CCM Project and Program Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scheduling technique calculates the earliest and latest start/finish times for each activity to identify float?
- Resource leveling
- Critical Path Method (CPM) (Correct answer)
- Monte Carlo simulation
- Earned value analysis
Correct answer: Critical Path Method (CPM)
CPM computes forward and backward passes through the network to determine float and identify the critical path.
Question 2: A construction program manager oversees multiple projects simultaneously. The PRIMARY benefit of program management over managing individual projects is:
- Reducing the number of project managers required
- Coordinating interdependencies and optimizing shared resources across projects (Correct answer)
- Eliminating the need for individual project schedules
- Centralizing all procurement under one contract
Correct answer: Coordinating interdependencies and optimizing shared resources across projects
Program management adds value by managing interdependencies, shared resources, and strategic alignment across related projects.
Question 3: During project execution, the actual cost of work performed (ACWP) exceeds the budgeted cost of work performed (BCWP). This indicates:
- A schedule variance
- A positive cost variance
- A cost overrun (negative cost variance) (Correct answer)
- Ahead-of-schedule performance
Correct answer: A cost overrun (negative cost variance)
When ACWP > BCWP, the cost variance (CV = BCWP – ACWP) is negative, indicating a cost overrun.
Question 4: Which document formally authorizes a construction project and grants the project manager authority to apply resources?
- Project management plan
- Scope statement
- Project charter (Correct answer)
- Work breakdown structure
Correct answer: Project charter
The project charter formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager the authority to use organizational resources.
Question 5: Fast-tracking a construction schedule differs from crashing in that fast-tracking:
- Adds resources to critical path activities
- Overlaps sequential activities to compress the schedule (Correct answer)
- Reduces project scope to meet the deadline
- Increases the project budget to accelerate work
Correct answer: Overlaps sequential activities to compress the schedule
Fast-tracking performs activities in parallel that were originally planned sequentially, without necessarily adding cost.
Question 6: A Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) maps which of the following?
- WBS deliverables to project milestones
- Project risks to mitigation strategies
- WBS elements to project team members or organizational units (Correct answer)
- Cost accounts to schedule activities
Correct answer: WBS elements to project team members or organizational units
A RAM (often shown as a RACI chart) assigns team members or groups to WBS work packages, clarifying roles and responsibilities.
Question 7: Which type of contract places the MOST financial risk on the contractor?
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF)
- Cost-plus-incentive-fee (CPIF)
- Firm-fixed-price (FFP) (Correct answer)
- Time and materials (T&M)
Correct answer: Firm-fixed-price (FFP)
Under a firm-fixed-price contract, the contractor bears all cost risk because the price is set regardless of actual costs.
CCM Project and Program Management 2
Which scheduling technique calculates the earliest and latest start/finish times for each activity to identify float?