PMP Practice Questions #88
As a project manager in the initial planning phase of a new software development project, you are tasked with establishing the project baselines. You have the project scope defined and now need to develop the schedule and cost baselines. How should you approach this to ensure proper integration of these baselines?
A. Develop the schedule baseline first, and then determine the cost baseline based solely on the schedule.
B. Create the cost baseline independently from the schedule to maintain strict control over the budget.
C. Simultaneously develop the schedule and cost baselines, ensuring they are aligned with the defined project scope.
D. Prioritize the cost baseline, as it is the most critical aspect, and then adjust the schedule and scope accordingly.
Analysis:
This question focuses on establishing baselines in the initial planning phase of a software development project. With the project scope already defined, the challenge lies in developing integrated schedule and cost baselines. The question explores how to approach this process to ensure these baselines are properly aligned and integrated.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Develop the schedule baseline first, and then determine the cost baseline based solely on the schedule. This option suggests a sequential approach, where the schedule baseline is developed first, followed by the cost baseline. However, this method may not effectively address the inherent interdependencies between the schedule and cost aspects of a project. In project management, schedule and cost are closely linked; changes in one can significantly impact the other. By not considering this relationship during baseline development, there’s a risk of misalignment between the schedule and cost baselines. This could lead to challenges in managing project resources efficiently and achieving project objectives within the defined budget and timeline.
Option B: Create the cost baseline independently from the schedule to maintain strict control over the budget. This method risks ignoring the vital interplay between the project’s schedule and costs. In effective project management, the schedule and cost baselines are not isolated components; they are interdependent elements that should be developed in tandem. By separating these two crucial aspects of project planning, there is a potential risk of creating a lack of cohesion. This disjointed approach can lead to challenges in balancing the project’s scope, time, and cost, and may result in difficulties in adapting to changes and maintaining alignment with project objectives.
Option C: Simultaneously develop the schedule and cost baselines, ensuring they are aligned with the defined project scope. This approach recommends concurrently developing the schedule and cost baselines, effectively aligning them with the already defined project scope. It recognizes and addresses the interdependent nature of scheduling and budgeting within project management. By integrating these two critical aspects of the project plan from the outset, this method facilitates the creation of a more cohesive and realistic plan. It allows for a more balanced consideration of the project’s resources, timeframes, and financial constraints. This integrated approach is beneficial for maintaining project coherence, ensuring that changes in one aspect (like the schedule) are immediately reflected and adjusted in the other (like the budget), thus maintaining a harmonious balance between scope, time, and cost throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Option D: Prioritize the cost baseline, as it is the most critical aspect, and then adjust the schedule and scope accordingly. This method may undermine the integrity of the project’s scope and schedule, leading to potential compromises in project quality or timelines.
Conclusion: Option C is the most suitable approach. It reflects best practices in project management by recognizing the intrinsic connection between schedule and cost baselines. By developing these baselines concurrently, the project manager ensures they are mutually informed and aligned with the project’s scope. This integrated approach is crucial for creating a well-coordinated and realistic project plan, thereby enhancing the chances of successful project delivery. This approach aligns with the principles of project integration management, ensuring that all aspects of project planning are harmoniously connected.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Process | Task 9: Integrate project planning activities |
Topics Covered
- Project Baselines
- Project Integration Management
