CRS Research Project Management 3

Question 1

A research project manager notices that actual costs are running 20% over budget at the halfway point. What metric should be calculated first?

Accepted Answer

Cost Variance (CV) and Cost Performance Index (CPI)

Answer

Cost Variance and CPI from Earned Value Management directly quantify how much the project is over budget relative to work completed.

Question 2

Which stakeholder register element is most important for determining how to communicate research findings to external funders?

Accepted Answer

Communication requirements and preferred format

Answer

Communication requirements and preferred formats guide how to tailor research outputs for each stakeholder group.

Question 3

In a multi-phase research project, what is the primary function of a phase gate (stage gate) review?

Accepted Answer

To formally assess whether criteria are met before proceeding to the next phase

Answer

Phase gate reviews are decision points where project leadership evaluates readiness to proceed, modify, or terminate a project phase.

Question 4

Which conflict resolution approach is MOST appropriate when a research team has a disagreement that requires a quick decision to meet an IRB deadline?

Accepted Answer

Forcing (directing)

Answer

Forcing is appropriate when a decision must be made quickly and timeliness outweighs the benefit of full consensus.

Question 5

A research project is described as having high complexity and low clarity of objectives. Which leadership style is MOST effective in this context?

Accepted Answer

Coaching — guide team while building consensus on goals

Answer

Coaching combines guidance with collaborative goal-setting, which is most effective when objectives are unclear and complexity is high.

(CRS) Certified Research Specialist Practice Test

(CRS) Certified Research Specialist Practice Test

CRS Research Project Management 3