CAPMHard

CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques

Question 12 of 106 in Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques

Pick an answer below — you'll get the explanation instantly, no signup.

Felipe Ogawa conducted a brainstorming session at Warden Defense, but participants spent most of the time critiquing each idea as it was presented. Many team members stopped contributing. What mistake did Felipe make?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: He failed to establish ground rules that defer judgment and encourage free idea generation

Explanation

A fundamental principle of brainstorming is to defer judgment and criticism during the idea generation phase. Critiquing ideas as they emerge stifles creativity and discourages participation. Ground rules should establish that all ideas are welcomed without immediate evaluation.

**Why not B:** While session size can affect dynamics, the core problem described is premature criticism, not participant count. Even small groups will have unproductive brainstorming if ideas are critiqued as they are presented.

**Why not C:** The timing of the brainstorming session is not the issue. The problem is the lack of ground rules separating idea generation from evaluation. Brainstorming can be effective at any project stage when conducted with proper facilitation rules.

**Why not D:** Insufficient background information would result in irrelevant ideas, not in participants critiquing each other's suggestions. The described behavior of criticizing ideas and participants withdrawing points to a facilitation and ground rules problem.

Key Concept

This question covers Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques under Demonstrate an understanding of common problem-solving tools and techniques (Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts).

All 1,500+ CAPM questions are free