Practice Test Geeks(CSM) Certified Software Manager Practice Test
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Data Analysis & Decision Making Flashcards

7 cards from real CSM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Data Analysis & Decision Making flashcards as text

  1. In decision tree analysis, what does the term 'rollback' refer to?

    Answer: Calculating node values from right to left to determine optimal choices

    Rollback (or fold-back) is the process of computing expected values from terminal nodes back to the root to identify the optimal decision path.

  2. Which data quality dimension measures the degree to which data correctly represents the real-world entities or events it describes?

    Answer: Accuracy

    Accuracy (also called validity) measures how well data represents the true state of the real-world entities being modeled.

  3. A software manager is analyzing team velocity over 10 sprints. The median velocity is significantly lower than the mean. What does this suggest about the data distribution?

    Answer: The distribution is positively skewed with high-velocity outliers

    When the mean exceeds the median, a few high values are pulling the mean up, indicating a right (positive) skew.

  4. Which forecasting method is most appropriate when a software project's historical effort data shows both a trend and seasonal patterns?

    Answer: Holt-Winters triple exponential smoothing

    Holt-Winters triple exponential smoothing accounts for level, trend, and seasonal components simultaneously.

  5. When a software manager uses a RACI matrix to support a decision-making process, what does the 'C' stand for, and what is that role's primary function?

    Answer: Consulted — provides input before the decision is made

    In RACI, Consulted means the person is asked for input before decisions or actions are taken, enabling two-way communication.

  6. A Kiviat chart (radar chart) is used to compare a software product against a competitor across six quality attributes. What is the primary advantage of this visualization?

    Answer: It shows multidimensional comparisons on a single visual plane

    Radar charts display multiple variables simultaneously on a single diagram, making multidimensional comparisons intuitive.

  7. In the context of software metrics, what is a 'vanity metric'?

    Answer: A metric that looks impressive but does not drive actionable decisions

    Vanity metrics produce numbers that feel good but don't correlate with meaningful business outcomes or guide management actions.