PMP Practice Questions #170
As a project manager, you are tasked with ensuring that the project remains aligned with the organization’s benefit goals. Which of the following activities should you perform to achieve this?
A) Develop the project charter consisting of the scope, assumptions, constraints, high-level risks, high-level benefits, and their realization
B) Prepare a business case defining the project objectives, requirements, risks, and cost and benefits
C) Develop the benefits realization plan and its measurement criteria to set the benefit baseline for the project
D) Provide periodic updates on benefit metrics as per the governance and benefit management plan
Analysis
In this scenario, the project manager is responsible for ensuring that the project remains aligned with the organization’s benefit goals. The focus is on continuous alignment with these goals throughout the project’s lifecycle. The question emphasizes understanding the business domain and maintaining ongoing alignment, rather than just setting initial directions.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Develop the project charter consisting of the scope, assumptions, constraints, high-level risks, high-level benefits, and their realization. It is an important document that sets the direction for the project by outlining its objectives, scope, and high-level benefits. However, while the project charter establishes initial alignment with the organization’s benefit goals, it does not ensure ongoing alignment throughout the project. Additionally, the project charter is typically not solely prepared by the project manager, and benefit realization is not a core focus of this document. Therefore, this option lacks the continuous alignment required in the question.
Option B: Prepare a business case defining the project objectives, requirements, risks, and cost and benefits. The business case is usually developed before the project charter and sets the foundational justification for the project, including objectives and expected benefits. However, similar to the project charter, it is not the responsibility of the project manager to prepare this document. Additionally, while the business case aligns the project with organizational goals at the start, it does not ensure that the project remains aligned throughout its lifecycle. The role of maintaining alignment is not inherent in this option, making it less suitable.
Option C: Develop the benefits realization plan and its measurement criteria to set the benefit baseline for the project. This option involves creating a benefits realization plan, which is critical for ensuring that the project delivers the expected benefits. The plan includes measurement criteria to track progress against the benefit baseline. While this is closer to the continuous alignment focus required, the responsibility for developing this plan typically lies with portfolio management or business owners, not the project manager. Moreover, setting the benefit baseline is just the starting point; maintaining alignment is still not fully addressed by this option.
Option D: Provide periodic updates on benefit metrics as per the governance and benefit management plan. This option involves regularly updating stakeholders on the project’s benefit metrics, aligning with the governance and benefits management plan. This continuous assessment and reporting process ensures that the project remains aligned with the organization’s benefit goals. The project manager’s role in providing these updates ensures that any misalignments are addressed promptly, keeping the project on track. This ongoing alignment, rather than just initial planning, makes Option D the most suitable choice.
Conclusion: Option D is the correct answer. It ensures continuous alignment with the organization’s benefit goals through regular updates and assessments, directly addressing the requirement to keep the project aligned with the organizational objectives throughout its lifecycle.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Business | Task 1: Evaluate and deliver project benefits and value |
Topics Covered
- Project Performance Report
- Project Benefits
