CSM CSM Software Configuration & Change Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which configuration management activity involves recording the current state and history of all configuration items?
- Configuration identification
- Configuration control
- Configuration status accounting (Correct answer)
- Configuration auditing
Correct answer: Configuration status accounting
Configuration status accounting records and reports the current state, change history, and status of all configuration items throughout the software lifecycle.
Question 2: What is a 'rollback plan' and why is it essential in change management?
- A plan for training new team members
- A documented procedure to revert a change if it causes issues (Correct answer)
- A financial plan to recover costs after a failed project
- A schedule for rolling out updates to different user groups
Correct answer: A documented procedure to revert a change if it causes issues
A rollback plan documents the steps needed to reverse a change and restore the previous state, minimizing downtime if the change causes unforeseen problems.
Question 3: In software configuration management, what is 'baselining a build'?
- Compiling source code for the first time
- Formally recording and locking a specific build as an official reference version (Correct answer)
- Running automated tests against a new build
- Deploying a build to the production environment
Correct answer: Formally recording and locking a specific build as an official reference version
Baselining a build means formally identifying and locking a specific software build so it can be reproduced, referenced, and tracked as an approved deliverable.
Question 4: A software manager discovers that developers are making undocumented changes directly in production. Which control should be implemented first?
- Automated testing pipelines
- A formal change request and approval process (Correct answer)
- Increased developer training
- Daily code reviews by senior engineers
Correct answer: A formal change request and approval process
Implementing a formal change request and approval process ensures all changes are documented, reviewed, and authorized before being applied to production.
Question 5: What does 'configuration auditing' verify in a software project?
- That the project budget has been accurately reported
- That configuration items conform to their specifications and that changes have been properly implemented (Correct answer)
- That all developers have the latest version of the IDE
- That backup systems are functioning correctly
Correct answer: That configuration items conform to their specifications and that changes have been properly implemented
Configuration auditing (functional and physical) verifies that software builds match their documented specifications and that all change management procedures were followed.
Question 6: Which type of change management document captures the specific steps, resources, and timeline required to implement a proposed change?
- Change request form
- Change implementation plan (Correct answer)
- Post-implementation review
- Configuration management plan
Correct answer: Change implementation plan
A change implementation plan details the specific tasks, responsible parties, timeline, resources, and rollback procedures needed to execute an approved change.
CSM CSM Software Configuration & Change Management 2
Which configuration management activity involves recording the current state and history of all configuration items?