PM Test Center

You plan on using a project management information system (PMIS) to develop a Gantt chart. One drawback of using a Gantt chart is:

A. Finish dates for each project cannot be manually set
B. WBS outline cannot be represented
C. Relationships between tasks are not displayed
D. Only one resource can be assigned to a task

Answer: C. Relationships between tasks are not displayed
Although some PMIS tools do show relationships between tasks (e.g. Microsoft Project), traditionally, Gantt charts do not display them.

While planning a project that has not been accomplished before at the company, your manager asks you to get a three point estimate from Shari, the lead designer. Shari provides you with an optimistic estimate (2 hours), a most likely estimate (4 hours), and a pessimistic estimate (12 hours). What must be the three point estimate for Shari’s task?

A. 5 hours
B. 6 hours
C. 10 hours
D. Not enough information and will need clarification from the manager

Answer: D. Not enough information and will need clarification from the manager
A three point estimate could be derived several ways. Two of the most common are the mean ((O+M+P)/3), which would give you 6 hours and PERT ((O+4M+P)/6), which would give you 5 hours. However, in this example, it is not clear what type of three point estimate to use.

Dwight’s project is behind schedule. As a result, he is looking to reduce the duration of his project to bring it back on track. If cost is not a factor, what tactic should he use?

A. Fast-track
B. Critical path
C. PERT
D. Crash

Answer: D. Crash
Crashing is one method to reduce the project duration. This is done by adding resources which leads to an increase in costs.

Dwight’s project is behind schedule. As a result, he is looking to reduce the duration of his project to bring it back on track. Dwight is also tasked with keeping costs as low as possible to reduce the risk of an overrun. What tactic should he use?

A. Fast-track
B. Critical path
C. PERT
D. Crash

Answer: A. Fast-track
Fast-tracking is one method to reduce the project duration. This is done by overlapping tasks (i.e. adding lead time). Although this does not typically increase cost, it does increase risk.

What is the typical duration of a milestone?

A. 0
B. 1
C. Milestone durations depend on the total duration of the project
D. Milestone durations depend on each predecessor

Answer: A. 0
Milestones typically have a duration of 0 since they do not require effort to complete. Effort is usually spent on work leading up to them. They are usually used to track time and cost targets. Milestones may also have durations other than zero but it is not the norm.