample to make inferences about overall work quality, balancing thoroughness with the cost of 100% inspection.