CSET Project Planning & Execution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During project planning, a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is best described as:
- A list of project risks ranked by probability
- A hierarchical decomposition of project deliverables into smaller components (Correct answer)
- A timeline showing task dependencies
- A budget allocation document
Correct answer: A hierarchical decomposition of project deliverables into smaller components
A WBS decomposes the total project scope into smaller, manageable work packages arranged hierarchically.
Question 2: Which scheduling technique uses 'Early Start,' 'Late Start,' 'Early Finish,' and 'Late Finish' dates to determine schedule flexibility?
- Gantt Chart Analysis
- Critical Path Method (CPM) (Correct answer)
- Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
- Agile Sprint Planning
Correct answer: Critical Path Method (CPM)
CPM calculates these four dates for each activity to identify float and determine the critical path.
Question 3: A project manager discovers the project scope has expanded beyond the original agreement without formal approval. This is known as:
- Risk escalation
- Scope creep (Correct answer)
- Change control
- Baseline drift
Correct answer: Scope creep
Scope creep occurs when project scope expands incrementally without formal change control authorization.
Question 4: In a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM), which role is accountable for ensuring a task gets completed?
- Consulted
- Responsible
- Accountable (Correct answer)
- Informed
Correct answer: Accountable
The Accountable role (A in RACI) owns the work and has final decision-making authority for the task.
Question 5: Which type of project dependency means Task B cannot start until Task A has started?
- Finish-to-Start (FS)
- Start-to-Start (SS) (Correct answer)
- Finish-to-Finish (FF)
- Start-to-Finish (SF)
Correct answer: Start-to-Start (SS)
A Start-to-Start dependency requires the predecessor task to begin before the successor can begin.
Question 6: Which project document formally authorizes the project and identifies the project manager?
- Project Scope Statement
- Project Charter (Correct answer)
- Project Management Plan
- Statement of Work
Correct answer: Project Charter
The Project Charter is the document that officially authorizes a project and grants the project manager authority to use resources.
Question 7: A project's cost performance index (CPI) is 0.85. This indicates:
- The project is under budget
- The project is ahead of schedule
- The project is over budget (Correct answer)
- The project is on track
Correct answer: The project is over budget
A CPI below 1.0 means the project is receiving less value than the money spent, indicating an over-budget condition.
CSET Project Planning & Execution 2
During project planning, a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is best described as: