CPT Project Planning & Execution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During project scoping for a performance improvement initiative, a PT discovers that stakeholders have conflicting definitions of success. What is the BEST first step?
- Begin the project and resolve conflicts as they arise
- Facilitate a consensus-building session to align stakeholders on measurable outcomes (Correct answer)
- Choose the definition favored by the senior-most stakeholder
- Proceed with the PT's own definition of success
Correct answer: Facilitate a consensus-building session to align stakeholders on measurable outcomes
Aligning stakeholders on measurable outcomes early prevents scope creep and ensures the project addresses the right problem.
Question 2: Which project planning document formally authorizes a performance improvement project and identifies the project manager's authority?
- Project scope statement
- Work breakdown structure
- Project charter (Correct answer)
- RACI matrix
Correct answer: Project charter
A project charter formally authorizes the project and grants the project manager authority to apply resources.
Question 3: A CPT is managing a leadership development program rollout across 12 regional offices. Which scheduling tool best visualizes task dependencies and the critical path?
- Histogram
- Pareto chart
- Gantt chart with linked tasks (Correct answer)
- Fishbone diagram
Correct answer: Gantt chart with linked tasks
A Gantt chart with linked tasks visually displays task dependencies and allows identification of the critical path.
Question 4: A performance technologist must estimate project costs before detailed scope is finalized. Which estimating technique is MOST appropriate at this stage?
- Bottom-up estimating
- Analogous estimating (Correct answer)
- Parametric estimating
- Three-point estimating
Correct answer: Analogous estimating
Analogous estimating uses historical data from similar projects to produce rough estimates when details are scarce.
Question 5: During execution of a training rollout, a key subject matter expert unexpectedly leaves the organization. This is best categorized as which type of project risk event?
- Scope risk
- Schedule risk
- Resource risk (Correct answer)
- Quality risk
Correct answer: Resource risk
Loss of a key subject matter expert is a resource risk because it affects the availability of personnel needed to complete the project.
Question 6: What does the critical path in a project network diagram represent?
- The sequence of tasks with the most budget allocation
- The longest duration path through the project that determines minimum project length (Correct answer)
- The set of tasks most likely to encounter quality issues
- The tasks assigned to the most senior team members
Correct answer: The longest duration path through the project that determines minimum project length
The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent tasks, and any delay on it directly delays the project completion date.
Question 7: A PT needs to communicate project progress to a busy executive sponsor. Which format is MOST appropriate?
- A detailed 20-page status report with all task-level data
- A one-page dashboard showing milestones, budget, and key risks (Correct answer)
- An email thread forwarding all team communications
- A verbal update with no documentation
Correct answer: A one-page dashboard showing milestones, budget, and key risks
Executive sponsors need concise, high-level dashboards that highlight milestones, budget status, and risks without unnecessary detail.
CPT Project Planning & Execution 2
During project scoping for a performance improvement initiative, a PT discovers that stakeholders have conflicting definitions of success.
What is the BEST first step?