GIS Project Management 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During planning for a regional GIS data integration project, the team uses a Delphi technique. What is its purpose?
- To select the appropriate map projection
- To reach expert consensus on estimates or risk assessments anonymously (Correct answer)
- To automate geoprocessing workflows
- To validate coordinate accuracy
Correct answer: To reach expert consensus on estimates or risk assessments anonymously
The Delphi technique iteratively gathers anonymous expert opinions to build consensus on estimates or risk likelihood.
Question 2: What is 'gold plating' in the context of a GIS project, and why is it discouraged?
- Using premium cartographic symbology that exceeds budget expectations
- Adding extra features beyond the agreed scope without approval, risking resources and scope integrity (Correct answer)
- Applying metallic color schemes to map layers
- Purchasing premium satellite imagery beyond what was scoped
Correct answer: Adding extra features beyond the agreed scope without approval, risking resources and scope integrity
Gold plating adds unauthorized enhancements that consume resources and may introduce unintended problems, even if well-intentioned.
Question 3: A GIS project sponsor requests a project status report showing forecasted final cost. Which EVM metric provides this?
- Planned Value (PV)
- Estimate at Completion (EAC) (Correct answer)
- Schedule Variance (SV)
- Budget at Completion (BAC)
Correct answer: Estimate at Completion (EAC)
EAC forecasts the total expected cost at project completion based on current cost performance.
Question 4: In a GIS implementation project, which stakeholder analysis output helps prioritize engagement strategies?
- Network topology diagram
- Stakeholder power/interest grid (Correct answer)
- Attribute join table
- Topology error report
Correct answer: Stakeholder power/interest grid
A power/interest grid categorizes stakeholders by their influence and interest level, guiding how much attention each group requires.
Question 5: A GIS project schedule shows Total Float of zero for several tasks. What does this mean?
- Those tasks have extra budget available
- Those tasks are on the critical path and cannot be delayed without delaying the project (Correct answer)
- Those tasks are optional and can be removed
- Those tasks have been completed ahead of schedule
Correct answer: Those tasks are on the critical path and cannot be delayed without delaying the project
Zero total float means any delay to those tasks will directly delay the project's end date — they are on the critical path.
Question 6: Which document formally defines the deliverables, acceptance criteria, and boundaries of a GIS project?
- Risk Register
- Project Scope Statement (Correct answer)
- Communication Plan
- Quality Management Plan
Correct answer: Project Scope Statement
The Project Scope Statement describes what is and isn't included in the project, along with how deliverables will be accepted.
Question 7: A GIS analyst is moved from one project to another mid-sprint without consulting the project manager. This is an example of a failure in:
- Spatial data management
- Resource management and organizational governance (Correct answer)
- Version control protocols
- Metadata standards compliance
Correct answer: Resource management and organizational governance
Unilateral reassignment of project resources without PM involvement signals a breakdown in resource management and governance processes.
GIS Project Management 5
During planning for a regional GIS data integration project, the team uses a Delphi technique.
What is its purpose?