CPM CPM Resource Management & Team Leadership 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a CPM project, the project manager identifies that a key resource is being allocated to tasks on the critical path and non-critical tasks simultaneously. The BEST first response is to:
- Use resource smoothing to reallocate the resource while protecting the critical path (Correct answer)
- Immediately escalate to the project sponsor
- Remove all non-critical tasks from the schedule
- Replace the resource with a contractor
Correct answer: Use resource smoothing to reallocate the resource while protecting the critical path
Resource smoothing adjusts activities within float to reduce resource peaks while keeping the project end date intact — protecting the critical path.
Question 2: A CPM project manager needs to build a high-performing team. According to Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, which factor is a TRUE motivator?
- Achievement and recognition (Correct answer)
- Salary and benefits
- Job security
- Company policies
Correct answer: Achievement and recognition
Herzberg classified achievement, recognition, responsibility, and growth as motivators — intrinsic factors that drive satisfaction and performance.
Question 3: During project execution, a team member consistently misses deadlines. Using a CPM leadership approach, the project manager should FIRST:
- Have a one-on-one conversation to identify root causes and provide support (Correct answer)
- Issue a formal written warning immediately
- Replace the team member with another resource
- Redistribute all tasks to other team members
Correct answer: Have a one-on-one conversation to identify root causes and provide support
Effective project managers first seek to understand performance issues through direct dialogue before escalating to corrective or punitive measures.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a responsibility assignment matrix (RAM) in CPM resource management?
- To map project work packages to team members and clarify roles (Correct answer)
- To show the sequence of project activities on a timeline
- To document risk owners for each identified risk
- To track actual hours versus planned hours
Correct answer: To map project work packages to team members and clarify roles
A RAM (such as a RACI chart) cross-references work packages with team members to define and communicate responsibility for every deliverable.
Question 5: A CPM project manager is managing a virtual team spread across multiple time zones. Which communication approach is MOST effective for ensuring alignment?
- Establish overlapping core hours and use asynchronous documentation for non-urgent updates (Correct answer)
- Require all team members to work on one shared time zone
- Use only email communication to accommodate all time zones
- Schedule daily live video meetings at a time convenient for the PM's location
Correct answer: Establish overlapping core hours and use asynchronous documentation for non-urgent updates
Overlapping core hours for synchronous decision-making combined with thorough async documentation balances real-time collaboration with time zone flexibility.
Question 6: Which CPM resource management tool shows team member availability and workload over time to assist with resource allocation planning?
- Resource histogram (Correct answer)
- Gantt chart
- Network diagram
- Work breakdown structure
Correct answer: Resource histogram
A resource histogram is a bar chart displaying the quantity of resources allocated over time, making overallocation and underutilization immediately visible.
CPM CPM Resource Management & Team Leadership 2
On a CPM project, the project manager identifies that a key resource is being allocated to tasks on the critical path and non-critical tasks simultaneously.
The BEST first response is to: