Project Management & Execution Flashcards

Before rolling out a new automated payment-reminder workflow to all customers, the best way to validate it is to:

Answer: Run a pilot on a controlled segment and measure results against a control group

A controlled pilot gives measurable evidence and limits risk before a full rollout.

Which chart best displays project tasks against a timeline, showing start dates, end dates, and progress?

Answer: Gantt chart

Gantt charts show task bars on a calendar so you can see schedules and progress at a glance.

A collection manager wants to find the root causes of a sudden rise in disputed invoices. Which tool is most appropriate?

Answer: Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram

A fishbone diagram groups possible causes into categories so the team can find the root cause.

Pareto analysis of past-due accounts typically shows that:

Answer: A small share of accounts makes up a large share of overdue dollars

The 80/20 principle lets managers focus effort on the few accounts with the most dollars at risk.

Which stakeholder management approach fits a CFO with high power and high interest in a cash-acceleration project?

Answer: Manage closely and engage actively

On a power/interest grid, high-power, high-interest stakeholders are key players who must be managed closely.

A project team adds extra dashboard features the client never asked for. This practice is known as:

Answer: Gold plating

Gold plating is adding unrequested extras, which uses resources and adds risk without approval.

The Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle is best described as a method for:

Answer: Continuous process improvement through iterative testing

PDCA (the Deming cycle) improves processes step by step through planning, testing, review, and standardizing.