PMP Practice Questions #72
As the project manager overseeing the development of a new customer relationship management (CRM) system, your current focus is on defining the project schedule, particularly identifying key milestones. Based on the descriptions provided, identify which of the following is best categorized as a milestone:
A. Creation of the User Interface Design: This work entails finalizing the visual elements and user interactions of the CRM system.
B. Prototype Review Meeting: A crucial meeting scheduled for stakeholders to assess the first functional version of the CRM system.
C. CRM System Go-Live Date: The specifically targeted date when the CRM system is planned to be fully operational and available to the client.
D. Development of Data Migration Tools: This involves the creation of essential tools required for transferring existing customer data into the new CRM system.
Analysis:
In your role as the project manager for the development of a new CRM system, a key aspect of current focus is defining the project schedule and identifying key milestones. Milestones are significant points or events in the project schedule that typically represent a major achievement or a critical juncture.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Creation of the User Interface Design: This work entails finalizing the visual elements and user interactions of the CRM system. The creation of the User Interface Design involves finalizing visual elements and interactions for the CRM system. While it’s a significant task or even a work package within the project, it doesn’t qualify as a milestone. A milestone is more about a specific achievement or event rather than an ongoing task or development process.
Option B:Prototype Review Meeting: A crucial meeting scheduled for stakeholders to assess the first functional version of the CRM system. The Prototype Review Meeting, where stakeholders assess the first functional version of the CRM system, could be considered a significant event in the project’s lifecycle. However, while crucial, this option seems more like an important activity or meeting in the project schedule rather than a distinct milestone. A milestone typically signifies the completion of a major phase or deliverable, and this meeting, although important, appears more process-oriented.
Option C: CRM System Go-Live Date: The specifically targeted date when the CRM system is planned to be fully operational and available to the client. The Go-Live Date for the CRM system is a clear and definitive milestone. It represents a significant, specific target date when the system becomes fully operational and available to clients. This option aligns well with the definition of a milestone, marking a major achievement in the project lifecycle.
Option D: Development of Data Migration Tools: This involves the creation of essential tools required for transferring existing customer data into the new CRM system. The development of data migration tools for the CRM system, while critical, is more of an ongoing task or work package. It involves a series of activities rather than being a single point of achievement or event. Therefore, it doesn’t fit the typical definition of a project milestone.
Conclusion: Based on the given descriptions, Option C (CRM System Go-Live Date) is the best categorized as a milestone. It represents a significant, specific event in the project timeline, indicating a major achievement or phase completion. The other options, although important elements of the project, do not embody the essence of a milestone as effectively as the Go-Live Date. This decision aligns with the understanding of milestones as key events or achievements that are crucial markers in a project’s progress.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Process | Task 6 Plan and manage schedule |
Topics Covered
- Predictive Scheduling
- Milestones, Tasks and Work Package
