Gemology Certification Project Management Fundamentals 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A gemology lab project is running over budget. The project manager performs Earned Value Analysis and finds CPI = 0.85. What does this indicate?
- The project is ahead of schedule
- For every dollar spent, only $0.85 of value is being delivered (Correct answer)
- The project is under budget
- The project schedule is at risk
Correct answer: For every dollar spent, only $0.85 of value is being delivered
A CPI below 1.0 means the project is over budget, delivering less value per dollar spent than planned.
Question 2: Which project document formally authorizes a gemology certification project and names the project manager?
- Project management plan
- Project charter (Correct answer)
- Risk register
- Scope statement
Correct answer: Project charter
The project charter officially authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority to apply resources.
Question 3: A gemology training project has a tight deadline. The project manager compresses the schedule by assigning additional gemologists to critical path tasks. This technique is called:
- Fast tracking
- Crashing (Correct answer)
- Resource leveling
- Scope reduction
Correct answer: Crashing
Crashing adds resources to critical path activities to shorten duration, typically increasing cost.
Question 4: During a gem show project closeout, the project manager ensures all contracts are finalized and lessons learned are documented. This belongs to which process group?
- Initiating
- Planning
- Executing
- Closing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Closing
The Closing process group includes finalizing all activities, closing contracts, and capturing lessons learned.
Question 5: A stakeholder analysis for a new gemstone grading lab project should identify stakeholders based on their:
- Gem collection size
- Interest, influence, and impact on the project (Correct answer)
- Years of gemology experience only
- Geographic location only
Correct answer: Interest, influence, and impact on the project
Stakeholder analysis evaluates interest, influence, and potential impact to prioritize engagement strategies.
Question 6: Which scheduling technique identifies the longest path through a project network, determining the shortest possible project duration?
- Resource leveling
- Critical Path Method (CPM) (Correct answer)
- Monte Carlo simulation
- Precedence diagramming
Correct answer: Critical Path Method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method calculates the longest sequence of dependent tasks, which determines the minimum project duration.
Question 7: A project manager for a gemology expo notices team morale is low after a difficult testing phase. What should the project manager do to address this?
- Extend the project deadline to relieve pressure
- Recognize team achievements and facilitate open communication (Correct answer)
- Replace underperforming team members immediately
- Reduce the project budget to motivate efficiency
Correct answer: Recognize team achievements and facilitate open communication
Recognizing contributions and fostering open dialogue are proven techniques for rebuilding team morale.
Gemology Certification Project Management Fundamentals 3
A gemology lab project is running over budget.
The project manager performs Earned Value Analysis and finds CPI = 0.85.
What does this indicate?