Project Management for IT Flashcards

A tobacco retail chain is implementing a new POS system across 12 locations. Which project management approach best suits a rollout where each location deployment provides lessons for the next?

Answer: Rolling wave planning with iterative rollout

Rolling wave planning allows each successive store deployment to incorporate lessons learned, reducing risk across the rollout.

During a software upgrade project for a tobacconist's inventory system, the team discovers the vendor will discontinue support in 6 months. What risk response strategy should the project manager apply?

Answer: Mitigate the risk by accelerating the upgrade timeline

Mitigation involves taking action to reduce the probability or impact of a risk, such as accelerating work before the deadline.

A retail tobacconist IT project has a Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 0.82. What does this indicate?

Answer: The project is progressing at 82% of the planned rate

An SPI below 1.0 means the project is behind schedule, completing only 82 cents of planned work per dollar of scheduled work.

When integrating a new age-verification software module into an existing POS system at a tobacconist shop, which document formally authorizes the project and assigns the project manager?

Answer: Project charter

The project charter formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority to apply resources to project activities.

A tobacconist chain's IT team must choose between upgrading hardware now or waiting for a new model. Which project management tool best supports this decision by comparing financial outcomes over time?

Answer: Net Present Value (NPV) analysis

NPV analysis discounts future cash flows to present value, enabling objective comparison of investment timing decisions.

During a tobacco retail IT project kickoff, the project manager conducts a stakeholder analysis. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this activity?

Answer: To identify who will be affected by the project and determine how to engage them

Stakeholder analysis identifies individuals and groups with interests in the project and helps the PM tailor communication and engagement strategies.

A project to implement a tobacco compliance reporting system is 50% complete with a budget of $100,000 and has spent $60,000. What is the Cost Performance Index (CPI)?

Answer: 0.83

CPI = Earned Value / Actual Cost = $50,000 / $60,000 = 0.83, indicating the project is over budget.