CPWM Project Management 3

Question 1

In a public works capital improvement program (CIP), which criterion is MOST important when prioritizing projects for funding?

Accepted Answer

Projects should be evaluated against community need, safety, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle cost

Answer

A defensible CIP prioritization process weighs multiple factors including public safety, legal mandates, asset condition, and total lifecycle cost.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a project kickoff meeting in public works project management?

Accepted Answer

To align all stakeholders on project objectives, roles, and communications

Answer

The kickoff meeting establishes shared understanding of goals, responsibilities, and communication protocols, setting the tone for project collaboration.

Question 3

A project manager notices that the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is 0.85. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The project is progressing at 85% of the planned rate

Answer

SPI = EV / PV; an SPI of 0.85 means the project is earning only $0.85 of planned value for every $1.00 of scheduled work, indicating a schedule lag.

Question 4

Which type of contract places the MOST cost risk on the contractor?

Accepted Answer

Firm-fixed-price (FFP)

Answer

Under a firm-fixed-price contract, the contractor absorbs any cost overruns, giving them the highest financial risk if estimates prove incorrect.

Question 5

When developing a public works project Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the lowest level of decomposition is called:

Accepted Answer

A work package

Answer

Work packages are the lowest WBS level where cost and schedule can be reliably estimated, assigned, and tracked.

(CPWM) Certified Public Works Manager Practice Test

(CPWM) Certified Public Works Manager Practice Test

CPWM Project Management 3