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Project Management & Resource Allocation Flashcards

7 cards from real CSM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. In software project estimation, which technique averages optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely estimates using the formula (O + 4M + P) / 6?

    Answer: Three-point estimating (PERT)

    Three-point PERT estimating uses the weighted average formula to account for uncertainty and produce a statistically balanced estimate.

  2. A team's velocity drops 30% after two senior engineers rotate off a Scrum project. The BEST short-term response for the CSM is to:

    Answer: Re-baseline the project schedule with updated velocity

    Re-baselining with the new, realistic velocity gives stakeholders an accurate forecast rather than committing to unachievable targets.

  3. Which document formally authorizes a project and appoints the project manager, granting authority to use organizational resources?

    Answer: Project charter

    The project charter is the formal document that authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority to apply organizational resources.

  4. A software project manager is told to reduce costs by 15% without reducing scope. Which resource strategy is most aligned with this goal?

    Answer: Replace senior developers with junior developers on non-critical tasks

    Substituting lower-cost junior developers on non-critical tasks reduces the blended team rate while preserving scope and schedule for critical work.

  5. In project management, 'float' (also called slack) represents:

    Answer: The maximum time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project finish

    Float is the amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the project's critical path or end date.

  6. A CSM is using a burndown chart and notices the actual line is consistently above the ideal line. This indicates:

    Answer: The team has more work remaining than the ideal pace requires

    When the actual burndown line sits above the ideal line, remaining work exceeds what should be left at that point, signaling the team is behind pace.

  7. Which conflict resolution approach is most effective for long-term resource disputes between project teams in a matrix organization?

    Answer: Collaborating (problem-solving)

    Collaborating addresses root causes by finding mutually acceptable solutions, making it the most effective long-term approach for resource conflicts.