Project Management The Managerial Process 7th Edition by Erik W. Larson -Test Bank Instant Download - Complete Test Bank With Answers Sample Questions Are Posted Below Chapter 05 Estimating Project Times and Costs Answer Key Multiple Choice Questions 1. The process of forecasting or approximating the time and cost of completing …
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Project Management The Managerial Process 7th Edition by Erik W. Larson -Test Bank
Instant Download – Complete Test Bank With Answers
Sample Questions Are Posted Below
Chapter 05 Estimating Project Times and Costs Answer Key
Multiple Choice Questions
| 1. | The process of forecasting or approximating the time and cost of completing project deliverables is called
Estimating is the process of forecasting or approximating the time and cost of completing project deliverables.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 2. | In practice, estimating processes are frequently classified as
Estimating processes are frequently classified as top-down and bottom-up. Top-down estimates are usually done by senior management. Bottom-up estimates are typically done by the people doing the work.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 3. | What is the relationship between organizational culture and estimating?
Organizational culture can significantly influence project estimates. Organizations vary in the importance they attach to estimates.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 4. | A good starting point for developing time and cost estimates is
Past experience is a good starting point for developing time and cost estimates. But past experiences must almost always be refined to reach an acceptable level of accuracy.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 5. | Which of the following is NOT one of the factors that need to be considered to improve quality of estimates for project times and costs?
Factors that need to be considered to improve the quality of estimates are the planning horizon, the project duration, the people responsible for making the estimates, project management structure and organization, padding estimates, and the organizational culture.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 6. | Ed is looking over the actual results of projects and comparing them to what was estimated. He notices that the projects that took six months or longer to complete were noticeably more off the estimates. Which of the following factors is he recognizing?
Long duration projects increase the uncertainty in estimates.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 7. | Janet is forecasting how much money her department needs to support a new project. She estimates that two people and $25,000 in expenses will cover her needs. Because management typically insists on reducing forecasts by 20 percent, she increases her estimates to allow for that reduction. Which of the following factors is illustrated in this situation?
In work situations where we are asked for time and cost estimates, most of us are inclined to add a little padding to increase the probability and reduce the risk of being late. If everyone at all levels of the project adds a little padding to reduce risk, the project duration and cost are seriously overstated.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 8. | Which of the following is a good condition for top-down estimating?
Good conditions for top-down estimating are when there is high uncertainty involved in the project, when the project is small and internal, when the scope is unstable and when it involves strategic decision making.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 9. | Which of the following is a good condition for bottom-up estimating?
Good conditions for bottom-up estimating are when cost and time are important to the project, when there is a fixed-price contract and when the customer wants details.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 10. | Richard is collecting estimates for a house that he will have the funding to build in 12 months. Which of the following factors does Richard need to consider in regard to the quality of these estimates?
If Richard will not have funding to start the project for 12 months, he needs to consider the planning horizon. The accuracy of the time and cost estimates decrease as the planning horizon expands.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 11. | Which of the following does NOT help describe a bottom-up estimating approach?
Top-down estimates usually are derived from someone who uses experience and/or information to determine the project duration and total cost.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 12. | Which of the following methods is NOT considered a top-down approach to estimating project time and cost?
Template methods are used in bottom-up approach to estimating.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 13. | Jose is forecasting project time and cost for constructing a new building by multiplying the total square footage by a given dollar amount. Which of the following methods is he using?
Top-down methods (sometimes called parametric) usually use ratios, or surrogates, to estimate project times or costs. Top-down approaches are often used in the concept or ‘need’ phase of a project to get an initial duration and cost estimate for the project. For example, contractors frequently use the number of square feet to estimate the cost and time to build a new house.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 14. | Sean is forecasting the time and cost of developing a customized software program by looking at the number of inputs, outputs, inquiries, files, and interfaces. Which of the following methods is he using?
In the software industry, software development projects are frequently estimated using weighted macro variables called ‘function points’ or major parameters such as number of inputs, number of outputs, number of inquiries, number of data files, and number of interfaces.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 15. | Laura is forecasting the time and cost of developing an intranet for a new customer. Her department has completed six such intranets for customers during the last two years. Although the proposed system is about the same size as the others, she estimates that it will take about 10 percent less time and money. Which of the following methods is she using?
This is a phenomenon of tasks that are labor intensive. In these circumstances the pattern of improvement phenomenon can be used to predict the reduction in time to perform the task. From empirical evidence across all industries, the pattern of this improvement has been quantified in the learning curve (also known as improvement curve, experience curve, and industrial progress curve).
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 16. | Learning curves are more likely to be applied in situations where most of the costs are
This is a phenomenon of tasks that are labor intensive. In these circumstances the pattern of improvement phenomenon can be used to predict the reduction in time to perform the task. From empirical evidence across all industries, the pattern of this improvement has been quantified in the learning curve (also known as improvement curve, experience curve, and industrial progress curve). This phenomenon is especially true of tasks that are labor intensive.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 17. | Which of the following describes the consensus method?
The consensus method simply uses the pooled experience of senior and/or middle managers to estimate the total project duration and cost. This typically involves a meeting where experts discuss, argue, and ultimately reach a decision as to their best guess or estimate.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 18. | Which of the following is NOT one of the bottom-up approaches to estimating project time and cost?
Learning curve is part of top-down approach to estimating.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 19. | Which of the following would be the best method for projects where the final product is not known and the uncertainty is very large?
Phase estimating is used when an unusual amount of uncertainty surrounds a project and it is impractical to estimate times and costs for the entire project.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 20. | Rob is responsible for estimating a work package that has a significant amount of uncertainty associated with the time and cost to complete. Due to the uncertainty involved he will be making a low, an average and a high estimate. Rob is using which estimating approach?
Range estimating works best when work packages have significant uncertainty associated with the time or cost to complete. Under these circumstances it is a prudent policy to require three estimates: low, average and high.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 21. | Which of the following is NOT true in regard to the level of detail estimates should contain?
At any level of management, the detail of an estimate should be no more than necessary and sufficient. Otherwise time and money are wasted.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 22. | The salary of the project manager would be an example of what type of cost found in a project?
The salary of the project manager would be an example of the direct project overhead cost. The cost is linked to the project, but cannot be directly linked to a work package.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 23. | Typical kinds of costs found in a project include all of the following EXCEPT
Typical costs found in a project include direct costs, which consist of labor, materials and equipment, direct project overhead costs and general and administrative overhead costs.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 24. | Accounting would be an example of which of the following costs typically found in a project?
Accounting is an example of a cost that is carried out for the duration of the project and cannot be linked to a specific work package or even the project itself. These costs are called general and administrative overhead.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 25. | Which of the following would best represent direct project costs?
Direct project costs can be clearly chargeable to a specific work package. These costs represent real cash outflows as the project progresses; therefore they are usually separated from overhead costs. They include labor, materials and equipment costs.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 26. | Which of the following is NOT one of the recommended guidelines for developing useful work package estimates?
Estimates should be made by the individuals responsible for the work, should involve several people with relevant experience and knowledge of the tasks, should be made based on normal conditions and should not include any allowances for contingencies, should be created with consistent time units, and should be independent of other projects.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-05 Suggest a scheme for developing an estimating database for future projects. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 27. | Companies are using which of the following for improving the estimating process for future projects?
Some organizations have large estimating departments of professional estimators-e.g., Boeing, Kodak, IBM-that have developed large time and cost databases.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-05 Suggest a scheme for developing an estimating database for future projects. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 28. | Reasons why estimating time and cost are important include all of the following EXCEPT
Estimates are not important to help establish a project selection process. This process should be established before the project was selected.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 29. | The bottom-up approach for estimating times and costs that uses costs from past projects that were similar to the current project is known as
If the project is similar to past projects, the costs from past projects can be used as a starting point for the new project. Differences in the new project can be noted and past times and costs adjusted to reflect these differences.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 30. | Which of the following top-down methods is used when projects closely follow past projects in regard to features and costs of those features, and result in costs being assigned by percentages to major segments of the project?
Apportionment is used when projects closely follow past projects in features and costs. Given good historical data, estimates can be made quickly with little effort and reasonable accuracy. This method is very common in projects that are relatively standard but have some small variation or customization.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 31. | Refining estimates may be necessary for a number of reasons. For example, resource shortages, in the form of people, equipment, or materials, can extend original estimates. This is a good example of
Estimates are supposed to be based on normal conditions. While this is a good starting point, it rarely holds true in real life. This is especially true when it comes to the availability of resources. Resource shortages, whether in the form of people, equipment, or materials, can extend original estimates.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 32. | Refining estimates may be necessary for a number of reasons. For example, people working on prototype development needing time to interact with the design engineers after the design is completed is a good example of
Interaction costs are hidden in estimates. According to the guidelines, each task estimate is supposed to be done independently. However, tasks are rarely completed in a vacuum. Work on one task is dependent upon prior tasks, and the hand-offs between tasks require time and attention. For example, people working on prototype development need to interact with design engineers after the design is completed, whether to simply ask clarifying questions or to make adjustments in the original design.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 33. | Refining Estimates may be necessary for a number of reasons. For example, a manager getting further into a project and obtaining a better understanding of what needs to be done to accomplish a project and meet the needs of the customer is an example of
As he or she gets further and further into the project, the manager obtains a better understanding of what needs to be done to accomplish the project. This may lead to major changes in project plans and costs. Likewise, if the project is a commercial project, changes often have to be made midstream to respond to new demands by the customer and/or competition.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 34. | Refining estimates may be necessary for a number of reasons. For example, design flaws being revealed after the fact, extreme weather conditions, and accidents occurring are good examples of
Design flaws are revealed after the fact, extreme weather conditions occur, accidents happen, and so forth. Although you shouldn’t plan for these risks to happen when estimating a particular task, the likelihood and impact of such events need to be considered.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 35. | Large projects that have long time horizons and a very high complexity can be referred to as
Both terms can be used; the question is to whether or not there is value realized from the project. If no real value, it is definitely a white elephant.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-06 Understand the challenge of estimating mega projects and describe steps that lead to better informed decisions. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 36. | While it may be true that Mega Projects are by nature extremely difficult to estimate, another factor identified in the consistent pattern of estimating difficulties is:
The deception may be intentional or unintentional.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-06 Understand the challenge of estimating mega projects and describe steps that lead to better informed decisions. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 37. | An external view of a Mega Project based upon the outcome of similar projects undertaken in the past is known as:
This method is put forward by Flyvbjerg as a leading way to mitigate overall project risk for this class of project.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-06 Understand the challenge of estimating mega projects and describe steps that lead to better informed decisions. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 38. | Benefits of Reference Class Forecasting include
There are other benefits as well which include reduction of human bias, forcing executives to focus on empirical information, and improved accountability.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-06 Understand the challenge of estimating mega projects and describe steps that lead to better informed decisions. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 39. | The pattern of improvement identified from a worker having performed a task multiple time is known as a
Learning curves can be calculated over time, thus giving a project manager (or any management team for that matter) insight into how long it will take new team members to become productive.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Appendix 5.1: Learning Curves for Estimating |
| 40. | Estimating can be challenged by
The challenge that every project manager faces is that without solid estimates, the credibility of the project plan is eroded – and solid estimates can be very difficult to obtain in a number of cases.
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| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-06 Understand the challenge of estimating mega projects and describe steps that lead to better informed decisions. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
Fill in the Blank Questions
| 41. | When work package estimates are made by individuals most knowledgeable about the work being performed and these estimates are then “rolled up” to find estimated costs for major deliverables and the project itself, ____________ estimating is being used.
bottom-up The bottom-up approach at the work package level can serve as a check on cost elements in the WBS by rolling up the work packages and associated cost accounts to major deliverables. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 42. | When someone uses experience and/or information from others to determine the project duration and total cost, ____________ estimating is being used.
top-down Top-down estimates are usually done by senior management. Management will often derive estimates from analogy, group consensus, or mathematical relationships. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 43. | The estimating factor that considers the decreasing accuracy of estimates as one forecasts activities that are further into the future is known as ____________.
planning horizon The quality of the estimate depends on the planning horizon; estimates of current events are close to 100 percent accurate but are reduced for more distant events. The accuracy of time and cost estimates should improve as you move from the conceptual phase to the point where individual work packages are defined. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 44. | The estimating factor that considers the skill level of participants doing the estimating is known as the ___________ factor.
people The people factor can introduce errors in estimating times and cost. For example, accuracy of estimates depends on the skills of the people making the estimates. A close match of people skills to the task will influence productivity and learning time. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 45. | The estimating factor that considers the tendency to overestimate project time and cost in order to improve the likelihood of meeting the estimates is known as the ___________ factor.
padding estimates In work situations where we are asked for time and cost estimates, most of us are inclined to add a little padding to increase the probability and reduce the risk of being late. If everyone at all levels of the project adds a little padding to reduce risk, the project duration and cost are seriously overstated. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 46. | The estimating factor that considers the prevailing belief in some firms that detailed estimating takes too much time and is not worth the effort is an example of the ___________ factor.
organizational culture Organizations vary in the importance they attach to estimates. The prevailing belief in some organizations is that detailed estimating takes too much time and is not worth the effort or that it”s impossible to predict the future. Other organizations subscribe to the belief that accurate estimates are the bedrock of effective project management. Organization culture shapes every dimension of project management; estimating is not immune to this influence. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 47. | The preferred method for situations involving strategic decision making, projects with a high degree of uncertainty, and projects with an unstable scope is the ___________ approach to estimating project time and costs.
top-down Good conditions for top-down estimating are when there is high uncertainty involved in the project, when the project is small and internal, when the scope is unstable and when it involves strategic decision making. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 48. | The preferred method for situations where the cost and time estimates are important, in a fixed contract situation, and when the customer wants a lot of detail is the ___________ approach to estimating project time and costs.
bottom-up Good conditions for bottom-up estimating are when cost and time are important to the project, when there is a fixed-price contract and when the customer wants details. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 49. | The information necessary to conduct a bottom-up estimate of project time and costs starts with the ___________.
work-package If possible and practical, you want to push the estimating process down to the work package level for bottom-up estimates that establish low-cost, efficient methods. This process can take place after the project has been defined in detail. Good sense suggests project estimates should come from the people most knowledgeable about the estimate needed. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 50. | Jose is forecasting project time and cost for constructing a new building by multiplying the total square footage by a given dollar amount. He is using the ___________ method of top-down estimating.
ratio Top-down methods (sometimes called parametric) usually use ratios, or surrogates, to estimate project times or costs. Top-down approaches are often used in the concept or “need” phase of a project to get an initial duration and cost estimate for the project. For example, contractors frequently use the number of square feet to estimate the cost and time to build a new house. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 51. | Rose is working on estimates for a project that is very similar to a previous project, in that it has many of the same features and those features have similar costs. Each feature or deliverable will represent the same percentage of the total cost as it did for the previous project. Rose is using the _________ method of top-down estimating.
apportion This method is an extension to the ratio method. Apportionment is used when projects closely follow past projects in features and costs. Given good historical data, estimates can be made quickly with little effort and reasonable accuracy. This method is very common in projects that are relatively standard but have some small variation or customization. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 52. | The top-down method for estimating project time and cost that uses weighted variables based on major parameters and is frequently used in the development of software is known as the ____________ method.
function point In the software industry, software development projects are frequently estimated using weighted macro variables called “function points” or major parameters such as number of inputs, number of outputs, number of inquiries, number of data files, and number of interfaces. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 53. | The top-down method of estimating project time and costs that is useful for projects requiring the same task, group of tasks, or product repeated several times, especially if it is labor intensive, is the ______________.
learning curve This is a phenomenon of tasks that are labor intensive. In these circumstances the pattern of improvement phenomenon can be used to predict the reduction in time to perform the task. From empirical evidence across all industries, the pattern of this improvement has been quantified in the learning curve (also known as improvement curve, experience curve, and industrial progress curve). |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 54. | The bottom-up method of estimating where work package time and costs for past projects are used as a starting point for a new project and adjustments are made based on differences in the new project is known as the ___________ method.
template If the project is similar to past projects, the costs from past projects can be used as a starting point for the new project. Differences in the new project can be noted and past times and costs adjusted to reflect these differences. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 55. | The top-down method of estimating when the pooled experience of senior and/or middle managers are used to estimate the total project duration and cost is the _________ method.
consensus The consensus method simply uses the pooled experience of senior and/or middle managers to estimate the total project duration and cost. This typically involves a meeting where experts discuss, argue, and ultimately reach a decision as to their best guess or estimate. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 56. | The approach to estimating project time and cost that begins with an overall estimate for the project and then refines estimates for various stages of the project as it is implemented is known as ____________.
phase estimating This approach begins with a top-down estimate for the project and then refines estimates for phases of the project as it is implemented. Some projects by their nature cannot be rigorously defined because of the uncertainty of design or the final product. Phase estimating is used when an unusual amount of uncertainty surrounds a project and it is impractical to estimate times and costs for the entire project. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 57. | The estimating approach that is best to use on projects where there is an unusual amount of uncertainty surrounding the project and when it is impractical to estimate times and costs for the entire project is known as ___________.
phase estimating Some projects by their nature cannot be rigorously defined because of the uncertainty of design or the final product. Phase estimating is used when an unusual amount of uncertainty surrounds a project and it is impractical to estimate times and costs for the entire project. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 58. | A way to improve estimates on future projects is to collect and archive data on past project estimates and actuals. Creating a ___________ for estimating is a way to achieve this goal.
database The best way to improve estimates is to collect and archive data on past project estimates and actuals. Saving historical data provides a knowledge base for improving project time and cost estimating. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-05 Suggest a scheme for developing an estimating database for future projects. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 59. | Project costs such as labor and materials are typically classified as ___________ costs.
direct Direct project costs can be clearly chargeable to specific work packages. They include labor costs, equipment costs and material costs. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 60. | The salary of the project manager and temporary rental space for the project team would be classified as __________ costs.
direct overhead Direct overhead rates more closely pinpoint which resources of the organization are being used in the project. Direct project overhead costs can be tied to project deliverables or work packages. Examples include the salary of the project manager and temporary rental space for the project team. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 61. | Estimates should be made based on ___________ conditions, efficient methods, and a normal level of resources.
normal Estimates should be based on normal conditions, efficient methods, and a normal level of resources. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-05 Suggest a scheme for developing an estimating database for future projects. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 62. | Costs that are associated with time devoted to the coordination in meetings and briefings as well as time necessary to resolve disconnects between tasks are known as ____________ costs.
interaction Time, and therefore cost, devoted to managing interactions rises exponentially as the number of people and different disciplines involved increases on a project. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 63. | Costs that are not directly related to a specific project, such as advertising, accounting, and senior management’s salary, are classified as _____________ costs.
general and administrative overhead General and administrative costs represent organization costs that are not directly linked to a specific project. These costs are carried for the duration of the project. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 64. | A(n) __________ is something that is a valuable but burdensome possession.
white elephant The definition of a white elephant. |
| Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-07 Define a white elephant in project management and provide examples. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 65. | The best way to __________________ is to collect and archive data on past projects.
improve estimates Looking back at previous efforts attempted or completed within the organization will give the project manager and the team an idea of what to expect, thus improving their estimating. Of course one needs to be wary of external factors such as changes in technology or market conditions. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-06 Understand the challenge of estimating mega projects and describe steps that lead to better informed decisions. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
True / False Questions
| 66. | Project estimates should be broken down into as much detail, and with as much accuracy, as possible.
FALSE Detailed data gathering is not always possible, practical or necessary when developing cost and time estimates.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 67. | Cost, time, and budget estimates are the lifeline for control; they serve as the standard for comparison of the actual and the planned throughout the life of the project.
TRUE Project status reports depend on reliable estimates as the major input for measuring variances and taking corrective action.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 68. | Past experience is almost always used primarily in the initial phases of estimating.
TRUE Past experience is a good starting point for developing time and cost estimates.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 69. | After averaging out the underestimates and overestimates, a long-duration project is more likely to be on target than a short-term, small project.
FALSE Long-duration projects increase the uncertainty in estimates.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 70. | The process of forecasting or approximating the time and cost of completing project deliverables is called planning.
FALSE The process of forecasting the time and cost of completing project deliverables is called estimating.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 71. | The project management structure chosen to manage the project will have little impact on the quality of estimates.
FALSE Which project structure is chosen to manage the project will influence time and cost estimates.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 72. | As long as everyone in a project adds a little padding to reduce risk, the project duration and cost estimates will be more accurate.
FALSE If everyone at all levels of the project adds a little padding to reduce risk, the project estimates will be seriously overestimated. This phenomenon causes some managers or owners to call for a 10-15 percent cut in time and/or cost for the project. Of course the next time the game is played, the person estimating cost and/or time will pad the estimate to 20 percent or more.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 73. | Organization culture can significantly influence project time and cost estimates.
TRUE Organization culture can significantly influence project estimates. For example, in some organizations padding estimates is tolerated and even privately encouraged. Other organizations place a premium on accuracy and strongly discourage estimating gamesmanship.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 74. | If a project is internal to the company and relatively small, the bottom-up approach to estimating time and costs for the project is the best choice.
FALSE Good conditions for top-down estimating are when there is high uncertainty involved in the project, when the project is small and internal, when the scope is unstable and when it involves strategic decision making.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 75. | If time and costs are important to a project the top-down approach to estimating time and costs for the project is the best choice.
FALSE Good conditions for bottom-up estimating are when cost and time are important to the project, when there is a fixed-price contract and when the customer wants details.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 76. | The ideal approach to estimating project time and costs is to use both the top-down and the bottom-up approach.
TRUE The ideal approach is for the project manager to allow enough time for both the top-down and bottom-up estimates to be worked out so a complete plan based on reliable estimates can be offered to the customer. In this way false expectations are minimized for all stakeholders and negotiation is reduced.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 77. | Estimates that are typically based on estimates of elements found in the work breakdown structure are called bottom-up estimates.
TRUE Bottom-up estimates start with estimates for work packages. These then can be ‘rolled up’ to estimate the cost and duration of major deliverables and the project itself.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 78. | Top-down estimates usually are derived from someone who uses experience and/or information to determine the project duration and total cost.
TRUE Top-down estimates usually are derived from someone who uses experience and/or information to determine the project duration and total cost.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 79. | Estimating the total cost of a house by multiplying the total square feet by cost per square foot is an example of the apportion method of estimating costs.
FALSE Apportionment is used when projects closely follow past projects in features and costs. Given good historical data, estimates can be made quickly with little effort and reasonable accuracy. This method is very common in projects that are relatively standard but have some small variation or customization. Estimating the total cost of a house by multiplying the total square feet by cost per square foot is an example of the ratio method of estimating costs.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 80. | Estimating the total cost of a project by multiplying each major function by a complexity factor is an example of the apportion method of estimating costs.
FALSE Apportionment is used when projects closely follow past projects in features and costs. Given good historical data, estimates can be made quickly with little effort and reasonable accuracy. This method is very common in projects that are relatively standard but have some small variation or customization. Estimating the total cost of a project by multiplying each major function by a complexity factor is an example of the function point method of estimating costs.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 81. | Phase estimating is used when a project cannot be rigorously defined because of the uncertainty of design or the final product.
TRUE Phase estimating is used when an unusual amount of uncertainty surrounds a project and it is impractical to estimate times and costs for the entire project.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 82. | All task time estimates need consistent time units.
TRUE Estimates of time must consider whether normal time is represented by calendar days, workdays, workweeks, hours, minutes, etc. Network analysis requires a standard unit of time.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-05 Suggest a scheme for developing an estimating database for future projects. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 83. | One guideline to follow when estimating time, cost and resources is to use several people to make the estimate for a task.
TRUE It is well known that cost or time estimates usually have a better chance of being reasonable and realistic when several people with relevant experience and/or knowledge of the task are used.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-05 Suggest a scheme for developing an estimating database for future projects. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 84. | The consensus method of estimating costs is a bottom-up technique.
FALSE The consensus method simply uses the pooled experience of senior and/or middle managers to estimate the total project duration and cost. This typically involves a meeting where experts discuss, argue, and ultimately reach a decision as to their best guess or estimate.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 85. | The salary of the project manager and her administrative assistant is classified as direct labor costs.
FALSE Direct project overhead costs can be tied to project deliverables or work packages. Examples include the salary of the project manager and temporary rental space for the project team.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 86. | General and administrative costs are usually allocated as a percent of the total of a direct cost which includes labor, materials, or equipment.
TRUE General and administrative (G&A) costs are usually allocated as a percent of total direct cost, or a percent of the total of a specific direct cost such as labor, materials, or equipment.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 87. | Work package estimates should include allowances for contingencies.
FALSE Work package estimates should not include allowances for contingencies. The estimate should assume normal or average conditions even though every work package will not materialize as planned.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-05 Suggest a scheme for developing an estimating database for future projects. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 88. | Estimates are supposed to be based on normal conditions. While this is a good starting point, it rarely holds true in real life.
TRUE Estimates are supposed to be based on normal conditions. While this is a good starting point, it rarely holds true in real life. This is especially true when it comes to the availability of resources.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 89. | Mega Projects often under deliver on expected benefits and cost more than expected.
TRUE Larger projects usually involve more risk, and thus will need additional monies to complete the projects either to mitigate risks or to address them once they have become realized.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-07 Define a white elephant in project management and provide examples. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 90. | Repetition of a task generally results in a reduction of labor hours each successive time a worker performs that task.
TRUE The Project Manager and Project Planner also have to recognize that the ability to reduce time and cost from repetition will eventually plateau.
|
| Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Appendix 5.1: Learning Curves for Estimating |
Short Answer Questions
| 91. | Identify and briefly describe the two major classifications of estimating project time and costs.
(1) Top-down estimates are made for the project as a whole and typically made by top management; (2) Bottom-up estimates are made at the work package level and by those responsible for completing the work packages. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Top-Down versus Bottom-Up Estimating |
| 92. | List and briefly describe four reasons why estimating time and cost are important to project management.
Estimating time and cost are important to project management because they are needed to support good decisions, to schedule work, to determine how long the project should take and its cost, to determine whether the project is worth doing, to develop cash flow needs, to determine how well the project is progressing and to develop a time-phased budget. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 93. | Identify and briefly describe three out of the six factors that should be considered to improve the quality of estimates for project times and costs.
(1) Planning horizon; (2) Project duration; (3) People; (4) Project structure and organization; (5) Padding estimates; (6) Organization culture. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-02 Describe guidelines for estimating time, costs, and resources. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 94. | Under what conditions would the top-down approach to estimating project times and costs be the best choice?
In the early stages of a project to help develop the initial plan, in making strategic decisions, in projects of high uncertainty, in small internal projects, or in projects with an unstable scope. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 95. | Under what conditions would the bottom-up approach to estimating project times and costs be the best choice?
When low-cost, efficient estimates are needed, when time and cost are important, when working on a fixed price contract, or when the customer wants details. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 96. | Describe the ideal approach for a project manager to develop optimal estimates for a project’s time and costs.
The ideal approach is to allow enough time for both the top-down and bottom-up estimates to be worked out and included in the final plan. |
| Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 97. | Estimates should be based on normal conditions, efficient methods, and a normal level of resources. Explain.
Normal conditions are sometimes difficult to discern, but it is necessary to have a consensus in the organization as to what normal conditions mean in this project. This establishes a certain level of accuracy. |
| AACSB: Analytical Thinking Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-05 Suggest a scheme for developing an estimating database for future projects. Topic: Mega Projects: A Special Case |
| 98. | Describe phase estimating. When should it be used and how is it different from all other top-down and bottom-up methods of estimating?
This approach starts with a top-down estimate and then estimates are refined after each phase of the project. Some projects cannot be clearly defined because of their uncertainty. Phase estimating uses a two-estimate system over the life of the project. A detailed estimate is developed for the immediate phase and a macro estimate is made for the remaining phases of the project. |
| AACSB: Analytical Thinking Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 99. | Identify the drawbacks to an excessive LO 5-3 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. in estimating project times and costs.
If the estimate reflects excessive detail, there is a tendency to break the work effort into department assignments. This tendency can become a barrier to success, since the emphasis will be on departmental outcomes rather than on deliverable outcomes. Excessive detail also means more unproductive paperwork. |
| AACSB: Analytical Thinking Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-03 Describe the methods, uses, and advantages and disadvantages of top-down and bottom-up estimating methods. Topic: Estimating Guidelines for Times, Costs, and Resources |
| 100. | Identify the three major categories of project costs and give an example of each.
(1) Direct costs (labor, materials, equipment, other); (2) Project overhead costs (salaries of project managers, rent on space to house the project, etc.); (3) General and administrative overhead costs (advertising, accounting, and senior management of the organization). |
| Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Learning Objective: A05-01 Use learning curves to improve task estimates. Topic: Types of Costs |
| 101. | List and describe two reasons why estimates may need to be refined.
(1) Interaction costs are hidden in estimates; (2) Normal conditions do not apply; (3) Things go wrong on projects; (4) Changes occur in project scope and plans. |
| AACSB: Analytical Thinking Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 05-04 Distinguish different kinds of costs associated with a project. Topic: Types of Costs |
Original price was: $30.00.$20.00Current price is: $20.00.
Original price was: $30.00.$20.00Current price is: $20.00.
Original price was: $30.00.$20.00Current price is: $20.00.
Original price was: $30.00.$20.00Current price is: $20.00.
Original price was: $30.00.$20.00Current price is: $20.00.
Original price was: $30.00.$20.00Current price is: $20.00.
