Practice Test Geeks(CSM) Certified Software Manager Practice Test
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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.

Read the first 7 Project Management & Resource Allocation flashcards as text

  1. A CSM is managing a software project where a critical vendor will deliver an API 3 weeks late. This event was identified in the risk register. What should the CSM execute first?

    Answer: Implement the pre-planned risk response strategy

    When a known risk occurs, the first action is to implement the pre-planned risk response, as it was designed specifically for this scenario.

  2. In Earned Value Management, a Cost Performance Index (CPI) of 0.85 means:

    Answer: The project is delivering $0.85 of value for every $1.00 spent

    CPI = EV / AC; a CPI of 0.85 means only $0.85 of earned value is produced per dollar actually spent, indicating cost overrun.

  3. Which scheduling technique allows a successor task to begin before its predecessor is fully complete, compressing the schedule?

    Answer: Lead

    Lead time allows a successor activity to start early, overlapping with the predecessor, which compresses the overall schedule.

  4. A software project team is geographically distributed across three time zones. Which resource management practice has the greatest impact on productivity?

    Answer: Establishing overlapping core working hours for synchronous collaboration

    Defining core overlap hours ensures the distributed team has predictable windows for real-time communication, reducing blockers and hand-off delays.

  5. A project manager calculates an Estimate at Completion (EAC) assuming future work will be performed at the current CPI. Which EAC formula is being used?

    Answer: EAC = BAC / CPI

    EAC = BAC / CPI is used when future performance is expected to continue at the current cost efficiency rate.

  6. In a functional organization structure, a software project manager typically has:

    Answer: Little to no formal authority; relies on influence

    In a functional organization, resources report to functional managers, leaving project managers with limited formal authority and requiring influence-based leadership.

  7. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a kickoff meeting in software project management?

    Answer: To align stakeholders, clarify roles, and officially start execution

    A kickoff meeting officially launches the project, ensures all stakeholders share a common understanding of goals, roles, and plans before execution begins.