PGM Program Execution and Oversight 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document serves as the PRIMARY reference for monitoring whether the program is on track to deliver its intended outcomes?
- Program charter
- Benefits realization plan (Correct answer)
- Program management plan
- Stakeholder engagement plan
Correct answer: Benefits realization plan
The benefits realization plan defines what outcomes are expected, when they will be realized, and how they will be measured, making it the primary reference for outcome tracking.
Question 2: A program manager is conducting a phase-gate review. The benefits register shows benefits are being realized at 60% of the planned rate. What action is MOST appropriate?
- Continue to the next phase unchanged since 60% is passing
- Halt the program and escalate to executive leadership
- Analyze root causes of the gap and update the benefits realization plan with corrective actions (Correct answer)
- Reduce the target benefit levels to match actual performance
Correct answer: Analyze root causes of the gap and update the benefits realization plan with corrective actions
A phase-gate showing underperformance requires root cause analysis and an updated benefits realization plan with corrective actions before proceeding.
Question 3: Which of the following BEST describes the program manager's role in managing component project interdependencies during execution?
- Directly managing all component project tasks to ensure alignment
- Identifying, documenting, and coordinating resolution of cross-project dependencies and conflicts (Correct answer)
- Delegating all dependency management to individual project managers
- Reporting interdependency issues to the sponsor for resolution
Correct answer: Identifying, documenting, and coordinating resolution of cross-project dependencies and conflicts
The program manager is responsible for identifying and coordinating cross-project dependencies, which neither individual project managers nor sponsors can fully manage.
Question 4: A regulatory change requires significant scope changes to three of five component projects. What should the program manager do FIRST?
- Direct each project manager to handle the changes independently
- Perform an integrated impact assessment across all five projects and the program benefits (Correct answer)
- Submit a change request to add budget
- Request a program extension from the sponsor
Correct answer: Perform an integrated impact assessment across all five projects and the program benefits
Regulatory changes affecting multiple projects require an integrated impact assessment to understand the full effect on program scope, schedule, cost, and benefits.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a program roadmap during execution?
- To replace the need for individual project schedules
- To provide a high-level timeline showing how component deliverables align to achieve program benefits over time (Correct answer)
- To assign tasks to individual team members
- To document lessons learned from completed phases
Correct answer: To provide a high-level timeline showing how component deliverables align to achieve program benefits over time
The program roadmap shows the sequencing of component deliverables and milestones against the timeline for benefits realization, keeping all stakeholders aligned.
Question 6: During execution, a key stakeholder begins opposing the program after initially supporting it. What is the program manager's BEST response?
- Bypass the stakeholder and continue execution
- Escalate the issue to the program sponsor immediately
- Engage the stakeholder to understand concerns and adjust the engagement strategy accordingly (Correct answer)
- Remove the stakeholder from the communication plan
Correct answer: Engage the stakeholder to understand concerns and adjust the engagement strategy accordingly
Stakeholder resistance requires proactive engagement to understand root concerns and adapt the engagement strategy, as opposition can derail program outcomes.
Question 7: A program manager must balance releasing shared resources from completed component projects to the organization versus retaining them for upcoming components. What framework guides this decision?
- The program resource management plan and transition schedule (Correct answer)
- The project manager's personal judgment on team performance
- The HR department's staffing policies exclusively
- The cost baseline for remaining work
Correct answer: The program resource management plan and transition schedule
The program resource management plan and transition schedule define when and how resources are released or retained across component projects throughout the program lifecycle.
PGM Program Execution and Oversight 3
Which document serves as the PRIMARY reference for monitoring whether the program is on track to deliver its intended outcomes?