CIS Implementation Methodologies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the key difference between configuration and customization in a platform implementation?
- Configuration uses the platform's built-in tools; customization involves modifying core code (Correct answer)
- Configuration requires coding; customization uses drag-and-drop tools
- Configuration is done by end users; customization is done by administrators
- There is no meaningful difference between the two terms
Correct answer: Configuration uses the platform's built-in tools; customization involves modifying core code
Configuration leverages native platform capabilities (forms, workflows, rules) without touching core code, while customization modifies or extends the platform's underlying code.
Question 2: In the Waterfall implementation methodology, which phase directly precedes the Testing phase?
- Requirements gathering
- Deployment
- Design
- Development (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Development
In Waterfall, the sequence is Requirements → Design → Development → Testing → Deployment, so Development precedes Testing.
Question 3: What is a 'runbook' in the context of a go-live implementation plan?
- A list of sprint stories for the final release
- A step-by-step operational guide for executing deployment tasks (Correct answer)
- A record of all bugs found during UAT
- A financial summary of implementation costs
Correct answer: A step-by-step operational guide for executing deployment tasks
A runbook documents every task, command, and verification step needed to execute the deployment, enabling teams to follow a consistent go-live process.
Question 4: Which technique is used to identify the longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines a project's minimum duration?
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Critical Path Method (CPM) (Correct answer)
- RACI matrix analysis
- Monte Carlo simulation
Correct answer: Critical Path Method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method identifies the longest chain of dependent tasks, revealing the shortest possible project duration and tasks with zero float.
Question 5: During data migration in an implementation project, what does 'data cleansing' involve?
- Encrypting sensitive fields before transfer
- Detecting and correcting inaccurate, duplicate, or incomplete records (Correct answer)
- Archiving old data to cold storage
- Mapping source fields to target schema fields
Correct answer: Detecting and correcting inaccurate, duplicate, or incomplete records
Data cleansing identifies and fixes errors, duplicates, and incomplete records in the source data before migrating them into the new system.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a RACI matrix in an implementation project?
- Tracking defect severity levels during testing
- Defining team members' roles and responsibilities for each task (Correct answer)
- Scheduling resource allocation across sprints
- Estimating cost and effort for project tasks
Correct answer: Defining team members' roles and responsibilities for each task
A RACI matrix clarifies who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each project task, reducing ambiguity and communication gaps.
Question 7: In an ITSM implementation, what is the 'change freeze' period?
- A sprint retrospective activity to pause new feature requests
- A time window before go-live where no changes are made to stabilize the environment (Correct answer)
- A contractual clause limiting vendor updates
- A backup procedure that suspends database writes
Correct answer: A time window before go-live where no changes are made to stabilize the environment
A change freeze is a defined period—typically before and immediately after go-live—during which no new changes are permitted, ensuring system stability.
CIS Implementation Methodologies 3
What is the key difference between configuration and customization in a platform implementation?