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CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes

Question 47 of 95 in Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes

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Samir Virtanen is managing a software upgrade at Keystone Structures. The upgrade will take 6 months, has a defined budget, and will end once the new system is operational. His colleague manages ongoing IT support with no defined end date. What is the PRIMARY distinction between these two efforts?
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Correct answer: The software upgrade is a project because it has temporary nature with a definite beginning and end, while ongoing IT support is operations because it is continuous

Explanation

A project is temporary with a defined beginning and end, creating a unique product, service, or result. Operations are ongoing and repetitive, sustaining the organization. The software upgrade fits the project definition (temporary, 6-month duration, ends when complete), while ongoing IT support is continuous operations.

**Why not B:** This reverses the classifications. A software upgrade with a defined timeline and end date is a project regardless of whether it supports existing business functions. Ongoing IT support is operations because it continues indefinitely, not because it serves customers.

**Why not C:** A program is a group of related projects managed together for coordinated benefits. A single software upgrade does not constitute a program. Similarly, IT support with daily tasks is operations, not a project, because it has no defined end date.

**Why not D:** A portfolio is a collection of projects, programs, and operations managed to achieve strategic objectives. Having a budget does not make something a portfolio. The software upgrade is a project because of its temporary nature, not its funding structure.

Key Concept

This question covers Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes under Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes (Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts).

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