PMP Exam: Part – 3

Points To Ponder:

-You cannot stop the timer during exam. So keep that in mind if you want to go for restroom or something like that.
– If you are well prepared, 3. ½ hrs should be sufficient to go over questions twice (2nd pass is for Marked questions only)
– You have to start the Demo module first – it goes on for 15 minutes. You can exit out whenever you want to start the exam.
– When the Demo module starts, brain dump the following on the given papers
– Formulas for Cost equations, Float, LF/EF, PTA, Seller fees, PV on 1 page
– Cross chart of the knowledge Area & process group on 1 page
– Know AC, EV, EAC, EV, SV, CV, SPI, CPI very well. I almost had 10 numerical questions or so.
– Look at these below: Do you see an easy way to remember the CV/SV/CPI/SPI ?
– CV AC EV PV SV
– Develop Mnemonics to create the knowledge Area & process group on 1 page.
– If you can remember inputs, outputs, tools and techniques, that would be great but I could only remember few of them.
– There are questions on inputs/outputs. But if you look at the cross chart you have developed and understand them, you can narrow down the choices to 2. That means 50% probability of hitting the right answer.
– There were plenty of situational questions – PM should not do things with a knee jerk reaction. Don’t run to the customer/Sponsor FIRST. Evaluate options/impact FIRST.
– Read delegation.
– Know when WBS and scope statement is an tool/input.
– What changes in the project will impact which plans: For instance say there is an upgraded version (which fixes most of the bugs and conforms to other customer requirements) of a software available from the vendor; but due to the relationship with the vendor he/she is willing to give that version for free and it would make no difference in cost or schedule. However since this is a version which is of improved quality, which plans get impacted?
– Expected value calculations
– Probability ( Remember how dependent and independent events are evaluated)
– Read theory on NPV/IRR; not just higher the NPV select the project kind of thing.
– Problem Solving is the nirvana.
– Motivational Model –direct questions
– Which conflicts happen in which phases and why
– Risk response strategies
– Know the impact of resource leveling on the project.
– Understand Ethnocentrism, how multinational projects are managed to deal with cultural issues.
– Know quality control definition and understand it word by word!
– If you know direct and indirect costs, then read also about Fixed/Variable.
– Critical path – longest path, shortest time
– Administrative closure is not just at the end of the project. Really?
– Contract closeout is not just product verification. So what else?
– Which changes lead to re-baseline?
– Why is scope verification and control important?
– What are the functions of CCB?
– Why do you want to use value analysis or function analysis?
– Know staffing management plan and tools needed
– Know the components and importance of performance reporting.
– Know the use of control charts, scatter diagram and Pareto charts.
– Conformance = Prevention plus Appraisal
– What are the disadvantages of matrix structure’s?
– Secondary risks are from following a risk mitigation strategy.
– If a project is terminated due to starvation what would you do?
– Understand when you would use PERT vs CPM.