While developing a risk management plan for a complex program in a metricized environment, a program management team is itemizing a response plan for each identified risk that appears in the risk register. What should the risk manager do to effectively monitor the risks?
Answer : D
In a complex program, it is crucial for team members to assume ownership of risks before these are delegated. Encouraging the program team to assume risk ownership ensures that they are fully engaged and responsible for managing the risks assigned to them. This approach promotes accountability and helps ensure that risks are actively managed throughout the program's lifecycle.
PMI's guidelines on risk management emphasize the importance of assigning clear ownership of risks to ensure that they are effectively managed and that responsibilities are clearly understood by all team members.
The risk manager of a major project needs to ensure the organizational process assets (OPAsj are updated as a result of risk management activities. How will the risk manager accomplish this?
Answer : B
The risk manager can ensure the organizational process assets (OPAs) are updated as a result of risk management activities by arranging periodic risk management process audits. These audits help evaluate the effectiveness of risk management processes and identify areas of improvement, leading to updates in the OPAs.
According to the PMBOK Guide, one of the tools and techniques for the monitor risks process isaudits. Audits are examinations of the risk management processes to ensure that they are aligned with the project objectives and are following the organizational policies and procedures. Audits can also identify any gaps, inconsistencies, or areas of improvement in the risk management activities. By conducting periodic audits, the risk manager can ensure that the organizational process assets are updated and reflect the current state of the project risk management.Some of the organizational process assets that can be updated as a result of audits are risk management templates, risk categories, risk databases, and lessons learned1.Reference: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 456-457, 481-4821; PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline, 2015, page 9
The project manager is reviewing the lessons learned from a previous similar project. The previous project was delayed due to the delay in delivery of a gas turbine generator (GTG). Construction of the previous project had to be shut down unexpectedly to wait for the late delivery of the GTG.
What should the project manager do first?
Answer : C
The project manager should first gather more information about the previous project's issues by interviewing the other project manager. This will help in understanding the root causes of the delay and how to prevent similar issues in the current project before taking further action.
The project manager should first include the risk of delay in delivery of the GTG in the risk register and communicate with the stakeholders about the potential impact and response strategies. This is part of the risk identification process, which is the first step in risk management. The risk register is a document that records the identified risks, their causes, effects, probabilities, impacts, and response plans. The project manager should communicate with the stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of the risk and its implications, and to obtain their feedback and support. The project manager should also update the risk register as new information becomes available or as the risk status changes. The other options are not the first actions that the project manager should take. Communicating with the client to provide the previous shutdown plan is part of the risk response process, which comes after the risk identification and analysis processes. Reviewing and updating the project schedule is part of the schedule management process, which is not directly related to risk management. Interviewing the other project manager to learn more details is a technique that can be used to identify risks, but it is not the first action that the project manager should take. The project manager should first document the risk in the risk register and communicate with the stakeholders before seeking more information from other sources.Reference:3,4,5
A project is underway to implement a new customer support software. During testing, the risk manager discovers that the integration with the existing customer relationship management system is more complex than initially planned, potentially delaying the project. The risk manager needs to update project documents to reflect this new information.
Which steps should the risk manager consider when updating relevant project documents?
Answer : D
Best practice requires immediate assessment and updating of risk-related documents as soon as new risks or issues are identified. This includes working with the technical team to understand the impact, updating the risk register and project schedule, and communicating with stakeholders.
'When new risks or issues arise, project documents such as the risk register, schedule, and stakeholder communications should be updated promptly to ensure that stakeholders are informed and risk responses are integrated into project planning.'
--- PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition, Section 11.7 (Monitor Risks: Work Performance Information and Updates)
This keeps the project adaptive and transparent.
PMI PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition, Section 11.7
ISO 31000:2018, Section 6.7
There is confusion among risk action owners on a project about when and under which conditions they should initiate risk responses. Project team members often need to consult with the risk manager to get this conflict resolved.
What should the risk manager do to resolve this recurring situation?
Answer : B
When there is confusion among risk action owners about when to initiate risk responses, it suggests that the risk thresholds and triggers may not be well-defined or understood. Revisiting and clarifying these thresholds and triggers can help ensure that everyone involved understands the specific conditions under which a risk response should be initiated. This will reduce confusion and ensure that risk responses are executed consistently and appropriately.
PMI's risk management practices emphasize the importance of clearly defined risk thresholds and triggers to guide the timely and effective implementation of risk responses.
An agile project manager has noticed their team's declining morale, mistrust, and isolation over the last 6 months of working on a project. What should the agile project manager do to enhance productivity and create a cohesive team culture?
Answer : C
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth
In agile project management, fostering a collaborative and cohesive team environment is crucial for project success. When a team experiences declining morale, mistrust, and isolation, it's essential to implement strategies that encourage teamwork and mutual support.
Option C: Promote cross-training and mentoring among team members.
Cross-training involves teaching team members multiple skills beyond their primary roles, enabling them to understand and perform various functions within the team. Mentoring pairs less experienced members with seasoned colleagues to facilitate knowledge transfer and build trust. These practices offer several benefits:
Enhanced Collaboration: Team members gain a better understanding of each other's roles, leading to improved empathy and cooperation.
Increased Flexibility: A multi-skilled team can adapt more readily to changes and cover for one another as needed.
Improved Morale: Opportunities for learning and growth can boost job satisfaction and reduce feelings of isolation.
The PMI-RMP Exam Prep Study Guide emphasizes the importance of team development activities, stating that 'promoting cross-training and mentoring fosters a collaborative environment and enhances team performance' (Fremouw, 2021, p. 134).
Option A: Introduce performance standards and evaluation methods.
While establishing clear performance standards is important, focusing solely on evaluation methods may not address underlying issues of morale and mistrust. Without first building a supportive team culture, performance evaluations could exacerbate feelings of isolation or competition.
Option B: Clarify project goals and project contract constraints.
Clarifying project goals and constraints is essential for alignment but doesn't directly tackle interpersonal issues within the team. While understanding objectives can provide direction, it doesn't necessarily improve team dynamics or morale.
Option D: Develop a reward system related to position and years of experience.
Implementing a reward system based on tenure and position may inadvertently reinforce hierarchies and contribute to feelings of inequality, further diminishing morale. Recognition programs are more effective when they acknowledge contributions and achievements rather than inherent characteristics like position or seniority.
In summary, promoting cross-training and mentoring (Option C) directly addresses the issues of declining morale, mistrust, and isolation by fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and mutual support, leading to enhanced productivity and a cohesive team environment.
Fremouw, B. (2021). PMI-RMP Exam Prep Study Guide. RMC Publications.
A risk manager completed risk response planning for a project that is currently in the execution phase. During a periodic review of the risk register, the project manager recognizes that some key secondary risks have not been considered.
Who should the project manager hold accountable for missing the risks?
Answer : B
The risk manager is responsible for ensuring that all risks, including secondary risks, are identified and addressed during the risk response planning process. If key secondary risks were missed, the risk manager should be held accountable. (Reference: Project Management Institute. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) -- Sixth Edition, Section 11.5)
The risk manager is responsible for identifying and analyzing risks, as well as planning and implementing risk responses. Secondary risks are those risks that arise as a direct result of implementing a risk response to a specific risk. The risk manager should have considered the potential secondary risks during the risk response planning and updated the risk register accordingly.The project manager should hold the risk manager accountable for missing the secondary risks and ensure that they are properly addressed12
:1: PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Handbook, page 102: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) -- Seventh Edition, page 11.2.2.1