PMP Practice Questions #169
You are initiating a new project and need to ensure all stakeholders are aligned and understand the project’s objectives, scope, and high-level requirements. Which document will help you achieve this by formally authorizing the project and assigning the project manager?
A) Business Case
B) Project Management Plan
C) Project Charter
D) Contract
Analysis
In the initiation phase of a project, it is crucial to align all stakeholders with the project’s objectives, scope, and high-level requirements. This alignment ensures a shared understanding and formalizes the project’s commencement. The key elements to consider are the document’s purpose, the information it contains, and its role in project initiation and authorization.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Business Case: A business case provides high-level details about the initiative, including problem definition, feasibility analysis, justification, high-level requirements, and alternative solutions. While it contains some information relevant to the project, it does not formally authorize the project or assign a project manager. Business cases are typically used to justify the project’s need and viability rather than to initiate and authorize it. Therefore, it is not suitable as it does not authorize the project or assign the project manager.
Option B: Project Management Plan: The project management plan includes detailed information on the project’s scope, schedule, execution, and control mechanisms. It is a comprehensive document developed by the project manager and maintained throughout the project’s lifecycle. However, it is not used to authorize the project or assign the project manager, as it is created after the project’s initiation. Thus, it is not appropriate since it is not used for project authorization or assignment of the project manager.
Option C: Project Charter: The project charter is the document that formally authorizes the project, assigns the project manager, and outlines high-level project objectives, scope, and requirements. It acts as the official start of the project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. This aligns perfectly with the need to ensure stakeholder alignment and formal project initiation. Hence, it is the best choice as it authorizes the project and assigns the project manager, aligning stakeholders with the project’s objectives and scope.
Option D: Contract: A contract is used in projects that are conducted in response to external customer requirements. It typically includes high-level scope, requirements, and objectives. However, it primarily outlines the terms and obligations between parties rather than formally authorizing the project within the organization or assigning a project manager. Contracts often lead to the creation of a project charter. Therefore, it is not suitable as it does not formally authorize the project or assign the project manager directly.
Conclusion: The most appropriate document for ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and understand the project’s objectives, scope, and high-level requirements is the Project Charter. The project charter formally authorizes the project, assigns the project manager, and serves as the official document that initiates the project, providing a clear foundation and direction for all stakeholders involved. This aligns with best practices in project management and ensures a structured and authorized start to the project.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| People | Task 10: Build shared understanding |
| Process | Task 4: Engage stakeholders |
Topics Covered
- Project Charter
