PMP Practice Questions #164
Which of the following elements are typically included in a Configuration Management Plan?
A) Configuration item identification, Naming conventions, Version control, Configuration Control
B) Configuration item identification, Configuration status accounting, Configuration Audits, Change Request Log
C) Configuration item identification, Configuration Reporting, Configuration management metrics, Change Request Log
D) Configuration management software, Configuration management metrics, Configuration Control Board, Quality Audit Process
Analysis
A Configuration Management Plan (CMP) is a critical component of project management, particularly in ensuring that the project’s outputs and documents are managed, tracked, and controlled effectively. The CMP outlines how changes to the project will be managed and documented. Essential elements typically include identification of configuration items, version control, and configuration audits. The options provided in the question cover various aspects of configuration management, but not all elements are necessarily included in every CMP.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Configuration item identification, Naming conventions, Version control, Configuration Control
This option covers the fundamental elements of a Configuration Management Plan:
- Configuration item identification: This is essential as it identifies the items to be controlled and managed within the project.
- Naming conventions: Critical for maintaining consistency and clarity in identifying configuration items.
- Version control: Ensures that changes to configuration items are tracked and historical versions can be referenced.
- Configuration Control: The overall process of managing changes and maintaining the integrity of configuration items.
It comprehensively addresses the core aspects required in a Configuration Management Plan.
Option B: Configuration item identification, Configuration status accounting, Configuration Audits, Change Request Log
- Configuration item identification: Essential for identifying items to be managed.
- Configuration status accounting: Important for tracking the status and history of configuration items, ensuring transparency and traceability.
- Configuration Audits: Regular audits ensure that configuration items are managed according to the plan, maintaining integrity and compliance.
- Change Request Log: While important for tracking changes, this is more relevant to change management processes rather than configuration management specifically.
The inclusion of a Change Request Log makes this option less aligned with typical Configuration Management Plan components.
Option C: Configuration item identification, Configuration Reporting, Configuration management metrics, Change Request Log
- Configuration item identification: As previously noted, this is essential.
- Configuration Reporting: Involves generating reports on configuration management activities, useful but not always a core element.
- Configuration management metrics: Metrics can be valuable for tracking performance, but their inclusion varies.
- Change Request Log: As with Option B, this is more relevant to change management, not configuration management.
The presence of a Change Request Log and the focus on reporting and metrics make this option less typical for a CMP.
Option D: Configuration management software, Configuration management metrics, Configuration Control Board, Quality Audit Process
- Configuration management software: Useful for managing configuration items but not a mandatory element of a CMP.
- Configuration management metrics: Similar to Option C, valuable but not essential.
- Configuration Control Board (CCB): Critical for decision-making on configuration items, ensuring changes are evaluated and approved systematically.
- Quality Audit Process: More relevant to quality management rather than configuration management.
The inclusion of Quality Audit Process and software makes this option less typical for a Configuration Management Plan.
Conclusion: Option A is the most accurate representation of the elements typically included in a Configuration Management Plan. It covers the essential components such as configuration item identification, naming conventions, version control, and configuration control. These elements are fundamental to ensuring that the project’s configuration items are managed effectively, changes are controlled, and integrity is maintained. Options B, C, and D include elements that are either not typically part of a CMP or are more aligned with other management processes. Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Process | Task 12: Manage project artifacts |
Topics Covered
- Configuration Management Plan
