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CAPM Practice: Determine how to document project controls of predictive, plan-based projects

Question 85 of 85 in Determine how to document project controls of predictive, plan-based projects

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A project manager is presenting to the board after project close. The project finished 12% over budget and 3 weeks late, but delivered all required scope and was accepted by the customer. The board asks 'Was this a successful project?' What is the BEST answer?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: Partially — the project delivered its full scope and was accepted by the customer, meeting the primary objective, but cost and schedule performance were below target and require root cause analysis for improvement

Explanation

Project success is multidimensional. Customer acceptance of full scope is a significant success. However, 12% cost overrun and 3-week delay represent performance shortfalls that should not be dismissed. The honest answer acknowledges both dimensions: primary success (scope delivered, customer satisfied) and performance shortfalls (cost and schedule) with a commitment to understanding and improving. Defining success as all-or-nothing on any single dimension oversimplifies project management complexity.

**Why not B:** Claiming customer acceptance is the only success metric oversimplifies project management. Project success is measured across multiple dimensions including scope, schedule, cost, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction. Ignoring a 12% cost overrun and 3-week delay dismisses important performance indicators.

**Why not C:** Declaring failure based solely on cost or schedule overruns ignores that the project delivered its full scope and received customer acceptance. Project success is not binary, and treating any variance as outright failure fails to recognize the significant value delivered.

**Why not D:** Requiring both on-time and on-budget performance for success is an overly rigid standard. Many projects deliver tremendous value despite cost or schedule variances, and this all-or-nothing definition does not reflect the multidimensional nature of project success.

Key Concept

This question covers Determine how to document project controls of predictive, plan-based projects under Determine how to document project controls of predictive, plan-based projects (Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies).

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