TOPIC: Free PMP® Exam Sample Question

One of the project activities requires that a search of a large area is conducted to find debris from an explosion of a failed prototype. The project is now in planning, and there is a debate among the team members on the type and quantity of resources needed to complete this activity.

What should the project manager do first?

A. Select any resource and quantity to complete the task by the due date
B. Request the team to vote and make a decision based on majority
C. Research various levels of resource capability and skills, types, and sizes
D. Utilize a PMIS to manage resource pools and allocate resources

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HINT: What do the project manager and team need to figure out first?

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Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is C.

The question implies the team is carrying out the Estimate Activity Resources process. This process uses many tools and techniques. One technique to understand the resource needs and the best potential solutions for the activity resources is data analysis. Data analysis can be conducted in many forms and formats.

The objective is to evaluate possible options or approaches, or values to determine the best activity resource estimates. Once a value or a range of values has been determined as reasonable, estimates can be set or decisions that are most suitable for the participants made.

Therefore, of the choices provided, before making any decision, researching various resource levels, types, and methods is what the project manager should do first.

Details for each option:

A. Incorrect. While adhering to the due date is important, selecting 'any' resource and quantity may not be the best utilization of project resources. Type and quantity should be appropriate for the task at hand and consider all other project constraints, such as scope, cost, quality, risk, etc.

B. Incorrect. Meetings are among the tools and techniques of the Estimate Activity Resources process implied by the scenario. Voting is a collective decision-making technique that can be used during a meeting. The debate surrounding which resources are needed and how many is a positive conflict. There is no information in the scenario forcing the project to select quickly, prematurely, or because the debate is unproductive, making voting not the best option based on the information provided.

C. Correct. More information and data analysis are needed for the project team to make accurate activity resource estimates. This answer choice describes an alternatives analysis which is an example of the data analysis technique that can be used during the Estimate Activity Resources process described in the scenario.

D. Incorrect. A project management information system (PMIS) can be used to manage the estimates once the type of resources is identified and potential amounts are determined. Utilizing the PMIS at the point described in the question is a premature action.

Reference: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide) – Sixth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2017, Page(s) 325