PMI-SP Duration Estimating 2

Question 1

A project manager is estimating durations for a software integration task. The most optimistic estimate is 4 days, the most likely is 9 days, and the most pessimistic is 20 days. What is the PERT expected duration?

Accepted Answer

10.0 days

Answer

PERT expected duration = (O + 4M + P) / 6 = (4 + 36 + 20) / 6 = 60 / 6 = 10.0 days.

Question 2

Which duration estimating technique is MOST appropriate when a project team has little historical data but access to subject matter experts?

Accepted Answer

Expert judgment

Answer

Expert judgment is most appropriate when historical data is scarce but knowledgeable SMEs are available to provide informed estimates.

Question 3

A schedule estimator is using the reserve analysis technique. Which type of reserve is added to activity durations to account for identified risks?

Accepted Answer

Contingency reserve

Answer

Contingency reserve is added to activity durations to address identified schedule risks, unlike management reserve which covers unknown unknowns.

Question 4

When using parametric estimating, a construction team knows it takes 2 hours per linear foot for a specific type of piping installation. If the project requires 150 linear feet, what is the estimated duration?

Accepted Answer

300 hours

Answer

Parametric estimate = rate × quantity = 2 hours/foot × 150 feet = 300 hours.

Question 5

A project manager notices that duration estimates provided by team members consistently underestimate actual time. Which bias is MOST likely causing this?

Accepted Answer

Optimism bias

Answer

Optimism bias causes estimators to consistently underestimate durations by assuming best-case conditions will prevail.

(PMI-SP) PMI Scheduling Professional Practice Test

(PMI-SP) PMI Scheduling Professional Practice Test

PMI-SP Duration Estimating 2