APM PMQ TEST PAPER FULL QUESTIONS
AND COMPLETE ANSWERS
⩥ key differences between projects and program management.
Answer: -project has fixed duration, program has undetermined
duration
-project has pre-defined objectives, program has negotiated
objectives
-project is task oriented, program is goal oriented
-project has a lifecycle, program has extended lifecycle
-proj manager is overseer, prog manager is creative thinker
-proj has a single objective, program has multiple related
objectives
⩥ outline the relationship between programs, projects and
strategic change.
Answer: program is aligned to overall strategy, benefits from
projects integrated during life of the program, there may be
inter-project dependencies, delivers outcomes
⩥ what is a program.
,Answer: a group of projects with related business
objectives/benefits; aligned to an overall strategy
⩥ benefits of program management.
Answer: -focuses on strategic objectives (a vision drives the
program. each project brings us closer)
-focuses on change mgt: embeds delivered products into
business to achieve outcomes/benefits
-ensures optimal project scheduling (minimize delays, maximize
efficiency)/inter-project dependencies
-benefits from economies of scale by allocating resources
efficiently
-risk and change handled at strategic level
-easily justify infrastructure projects as they rarely present
benefits on their own. only within a program is their purpose
clear and justified
⩥ typical roles of a program manager.
Answer: -planning and controlling
-managing project interfaces
-defines governance
-manages budget
,-manages resources
-manages communications, risks, issues
⩥ what is portfolio management and how is it different from
project/program management.
Answer: analysis of projects and programs related to strategic
objectives.
-it balances change initiatives with maintaining BAU (outputs
embedded into BAU such that benefits are realized)
-highest priority projects and programs selected for
implementation
-needs to be adjusted in line with current circumstances
(resources, ability to accept change)
⩥ when to use portfolio management.
Answer: -used at organizational level to ensure that changes
necessary to achieve strategic objectives are
coordinated/managed in a sustainable manner
-used at departmental level to prioritize dept workload over the
next business cycle.
⩥ Linear Lifecycle Phases.
, Answer: 1. Concept: requirements gathered, business case
established, context, feasibility study
2. Definition: requirements defined, PMP developed, business
case refined, deployment baseline created
3. Deployment: products tested, PMP
executed/monitored/controlled, work assigned,
4. Transition: acceptance testing against reqt, post project
review, lessons learned, deliverables handed over to sponsor and
users
⩥ Extended Lifecycle.
Answer: -Adoption: establish project outcomes, users start to
use outputs
-Benefits realization: realize benefits, benefits reviews
-Ops: ongoing product support, might consider upgrades
-Termination: decommission product, review overall success
**A,B,O phases run in parallel
⩥ Iterative Life Cycle definition.
Answer: -time and cost defined at start
-requirements put into product backlog
-work is done in fixed timeboxes
AND COMPLETE ANSWERS
⩥ key differences between projects and program management.
Answer: -project has fixed duration, program has undetermined
duration
-project has pre-defined objectives, program has negotiated
objectives
-project is task oriented, program is goal oriented
-project has a lifecycle, program has extended lifecycle
-proj manager is overseer, prog manager is creative thinker
-proj has a single objective, program has multiple related
objectives
⩥ outline the relationship between programs, projects and
strategic change.
Answer: program is aligned to overall strategy, benefits from
projects integrated during life of the program, there may be
inter-project dependencies, delivers outcomes
⩥ what is a program.
,Answer: a group of projects with related business
objectives/benefits; aligned to an overall strategy
⩥ benefits of program management.
Answer: -focuses on strategic objectives (a vision drives the
program. each project brings us closer)
-focuses on change mgt: embeds delivered products into
business to achieve outcomes/benefits
-ensures optimal project scheduling (minimize delays, maximize
efficiency)/inter-project dependencies
-benefits from economies of scale by allocating resources
efficiently
-risk and change handled at strategic level
-easily justify infrastructure projects as they rarely present
benefits on their own. only within a program is their purpose
clear and justified
⩥ typical roles of a program manager.
Answer: -planning and controlling
-managing project interfaces
-defines governance
-manages budget
,-manages resources
-manages communications, risks, issues
⩥ what is portfolio management and how is it different from
project/program management.
Answer: analysis of projects and programs related to strategic
objectives.
-it balances change initiatives with maintaining BAU (outputs
embedded into BAU such that benefits are realized)
-highest priority projects and programs selected for
implementation
-needs to be adjusted in line with current circumstances
(resources, ability to accept change)
⩥ when to use portfolio management.
Answer: -used at organizational level to ensure that changes
necessary to achieve strategic objectives are
coordinated/managed in a sustainable manner
-used at departmental level to prioritize dept workload over the
next business cycle.
⩥ Linear Lifecycle Phases.
, Answer: 1. Concept: requirements gathered, business case
established, context, feasibility study
2. Definition: requirements defined, PMP developed, business
case refined, deployment baseline created
3. Deployment: products tested, PMP
executed/monitored/controlled, work assigned,
4. Transition: acceptance testing against reqt, post project
review, lessons learned, deliverables handed over to sponsor and
users
⩥ Extended Lifecycle.
Answer: -Adoption: establish project outcomes, users start to
use outputs
-Benefits realization: realize benefits, benefits reviews
-Ops: ongoing product support, might consider upgrades
-Termination: decommission product, review overall success
**A,B,O phases run in parallel
⩥ Iterative Life Cycle definition.
Answer: -time and cost defined at start
-requirements put into product backlog
-work is done in fixed timeboxes
