PM Test Center

The PERT formula is typically calculated as:

A. (O+M+P)/6
B. (O+4M+P)/6
C. (O+M+P)/3
D. (O+4M+P)/3

Answer: B. (O+4M+P)/6
PERT is a weighted average, typically with emphasis on the most likely (M). PERT is a weighted average, typically with emphasis on the most likely (M). So if you are going to calculate 1x optimistic plus 4x most likely plus 1x pessimistic, then there are six variables. Therefore, you would divide by six to get a weighted estimate.

Which of the following estimating types takes the most amount of time to prepare?

A. Bottom up
B. Analogous
C. Parametric
D. Top down

Answer: A. Bottom up
Bottom up, also known as engineering, grass roots or definitive estimating, takes a substantial amount of time since it involves estimating each work package. The estimates are then rolled up to sub-project and overall project levels.

Which of the following estimating types provides the least accuracy?

A. Analogous
B. Engineering
C. Bottom-up
D. Grass roots

Answer: A. Analogous
Analogous is a top-down estimate. It usually only takes a short period of time to estimate since it is based on historical information and expert judgment. As a result, it generally produces less accurate outputs when compared to the others on the list, which provide estimates at the greatest level of detail.

Which of the following estimating types takes the least amount of time to prepare?

A. Analogous
B. Parametric
C. Engineering
D. Bottom up

Answer: B. Parametric
Parametric, also known as rough order of magnitude, is very quick since it is simply estimating a part of the project and scaling it. For instance, if it is estimated to take 8 hours and $1000 to do paint a room, then the estimate for painting eight rooms of similar size would take 64 hours and $8000.

Your client requests that you to use a Monte Carlo technique for the project. What are you being asked to do?

A. Create a histogram that ranks risks.
B. Estimate cost and time results by executing the project many times through a simulator.
C. Ignore minor risks and take our chances.
D. Monitor cost variances and use contingency funds when necessary.

Answer: B. Estimate cost and time results by executing the project many times through a simulator.
The Monte Carlo, a Quantitative Risk Analysis Technique, runs simulations to estimate cost and time. It uses many iterations to produce a probability distribution.

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.