Chapter 10 Project Closure
10.1 True False
1) Location is one of the four barriers to learning from post-project reviews.
Answer: False
Rationale:
The four barriers to learning from post-project reviews are perception, epistemological,
operational, and political, not location.
2) Poor internal communication is an epistemological barrier to learning from post-project
reviews.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Poor internal communication is actually an operational barrier to learning from post-project
reviews, not an epistemological one. Epistemological barriers refer to issues related to
knowledge, belief, and justification.
3) Project acceptance is an important part of project implementation and success.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Project acceptance is crucial because it signifies that the project has met the stakeholders'
requirements and expectations, ensuring its successful implementation and eventual success.
4) If proof-of-concept testing is successful and the customer accepts the proof-of-concept
project, the project proceeds toward project close down.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Successful proof-of-concept testing and customer acceptance indicate that the project can
proceed to the next phase, which is typically detailed design and development, not project
close down.
5) Acceptance testing should provide an independent appraisal on the completeness and
quality of the project.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Acceptance testing is performed to determine if the project deliverables meet the acceptance
criteria set by the stakeholders, providing an independent appraisal of the completeness and
quality of the project.
6) Projects escalate beyond control either by using extra resources or by failing to deliver
value.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Projects can escalate beyond control for various reasons, including the use of extra resources
to address issues or failing to deliver the expected value, leading to increased scope, cost, and
complexity.
7) The feasibility study captures a view of what has gone well and what needs to be improved
in order to successfully complete a project.
Answer: False
Rationale:
The feasibility study assesses the viability of a project and identifies potential risks and
challenges but does not specifically capture what has gone well or needs improvement.
8) Project audits help the organization to determine whether the project controls are
functioning as expected and show the true status of the project.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Project audits are conducted to evaluate the overall management and performance of a
project, including adherence to project controls, but they do not necessarily show the true
status of the project, as they may focus on specific aspects or phases.
9) Results from an audit can be used to develop success criteria for future projects.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Audit results can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of a project,
which can be used to develop success criteria for future projects and improve project
management practices.
10) The primary purpose of a project audit is to find reasons for problems and issues in the
project and answer questions posed by the customer, sponsor, executives, or other
stakeholders.
Answer: True
Rationale:
The primary purpose of a project audit is to assess the project's performance, identify areas
for improvement, and provide answers to questions from stakeholders, helping to ensure
project success.
11) For each project audit, the participation of the business project sponsor is desirable, but
not necessary.
Answer: False
Rationale:
The participation of the business project sponsor is not only desirable but also necessary for a
project audit. The sponsor's involvement ensures alignment with business objectives and
helps address any strategic issues.
12) Project audits are usually initiated at ad hoc times.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Project audits are typically planned and scheduled at specific stages of a project's lifecycle,
such as after project completion or at key milestones. They are not ad hoc but rather
systematic and structured.
13) The project justification and rationale part of an audit examines the efficiency and
effectiveness of the processes associated with the business rationale and business
requirements.
Answer: True
Rationale:
This part of the audit evaluates whether the project's justification and rationale were sound,
examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the processes related to the business rationale
and requirements.
14) The closure process verifies that the project has delivered the required outcomes and the
stakeholder expectations have been met.
Answer: False
Rationale:
The closure process verifies that the project has delivered the required outcomes, but it also
includes activities such as documenting lessons learned and releasing project resources.
Verifying stakeholder expectations is part of the project acceptance process, not just the
closure process.
15) In the last stage of an audit, an audit report is prepared and reviewed with the project
team and the project office.
Answer: True
Rationale:
The last stage of an audit typically involves preparing an audit report, which is then reviewed
with the project team and relevant stakeholders, including the project office, to discuss
findings and recommendations.
16) A project does not have to be closed.
Answer: False
Rationale:
All projects must eventually be closed to formally conclude their activities, document lessons
learned, and release resources. Failure to close a project can result in ongoing costs and
resource allocation issues.
17) The success of future projects depends not only on past successful projects, but also on
how unsuccessful projects were treated by an organization and its stakeholders.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Learning from both successful and unsuccessful projects is crucial for improving project
management practices and increasing the likelihood of success in future projects. How an
organization handles unsuccessful projects can provide valuable insights for improvement.
18) All project terminations are due to failure.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Project terminations can occur for various reasons, including changes in business priorities,
lack of funding, or strategic shifts. Not all project terminations are due to failure; some are a
result of external factors beyond the project team's control.
19) Some projects fail due to the miscommunications between the users and the project
managers in an organization.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Miscommunications between users and project managers can lead to misunderstandings,
incorrect requirements, and ultimately project failure. Effective communication is essential
for project success.
20) The competition faced by an organization has a strong influence on ongoing projects.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Competition can impact factors such as project scope, timelines, and resource allocation.
Organizations may need to adjust their project strategies in response to competitive pressures
to remain successful.
21) Termination by fulfillment means the project is completed fully.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Termination by fulfillment means that the project is completed successfully and all its
objectives have been achieved, but it does not necessarily mean that the project is completed
fully. There may still be administrative tasks or closure activities to be done.
22) Termination by referral means that the completed project has been transferred to a new
place of operation.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Termination by referral means that the completed project has been referred to another entity
or department for further action or management, not necessarily to a new place of operation.
23) Asking the customer to verify that every deliverable in the project plan has been
completed according to the project requirements and scope is a common activity for a project
closure checklist.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Verifying deliverables with the customer ensures that all project requirements and scope have
been met, which is a common activity in a project closure checklist to ensure successful
project closure.
24) Stage Project Implementation Review is conducted at the end of the project after project
closure.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Stage Project Implementation Review is typically conducted at the end of each project stage
or phase, not after project closure, to assess the progress and performance of the project up to
that point.
25) Phase point analysis is a project management technique in which a project's phases are
separated by gates; at each gate, the continuation of the process is decided by the project
manager or the steering committee.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Phase point analysis is not a widely recognized project management technique. The described
process is more aligned with the concept of gate reviews or stage gates, where decisions are
made at key points (gates) in the project's lifecycle.
26) Post Project Implementation Reviews are conducted at the end of the first five of the six
project management phases.
Answer: False
Rationale:
Post Project Implementation Reviews are conducted after the completion of the project, not
during its phases. They are meant to evaluate the project as a whole after implementation.
27) The post-implementation review should be performed by an internal audit team working
in consultation with the business users and the project team.
Answer: False
Rationale:
While an internal audit team may be involved in the post-implementation review, the review
is typically led by the project team in consultation with business users to assess the project's
performance and outcomes.
28) During the planning stage of the project implementation review process, the project
manager needs to use project management tools to understand, analyze, and solve all issues.
Answer: True
Rationale:
During the planning stage of the project implementation review process, the project manager
needs to use project management tools to identify and understand all issues related to the
project and to develop strategies to address them effectively.
29) During the PPIR, the most commonly employed technique is the interview.
Answer: False
Rationale:
While interviews can be a valuable technique during a Post Project Implementation Review
(PPIR), other techniques such as surveys, document reviews, and observations are also
commonly used to gather information and insights.
30) A postmortem analysis should include a comprehensive analysis of the technical
objectives, budget, resources, project termination, and implications due to the technology and
project management.
Answer: True
Rationale:
A postmortem analysis, also known as a project postmortem or retrospective, should indeed
include a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of the project, including technical
objectives, budget, resources, project termination, and implications related to technology and
project management.
10.2 Multiple Choice
1) Barriers to learning from post-project reviews include
A) psychological barriers.
B) team-based shortcomings.
C) epistemological constraints.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Rationale:
All of the options listed—psychological barriers, team-based shortcomings, and
epistemological constraints—are considered barriers to learning from post-project reviews.
These barriers can hinder the ability of individuals or teams to effectively reflect on and learn
from their project experiences.
2) Barriers to learning from post-project reviews include each of the following except
A) psychological barriers.
B) team-based shortcomings.
C) location barriers.
D) epistemological constraints.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Location barriers are not typically considered barriers to learning from post-project reviews.
The other options—psychological barriers, team-based shortcomings, and epistemological
constraints—are commonly recognized barriers.
3) Psychological barriers to learning from post-project reviews include
A) the inability to reflect.
B) difficult to generalize.
C) time constraints.
D) reluctance to blame.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Psychological barriers, such as the inability to reflect on one's actions or decisions, can hinder
learning from post-project reviews by preventing individuals from critically evaluating their
experiences and identifying areas for improvement.
4) Managerial barriers to learning from post-project reviews include
A) the inability to reflect.
B) difficult to generalize.
C) time constraints.
D) reluctance to blame.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Managerial barriers, such as time constraints, can hinder learning from post-project reviews
by limiting the amount of time available for reflection, discussion, and analysis of project
outcomes and lessons learned.
5) Epistemological barriers to learning from post-project reviews include
A) the inability to reflect.
B) difficult to generalize.
C) time constraints.
D) reluctance to blame.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Epistemological barriers, such as difficulty in generalizing lessons learned from one project
to another, can hinder learning from post-project reviews by limiting the transferability of
knowledge and insights gained from past projects.
6) Team-based barriers to learning from post-project reviews include
A) the inability to reflect.
B) difficult to generalize.
C) time constraints.
D) reluctance to blame.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Team-based barriers, such as reluctance to blame others for project failures or shortcomings,
can hinder learning from post-project reviews by creating a culture of fear or defensiveness
that prevents open and honest discussion of project issues.
7) Preparation for project acceptance begins in the
A) initiation and planning stages.
B) design and development stages.
C) implementation and launch stages.
D) post-implementation review stages.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Preparation for project acceptance typically begins in the initiation and planning stages,
where the project objectives, deliverables, and acceptance criteria are defined and agreed
upon with stakeholders.
8) Accepted deliverables are part of the
A) training manual.
B) project scope document.
C) budget estimate.
D) business case justification.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Accepted deliverables are part of the project scope document, which defines the work that
needs to be accomplished to deliver a product, service, or result with the specified features
and functions.
9) Which of the following is used to demonstrate the feasibility of the project?
A) blueprint
B) contract
C) proof of concept
D) word-of-mouth
Answer: C
Rationale:
A proof of concept is used to demonstrate the feasibility of a project by providing evidence
that the proposed solution is viable and can be successfully implemented to achieve the
desired outcomes.
10) In engineering, a proof-of-concept might be a
A) building.
B) car.
C) software program.
D) prototype.
Answer: D
Rationale:
In engineering, a proof of concept is often a prototype or a small-scale model that
demonstrates the feasibility of a new product, technology, or process before full-scale
implementation.
11) A systematic process of objectively obtaining and evaluating evidence of issues in a
project and communication results best defines
A) project audit.
B) project planning.
C) feasibility study.
D) steering review.
Answer: A
Rationale:
A project audit is a systematic process that involves obtaining and evaluating evidence about
issues in a project. It is conducted objectively to assess the project's performance and
communicate the results to stakeholders.
12) Obstacles to projects include
A) changed requirements.
B) misunderstood project objectives.
C) outsourced problems.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Obstacles to projects can include a variety of issues, such as changed requirements,
misunderstood objectives, and problems arising from outsourcing. These obstacles can hinder
project progress and success.
13) Factors in the failure of projects include
A) overly optimistic project planning.
B) poor cost management.
C) poor project management.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Project failure can result from various factors, including overly optimistic planning, poor cost
management, and inadequate project management practices. These factors can contribute to
project delays, budget overruns, and ultimately project failure.
14) Project escalation occurs in
A) 30 to 40 percent of all MIS projects.
B) 50 to 60 percent of all MIS projects.
C) 10 to 20 percent of all MIS projects.
D) less than 10 percent of all MIS projects.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Project escalation, which refers to the situation where a project exceeds its initial scope or
budget, is relatively common in MIS projects, occurring in 30 to 40 percent of cases.
Escalation can lead to project delays and increased costs.
15) A systematic process of objectively obtaining and evaluating evidence regarding
assertions about economic actions and events best defines
A) project scope.
B) auditing.
C) project closedown.
D) communications management.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Auditing is a systematic process that involves obtaining and evaluating evidence about
economic actions and events. It is conducted objectively to verify the accuracy of financial
statements or other assertions.
16) Which of the following provides an opportunity for the project manager and the project
team to uncover the issues, concerns, and challenges often encountered during the execution
of a project?
A) project scope preparation
B) procurement management
C) auditing
D) feasibility study
Answer: C
Rationale:
Project audits provide an opportunity for the project manager and the project team to uncover
issues, concerns, and challenges encountered during project execution. The audit process
helps identify areas for improvement and lessons learned for future projects.
17) Project audits are conducted by
A) project managers.
B) outside contractors.
C) the project management office.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Project audits can be conducted by various parties, including project managers, outside
contractors, and the project management office. The purpose of the audit is to assess the
project's performance and identify areas for improvement.
18) Project audits conducted early in the project or during its progress at a predetermined
time are
A) in-process audits.
B) post-project audits.
C) periodic audits.
D) pre-closure audits.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Project audits conducted early in the project or during its progress at a predetermined time are
known as in-process audits. These audits help identify issues early and prevent potential
problems from escalating.
19) Auditing conducted after the termination of a project is referred to as a(n)
A) periodic audit.
B) post-project audit.
C) implementation audit.
D) closure audit.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Auditing conducted after the termination of a project is referred to as a post-project audit.
This audit evaluates the project's overall performance and outcomes.
20) Benefits of project audits include
A) reduce time and cost overruns during execution.
B) reduce project risks.
C) provide project details with a known degree of uncertainty.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Project audits offer several benefits, including reducing time and cost overruns during
execution, reducing project risks, and providing project details with a known degree of
uncertainty. These benefits help improve project management practices and increase project
success rates.
21) A project audit should contain each of the following except
A) requirements traceability matrix.
B) future projections.
C) risk assessment.
D) status of crucial tasks.
Answer: A
Rationale:
While a requirements traceability matrix is an important project management tool, it is not
typically a part of a project audit. A project audit focuses more on evaluating the project's
performance and compliance with standards, rather than tracing requirements.
22) Auditors should
A) provide positive as well as critical feedback to the project team.
B) communicate any concerns about the project.
C) not discuss the audit results with anyone other than the person who requested the audit.
D) do all of the above.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Auditors should provide both positive and critical feedback to the project team, communicate
any concerns about the project, and maintain confidentiality by not discussing the audit
results with anyone other than the person who requested the audit.
23) Each of the following is an important project auditing activity except
A) determining and establishing the standards.
B) preparing a revised scope document.
C) collecting and analyzing data.
D) reporting and reviewing the results.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Preparing a revised scope document is not typically considered an important project auditing
activity. The scope of the audit is usually defined at the beginning of the audit and remains
consistent throughout the audit process.
24) During an audit, the collection of data is dependent on each of the following except
A) technology employed.
B) project team experience.
C) critical path.
D) project risks.
Answer: C
Rationale:
The collection of data during an audit is dependent on the technology employed, project team
experience, and project risks. The critical path of the project, while important for project
management, does not directly impact the collection of audit data.
25) A project audit begins with
A) defining the scope of the audit.
B) conducting interviews with project sponsors.
C) preparing a communication plan.
D) identifying performance measures.
Answer: A
Rationale:
A project audit typically begins with defining the scope of the audit to ensure that the audit
focuses on the key areas of the project that require evaluation.
26) Which of the following addresses whether the project requirements and execution comply
with the regulatory and company-specific guidelines?
A) risk management plans
B) project implementation audit
C) business case justification
D) system documentation
Answer: B
Rationale:
A project implementation audit addresses whether the project requirements and execution
comply with regulatory and company-specific guidelines by evaluating the project's
implementation process.
27) Project audit areas include each of the following except
A) project guidelines and procedures.
B) project implementation results.
C) joint application development guidelines.
D) project budget approvals.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Project audit areas typically include project guidelines and procedures, project
implementation results, and project budget approvals. Joint application development
guidelines may be included depending on the specific project.
28) Which of the following PMBOK knowledge areas are included in an audit?
A) risk management
B) procurement management
C) quality management
D) All of the above are included.
Answer: D
Rationale:
An audit can include all PMBOK knowledge areas, such as risk management, procurement
management, and quality management, depending on the scope and focus of the audit.
29) Information that may be collected and analyzed for an audit includes
A) customer satisfaction.
B) project priority to company strategy.
C) management support.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Information collected and analyzed for an audit may include customer satisfaction, project
priority to company strategy, management support, and other relevant factors that impact the
project's success.
30) Which of the following project audit report questions addresses PMBOK's integration
management knowledge area?
A) Do value-related processes exist?
B) Do scope-related processes exist?
C) Do schedule-related processes exist?
D) Are budget variances part of the project budget review?
Answer: A
Rationale:
The question "Do value-related processes exist?" addresses PMBOK's integration
management knowledge area by focusing on whether processes related to project value
management are in place.
31) Which of the following project audit report questions addresses PMBOK's scope
management knowledge area?
A) Do value-related processes exist?
B) Do scope-related processes exist?
C) Do schedule-related processes exist?
D) Are budget variances part of the project budget review?
Answer: B
Rationale:
The question "Do scope-related processes exist?" addresses PMBOK's scope management
knowledge area by focusing on whether processes related to defining, verifying, and
controlling project scope are in place.
32) Which of the following project audit report questions addresses PMBOK's time
management knowledge area?
A) Do value-related processes exist?
B) Do scope-related processes exist?
C) Do schedule-related processes exist?
D) Are budget variances part of the project budget review?
Answer: C
Rationale:
The question "Do schedule-related processes exist?" addresses PMBOK's time management
knowledge area by focusing on whether processes related to defining and controlling project
schedule are in place.
33) Which of the following project audit report questions addresses PMBOK's cost
management knowledge area?
A) Do value-related processes exist?
B) Do scope-related processes exist?
C) Do schedule-related processes exist?
D) Are budget variances part of the project budget review?
Answer: D
Rationale:
The question "Are budget variances part of the project budget review?" addresses PMBOK's
cost management knowledge area by focusing on whether processes related to estimating,
budgeting, and controlling costs are in place.
34) Which of the following project audit report questions addresses PMBOK's quality
management knowledge area?
A) Are quality metrics developed, measured, and monitored?
B) Are minutes of meetings stored and distributed?
C) Is the project team being recognized and rewarded?
D) Does the project plan consist of a contingency plan?
Answer: A
Rationale:
The question "Are quality metrics developed, measured, and monitored?" addresses
PMBOK's quality management knowledge area by focusing on whether processes related to
quality planning, assurance, and control are in place.
35) Which of the following project audit report questions addresses PMBOK's human
resources management knowledge area?
A) Are quality metrics developed, measured, and monitored?
B) Are minutes of meetings stored and distributed?
C) Is the project team being recognized and rewarded?
D) Does the project plan consist of a contingency plan?
Answer: C
Rationale:
The question "Is the project team being recognized and rewarded?" addresses PMBOK's
human resources management knowledge area by focusing on whether processes related to
managing project team members are in place.
36) Which of the following project audit report questions addresses PMBOK's
communication management knowledge area?
A) Are quality metrics developed, measured, and monitored?
B) Are minutes of meetings stored and distributed?
C) Is the project team being recognized and rewarded?
D) Does the project plan consist of a contingency plan?
Answer: B
Rationale:
The question "Are minutes of meetings stored and distributed?" addresses PMBOK's
communication management knowledge area by focusing on whether processes related to
project communication are in place.
37) Which of the following project audit report questions addresses PMBOK's risk
management knowledge area?
A) Are quality metrics developed, measured, and monitored?
B) Are minutes of meetings stored and distributed?
C) Is the project team being recognized and rewarded?
D) Does the project plan consist of a contingency plan?
Answer: D
Rationale:
The question "Does the project plan consist of a contingency plan?" addresses PMBOK's risk
management knowledge area by focusing on whether processes related to identifying,
analyzing, and responding to project risks are in place.
38) The process of closing and ending a project best defines
A) project closure.
B) project implementation.
C) project deployment.
D) project maintenance.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Project closure refers to the process of formally ending a project, including completing all
project activities, delivering the final product or service, and obtaining formal acceptance
from stakeholders.
39) Different ways projects may end include each of the following except
A) premature projects.
B) interdependent projects.
C) endless projects.
D) failed projects.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Interdependent projects are not a way projects may end but rather describe projects that rely
on each other for success or are interconnected in some way.
40) Delayed projects that are shelved for a period of time and then re-initiated again after a
while describes
A) premature projects.
B) looping projects.
C) endless projects.
D) failed projects.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Endless projects are projects that are delayed or shelved for a period of time and then reinitiated again after a while, often due to changing priorities or resource constraints.
41) Factors signaling early project closure include
A) incomplete requirements.
B) lack of user involvement.
C) lack of resources.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Incomplete requirements, lack of user involvement, and lack of resources can all be factors
that signal early project closure. These factors indicate that the project may not be able to
achieve its objectives and may need to be closed prematurely.
42) Meredith and Mantel suggest each of the following is a way for a project to end except
A) reduction.
B) extinction.
C) inclusion.
D) integration.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Meredith and Mantel suggest that projects can end in various ways, including extinction,
inclusion, and integration. However, they do not suggest that projects can end by reduction.
43) Which of the following means the project is completed fully?
A) termination by reduction
B) termination by extinction
C) termination by inclusion
D) termination by integration
Answer: B
Rationale:
Termination by extinction means the project is completed fully. This termination method
indicates that the project has reached its natural end and has been fully completed.
44) Which of the following means the completed project has been transferred to a new place
of operation?
A) termination by assumption
B) termination by extinction
C) termination by inclusion
D) termination by integration
Answer: C
Rationale:
Termination by inclusion means the completed project has been transferred to a new place of
operation. This termination method indicates that the project's deliverables or outcomes have
been included in the operations of another entity.
45) Which of the following means the project's resources, personnel, and functions are
absorbed into the original organization?
A) termination by reduction
B) termination by extinction
C) termination by inclusion
D) termination by integration
Answer: D
Rationale:
Termination by integration means the project's resources, personnel, and functions are
absorbed into the original organization. This termination method indicates that the project's
outputs or outcomes have been integrated into the ongoing operations of the organization.
10.3 Essay
1) Identify five benefits of project audits.
Answer: Benefits include providing a level of comfort to management providing assurance;
providing a prioritized list of problematic activities that need to be addressed; providing
project details with a known degree of uncertainty; reducing project risks; and reducing time
and cost overruns during execution.
2) What should a project audit contain?
Answer: A project audit should contain project status (scope, cost, schedule, progress metrics,
safety metrics, performance, resource efficiency, and expected value of the project), future
projections, status of crucial tasks, risk assessment, information relevant to other projects, and
limitations of the audit.
3) What areas are included in a project audit?
Answer: The audit areas include project scope and objectives; project organization; project
budget approvals; project implementation metrics, project implementation results; and project
guidelines and procedures.
4) List ten factors that signal early project closure.
Answer: Factors include incomplete requirements, lack of user involvement, lack of
resources, unrealistic expectations, lack of executive support, scope changes, technology,
market forces, economic factors, and environmental and legal factors.
5) What is a post-implementation review? Identify five benefits of a post-implementation
review.
Answer: Post-implementation reviews involve processes to reflect on a project either during
the progress of a project or after project closure. Benefits include identification of ways to
improve the functional value of a project; learning from past projects; learning ways to serve
the customer better; economies resulting from improved project performance; and improved
decision making.
Test Bank for Project Management: Process, Technology and Practice
Ganesh Vaidyanathan
9780132807180
