PGM PGM Benefits Realization Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What distinguishes a program 'output' from a program 'benefit'?
- Outputs are strategic; benefits are tactical
- Outputs are deliverables produced; benefits are the value those deliverables create for the organization (Correct answer)
- Outputs are intangible; benefits are always financial
- There is no difference
Correct answer: Outputs are deliverables produced; benefits are the value those deliverables create for the organization
Outputs are the tangible deliverables a program produces, while benefits are the measurable improvements in organizational performance those outputs enable.
Question 2: A Benefits Register is used to:
- Track employee bonuses
- Document, assign ownership, and monitor the status of each expected benefit (Correct answer)
- Record program expenses
- List all program deliverables
Correct answer: Document, assign ownership, and monitor the status of each expected benefit
The Benefits Register centralizes all expected benefits, their owners, measurement criteria, and realization status throughout the program.
Question 3: Which phase of the program lifecycle is most focused on benefits realization activities?
- Program definition
- Benefits delivery (Correct answer)
- Program closure
- Stakeholder identification
Correct answer: Benefits delivery
The benefits delivery phase is when component projects execute and begin producing outcomes that translate into the program's intended benefits.
Question 4: A program is on schedule and on budget, but the expected business benefits appear unlikely to be achieved. What should the program manager do?
- Continue without change since schedule and budget are on track
- Escalate to the governance board and review the program's continued viability (Correct answer)
- Reduce the benefits targets to match projected outcomes
- Complete the program and report the shortfall at closure
Correct answer: Escalate to the governance board and review the program's continued viability
If benefits are unlikely to be realized, the governance board must be informed promptly to evaluate whether the program should continue, change course, or be terminated.
Question 5: In benefits realization management, a 'dis-benefit' refers to:
- A benefit that costs more than expected
- A negative consequence or loss of value resulting from the program (Correct answer)
- Benefits that are delayed beyond the program lifecycle
- Unbudgeted program expenses
Correct answer: A negative consequence or loss of value resulting from the program
A dis-benefit is a deliberate or accepted negative outcome that must be acknowledged and managed alongside the program's positive benefits.
Question 6: Which of the following best supports benefits sustainability after a program ends?
- Retaining the full program team in a support role indefinitely
- Embedding benefits tracking into the receiving organization's operational metrics and governance (Correct answer)
- Issuing a final benefits report and disbanding immediately
- Transferring all program documents to the PMO archive
Correct answer: Embedding benefits tracking into the receiving organization's operational metrics and governance
Integrating benefits measurement into the receiving organization's ongoing governance ensures benefits are sustained and tracked long after the program closes.
PGM PGM Benefits Realization Management 2
What distinguishes a program 'output' from a program 'benefit'?