CPA Technology Project Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the critical path in a project network diagram?
- The path with the most resources assigned
- The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the project's minimum duration (Correct answer)
- The path with the highest risk activities
- The first tasks that must be completed
Correct answer: The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the project's minimum duration
The critical path is the longest path through the network diagram; any delay on it directly delays the project finish date.
Question 2: A development team is using Test-Driven Development (TDD). In what order do they write code?
- Write code, then write tests, then refactor
- Write tests, then write code to pass the tests, then refactor (Correct answer)
- Write tests and code simultaneously, then deploy
- Write documentation, then code, then tests
Correct answer: Write tests, then write code to pass the tests, then refactor
TDD follows a red-green-refactor cycle: write a failing test first, write minimal code to pass it, then refactor.
Question 3: Which conflict resolution technique produces a temporary solution by negotiating a middle ground?
- Forcing
- Collaborating
- Compromising (Correct answer)
- Avoiding
Correct answer: Compromising
Compromising involves each party giving up something to reach an agreement, though neither party is fully satisfied.
Question 4: A project manager wants to identify all the work needed to complete the project. Which tool is most appropriate?
- RACI matrix
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) (Correct answer)
- Gantt chart
- Risk register
Correct answer: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
The WBS decomposes the total scope of work into smaller, manageable deliverables and work packages.
Question 5: In Agile, what is the purpose of a retrospective ceremony?
- To plan the next sprint's backlog
- To demonstrate completed work to stakeholders
- To inspect the team's process and identify improvements (Correct answer)
- To prioritize the product backlog
Correct answer: To inspect the team's process and identify improvements
The sprint retrospective is a time-boxed meeting where the team reflects on its working process to continuously improve.
Question 6: Which type of project organizational structure gives the project manager the LEAST authority?
- Projectized
- Strong matrix
- Functional (Correct answer)
- Composite
Correct answer: Functional
In a functional organization, authority rests with functional managers; the project manager typically has little to no formal power.
Question 7: A technology project is in execution and a key vendor fails to deliver a critical component on time. This is an example of which type of project event?
- A constraint
- A risk that has occurred (an issue) (Correct answer)
- A scope change
- A quality defect
Correct answer: A risk that has occurred (an issue)
When a risk event actually happens during the project, it becomes an issue that must be actively managed and resolved.
CPA Technology Project Management 3
What is the critical path in a project network diagram?