Deck 3: Managing the Information Systems Project

Question 1

Establishing a relationship with a customer is a project initiation activity.

Answer 1

True
Explanation: As part of project initiation, the project manager will get to know the customer and the needs of his/her department.

Question 2

COCOMO uses parameters that are derived from estimates of planned projects of the same complexity to estimate project size and cost.

Answer 2

False
Explanation: COCOMO uses parameters that were derived from prior projects of differing complexity.

Question 3

The focus of project management is to ensure that systems development projects meet customer expectations and are delivered within budget and time constraints.

Answer 3

True
Explanation: Project management is an important aspect of the development of information systems and a critical skill for a systems analyst. The focus of project management is to ensure that system development projects meet customer expectations and are delivered within budget and time constraints.

Question 4

Task sequence depends on which tasks produce deliverables needed in other tasks, when critical resources are available, the constraints placed on the project by the client, and the process outlined in the SDLC.

Question 5

In order to determine the resources required for project completion, an organization should analyze the project's scope and determine the project's probability of successful completion.

Question 6

The project workbook serves as a repository for all project correspondence, inputs, outputs, deliverables, procedures, and standards established by the project team.

Question 7

Creating a work breakdown structure requires that you decompose phases into activities and activities into specific tasks.

Question 8

During project initiation, the focus of developing a communication plan activity is to collect and organize the tools that will be used while managing the project.

Question 9

A resource analysis plan determines if the proposed information system makes sense for the organization from an economic and operational standpoint.

Question 10

Project planning is the first phase of the project management process in which activities are performed to assess the size, scope, and complexity of the project and to establish procedures to support later project activities.

Question 11

Project time estimates for task completion and overall system quality are not significantly influenced by the assignment of people to tasks.

Question 12

A logic model is a graphical representation of a project that shows each task as a horizontal bar whose length is proportional to its time for completion.

Question 13

A systems development project may be undertaken to take advantage of business opportunities or to solve business problems.

Question 14

A deliverable is an end product in a phase of the SDLC.

Question 15

Project planning involves defining clear, discrete activities and the work needed to complete each activity within a single project.

Question 16

Gantt charts show how tasks must be ordered and when an activity should begin and end.

Question 17

The project manager is responsible for initiating, planning, executing, and closing down the project.

Question 18

The most instrumental person to the successful completion of a project is the database analyst.

Question 19

The Constructive Cost Model is a method for estimating a software project's size and cost.

Question 20

Project initiation is the second phase of the project management process, which focuses on defining clear, discrete activities and the work needed to complete each activity within a single project.

Question 21

The focus of closing the customer contract activity is to ensure that all contractual terms of the project have been met.

Question 22

Variable expenses are any person, group of people, piece of equipment, or material used in accomplishing an activity.

Question 23

Team members are assessed as part of the conducting postproject reviews activity.

Question 24

A network diagram depicts project tasks and their interrelationships.

Question 25

When executing the baseline project plan, the project manager will initiate the execution of project activities, acquire and assign resources, orient and train new team members, keep the project on schedule, and assure the quality of project deliverables.

Question 26

If an activity's optimistic time is four days, its realistic time is 10 days, and its pessimistic time is 25 days, then its estimated time would be 11.5 days.

Question 27

The ability to easily make changes to a project is a very powerful feature of most project management environments.

Question 28

A slipped completion date for an activity may initiate a change to the baseline project plan.

Question 29

Projects are deemed a success or failure at project closedown.

Question 30

A baseline project plan is developed during the project execution phase.

Question 31

A planned undertaking of related activities to reach an objective that has a beginning and an end best defines:

A) task development.
B) activity plan.
C) project.
D) task schedule.
E) project mission.

Question 32

During the development of a preliminary schedule activity conducted during the project planning phase, you specify how various deliverables are produced and tested by you and your project team.

Question 33

A project can terminate naturally or unnaturally.

Question 34

An activity on the critical path will have a slack time of 1.

Question 35

The hallway discussion project team communication method has a medium to a high formality rating.

Question 36

Critical path scheduling is a scheduling technique whose order and duration of a sequence of task activities directly affect the completion date of a project.

Question 37

The status report project team communication method is used to inform project team members.

Question 38

The meetings project team communication method has a low formality rating.

Question 39

Gantt charts visually show the time overlap of tasks whereas a network diagram does not show time overlap but does show which tasks could be done in parallel.

Question 40

Gantt charts do not show how tasks must be ordered.

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a True statement regarding project planning?

A) Project planning often requires that you make numerous assumptions about resource availability and potential problems.
B) Project planning is the second phase of the project management process.
C) Project planning focuses on defining clear, discrete activities and the work needed to complete each activity within a single project.
D) The repetitive nature of the project management process requires that plans be constantly monitored throughout the project and periodically updated.
E) Monitoring project progress against the baseline project plan is the first project planning activity.

Question 42

Skills that include interpreting system requests and specifications, site preparation and user training, and contact point for customers best represent:

A) leadership.
B) management.
C) customer relations.
D) conflict management.
E) team management.

Question 43

An individual with a diverse set of skills-management, leadership, technical, conflict management, and customer relationship-who is responsible for initiating, planning, executing, and closing down a project best defines:

A) chief information officer.
B) consultant.
C) project scheduler.
D) project manager.
E) end user.

Question 44

The phase of the project management process in which activities are performed to assess the size, scope, and complexity of the project and to establish procedures to support later project activities best defines:

A) project initiation.
B) scope development.
C) project planning.
D) project assessment.
E) project design.

Question 45

Skills that include defining and sequencing activities, communicating expectations, assigning resources to activities, and monitoring outcomes best represent:

A) customer relations.
B) leadership.
C) team management.
D) management.
E) technical problem solving.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a task characteristic?

A) A task should have well-accepted predecessor and successor steps.
B) A task should have a single and identifiable deliverable.
C) A task should have a known method or technique.
D) A task should be completed by only one person.
E) A task is measurable so that percent completed can be determined.

Question 47

Defining the necessary activities required to organize the initiation team while they are working to define the scope of the project is the focus of which of the following activities?

A) Establishing the project initiation team
B) Establishing management procedures
C) Establishing the project management environment and project workbook
D) Dividing the project into manageable tasks
E) Establishing the project initiation plan

Question 48

An online or hard-copy repository for all project correspondence, inputs, outputs, deliverables, procedures, and standards that is used for performing project audits, orientation of new team members, communicating with management and customers, identifying future projects, and performing post project reviews is called:

A) a project workbook.
B) a schedule book.
C) a project planner.
D) project management software.
E) an electronic calendar.

Question 49

Identifying, assessing, and managing the risks and day-to-day changes that occur during a project best defines which of the following project manager activities?

A) Conflict management
B) Risk and change management
C) Team management
D) Customer relations
E) Technical problem solving

Question 50

Arguably, the most instrumental person to the successful completion of any project is the:

A) chief information officer.
B) project manager.
C) end user.
D) staff consultant.
E) department manager.

Question 51

Which of the following is a True statement regarding project time estimates?

A) Project time estimates for task completion and overall system quality are significantly influenced by the assignment of people to tasks.
B) Resource estimates should not be revised based upon the skills of the actual person assigned to a particular activity.
C) Staff learning can be enhanced by assigning individuals to tasks which are "over their heads."
D) Project time estimates are always on target.
E) Hardware and software are the most important, and expensive, part of project resource planning.

Question 52

Which of the following is NOT a project management phase?

A) Closing down the project
B) Planning the project
C) Executing the project
D) Initiating a project
E) Implementing the project

Question 53

Managing conflict within a project team to ensure that conflict is not too high or too low best defines which of the following project manager activities?

A) Conflict management
B) Leadership
C) Team management
D) Problem solving
E) Risk management

Question 54

Influencing the activities of others toward the attainment of a common goal through the use of intelligence, personality, and abilities refers to which of the following project manager activities?

A) Conflict management
B) Management
C) Leadership
D) Team management
E) Customer relations

Question 55

A controlled process of initiating, planning, executing, and closing down a project best defines:

A) systems development.
B) project management.
C) project development.
D) systems management.
E) systems development technique.

Question 56

The process of dividing the project into manageable tasks and logically ordering them to ensure a smooth evolution between tasks defines:

A) task division.
B) work breakdown structure.
C) work structuring.
D) project division.
E) critical path scheduling.

Question 57

During which of the following project planning activities do you use the information regarding tasks and resource availability to assign time estimates to each activity in the work breakdown structure?

A) Dividing the project into manageable tasks
B) Describing project scope, alternatives, and feasibility
C) Setting a baseline project plan
D) Developing a preliminary schedule
E) Developing a project scope statement

Question 58

Which of the following project management activities is associated with project initiation?

A) Estimating resources and creating a detailed resource plan
B) Describing project scope, alternatives, and feasibility
C) Establishing a relationship with the customer
D) Identifying and assessing risks
E) Closing down the project

Question 59

Developing an understanding of the content and complexity of the project is the purpose of:

A) developing a project charter activity of the project planning phase.
B) setting a baseline project plan activity of the project planning phase.
C) determining project standards and procedures activity of the project planning phase.
D) describing the project scope, alternatives, and feasibility activity of the project planning phase.
E) closing down the project activity of the project planning phase.

Question 60

Which of the following is NOT a project planning activity?

A) Setting a baseline project plan
B) Identifying and assessing risk
C) Determining project standards and procedures
D) Establishing management procedures
E) Developing a project charter

Question 61

What would be the estimated time for completion if the time estimates for report design are as follows? optimistic = 3 weeks; pessimistic = 9 weeks; realistic = 6 weeks

A) 3 weeks
B) 5 weeks
C) 36 weeks
D) 6 weeks
E) 18 weeks

Question 62

Which of the following states correctly the formality and use of hallway discussions?

A) In terms of formality, hallway discussions would be rated medium. In terms of use, hallway discussions would be used to inform.
B) In terms of formality, hallway discussions would be rated high. In terms of use, hallway discussions would be used to inform.
C) In terms of formality, hallway discussions would be rated low. In terms of use, hallway discussions would be used to inform and resolve issues.
D) In terms of formality, hallway discussions would be rated high. In terms of use, hallway discussions would serve as a permanent record.
E) In terms of formality, hallway discussions would be rated medium to high. In terms of use, hallway discussions would be used to resolve issues.

Question 63

The third phase of the project management process in which the plans created in the prior phases are put into action is:

A) project planning.
B) project development.
C) project initiation.
D) project execution.
E) project close down.

Question 64

Changes to the baseline project plan might be motivated by:

A) a slipped completion date of an activity.
B) a bungled activity that must be redone.
C) the identification of a new activity that becomes evident later in the project.
D) an unforeseen change in personnel due to sickness, resignation, or termination.
E) all of the above.

Question 65

Ensuring that all contractual terms of the project have been met is done during:

A) conducting postproject reviews.
B) closing the customer contract.
C) setting a baseline project plan.
D) communicating the project status.
E) project implementation.

Question 66

The responsibility for keeping all team members informed of the project status best describes:

A) monitoring project progress against the baseline project plan.
B) executing the baseline plan.
C) communicating the project status.
D) updating project status.
E) establishing the project initiation plan.

Question 67

A critical path refers to:

A) a sequence of task activities whose order and durations indirectly affect the completion date of a project.
B) a sequence of task activities whose order and durations directly affect the completion date of a project.
C) a sequence of task activities whose order must be performed in parallel.
D) a sequence of task activities whose duration cannot last more than 40 percent of the time allotted to the project.
E) none of the above.

Question 68

Realistic time refers to:

A) the maximum period of time for an activity to be completed.
B) the minimum period of time for an activity to be completed.
C) the planner's "best guess" of the amount of time the activity actually will require for completion.
D) the maximum period of time for an entire project to be completed.
E) the average period of time for an activity to be completed.

Question 69

What would be the estimated time for completion if time estimates for programming are as follows? optimistic = 4 weeks; pessimistic = 6 weeks; realistic = 5 weeks

A) 5 weeks
B) 6 weeks
C) 15 weeks
D) 3 weeks
E) 30 weeks

Question 70

Which of the following occurs during project execution?

A) Monitoring project progress against the baseline project plan
B) Conducting post project reviews
C) Establishing the project initiation plan
D) Establishing the project workbook
E) Establishing the communication plan

Question 71

Pessimistic time refers to:

A) the maximum period of time for an activity to be completed.
B) the minimum period of time for an activity to be completed.
C) the planner's "best guess" of the amount of time the activity actually will require for completion.
D) the maximum period of time for an entire project to be completed.
E) the average period of time for an activity to be completed.

Question 72

Which of the following states correctly the formality and use of a project workbook?

A) In terms of formality, the project workbook would be rated low to medium. In terms of use, the project workbook would be used to inform and serve as a permanent record.
B) In terms of formality, the project workbook would be rated high. In terms of use, the project workbook would be used to resolve issues.
C) In terms of formality, the project workbook would be rated high. In terms of use, the project workbook would be used to inform and serve as a permanent record.
D) In terms of formality, the project workbook would be rated low. In terms of use, the project workbook would be used to resolve issues.
E) In terms of formality, the project workbook would be rated medium to high. In terms of use, the project workbook would be used to resolve issues.

Question 73

Determining the strengths and weaknesses of project deliverables, the processes used to create them, and the project management process is done during:

A) conducting postproject reviews.
B) closing down the project.
C) establishing the communication plan.
D) communicating the project status.
E) closing the customer contract.

Question 74

Optimistic time refers to:

A) the maximum period of time for an activity to be completed.
B) the minimum period of time for an activity to be completed.
C) the planner's "best guess" of the amount of time the activity actually will require for completion.
D) the maximum period of time for an entire project to be completed.
E) the average period of time for an activity to be completed.

Question 75

Indicating when and how written and oral reports will be provided by the team, how team members will coordinate work, what messages will be sent to announce the project to interested parties, and what kinds of information will be shared with vendors and external contractors involved with the project describes:

A) determining project standards and procedures.
B) developing a project scope statement.
C) developing a communication plan.
D) setting a baseline project plan.
E) establishing the project initiation team.

Question 76

Any person, group of people, piece of equipment, or material used in accomplishing an activity is referred to as a(n):

A) entity.
B) agent.
C) resource.
D) identifier.
E) expense.

Question 77

The final phase of the project management process that focuses on bringing a project to an end is called:

A) project evaluation.
B) project closedown.
C) project initiation and planning.
D) project review.
E) project implementation.

Question 78

Risks can arise from:

A) the use of new technology.
B) resistance to change.
C) availability of critical resources.
D) member inexperience with technology or the business area.
E) all of the above.

Question 79

A scheduling technique where the order and duration of the sequence of activities directly affect the completion date of a project refers to:

A) sequencing strategy.
B) Gantt scheduling.
C) critical path scheduling.
D) activity scheduling.
E) task management.

Question 80

A technique that uses optimistic, pessimistic, and realistic time to calculate the expected time for a particular task best defines:

A) Gantt.
B) Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE).
C) Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT).
D) flowcharting.
E) Unified Modeling Language (UML).