PM Test Center

You, the project manager, have a deliverable due in three days, just in time for your client to showcase at her annual event. However, you just learned that a shipment has been delayed and it will push your delivery date out by a day. What is the first thing you should do?

A. Notify your client
B. Notify your manager
C. Evaluate the options
D. Assess the impact

Answer: D. Assess the impact
Any time you are in a scenario like this, the first two things you should do before notifying your manager or your client are to (1) assess the impact and (2) evaluate the options. In other words, take a look at what happened and figure out some alternatives. So by the time you have to communicate to your manager/client, you already have a story and recommendation ready to go.

Contracts should typically be communicated through:

A. Informal written
B. Informal verbal
C. Formal written
D. Formal verbal

Answer: C. Formal written
Formal written communication should be used for project documents such as project charters, project plans, and contracts. As a general rule, if it needs sign-off, then you should take a formal written method. Most project communication, however, will fall into the other categories. These could include email (informal written), meetings (informal verbal), and presentations (formal verbal).

When workers get an opportunity to contribute at their best, they reach a level that Maslow refers to as:

A. Esteem
B. Theory Y
C. Self-actualization
D. Theory X

Answer: C. Self-actualization
In his Hierarchy of Needs, Maslow calls the top level self-actualization, where an individual is working at his/her optimum. Only when the previous needs have been met can one attain the next. From bottom to top, the levels are physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization. Theory X and Theory Y are part of McGregor theories and not associated with Maslow.

Which of the following conflict resolutions leads to a win-win outcome?

A. Confronting
B. Smoothing
C. Compromising
D. Withdrawal

Answer: A. Confronting
Although many of us associate the word with a negative connotation, confronting actually leads to a win-win result. Confronting is also known as problem solving or collaborating. Although compromise is the second best choice, it leads to a lose-lose outcome since both parties give something up. Smoothing and withdrawal are temporary and lead to win-lose.