CPL Problem Solving & Decision Making 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A program leader notices that two projects within their program are competing for the same scarce resource. What is the BEST first step to resolve this conflict?
- Escalate immediately to the program sponsor
- Analyze the priority and impact of each project's resource need (Correct answer)
- Assign the resource to whichever project requested it first
- Hire additional staff to eliminate the scarcity
Correct answer: Analyze the priority and impact of each project's resource need
Analyzing priority and impact allows the program leader to make an informed, benefits-aligned allocation decision before escalating.
Question 2: Which decision-making model is BEST suited when a program leader must choose quickly under high uncertainty with incomplete data?
- Rational analytical model
- Naturalistic decision making (NDM) (Correct answer)
- Delphi technique
- Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)
Correct answer: Naturalistic decision making (NDM)
NDM relies on pattern recognition and experience to make rapid decisions when time and data are limited.
Question 3: During a program benefits review, a key assumption underlying a strategic decision is found to be invalid. What should the program leader do?
- Continue with the original plan since the decision is already made
- Document the invalid assumption and proceed without changes
- Re-evaluate the decision in light of the new information (Correct answer)
- Immediately terminate the affected component projects
Correct answer: Re-evaluate the decision in light of the new information
Decisions must be revisited when foundational assumptions are proven invalid to keep the program aligned with strategic intent.
Question 4: A program leader uses a fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram. What problem-solving activity does this tool PRIMARILY support?
- Prioritizing risks by probability and impact
- Identifying root causes of a problem (Correct answer)
- Mapping stakeholder influence and interest
- Estimating schedule variance
Correct answer: Identifying root causes of a problem
Fishbone diagrams categorize potential causes of a problem, facilitating root cause identification.
Question 5: What distinguishes a 'wicked problem' from a 'tame problem' in program management contexts?
- Wicked problems have clear solutions that stakeholders disagree on implementing
- Wicked problems are complex, with no definitive formulation or solution (Correct answer)
- Wicked problems are solved exclusively with quantitative analysis
- Wicked problems are those that exceed the program's approved budget
Correct answer: Wicked problems are complex, with no definitive formulation or solution
Wicked problems are characterized by ambiguity, interdependencies, and the lack of a clear or final solution.
Question 6: A program leader wants to generate a broad range of creative solutions before narrowing options. Which technique is MOST appropriate?
- Force field analysis
- Brainstorming (Correct answer)
- Pareto analysis
- Critical path method
Correct answer: Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a divergent thinking technique designed to generate many ideas before evaluation begins.
Question 7: When applying the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to program problem solving, what happens in the 'Check' phase?
- Stakeholders approve the corrective action plan
- The solution is piloted with a small group
- Results of the action are evaluated against expected outcomes (Correct answer)
- Problems are formally documented in the risk register
Correct answer: Results of the action are evaluated against expected outcomes
The Check phase compares actual results to planned outcomes to assess whether the intervention was effective.
CPL Problem Solving & Decision Making 2
A program leader notices that two projects within their program are competing for the same scarce resource.
What is the BEST first step to resolve this conflict?