Exam PMP topic 1 question 973 discussion

In situations where resources like a critical subject matter expert (SME) are shared between projects, resource allocation should be strategic and value-driven. The program management view considers the relative importance and impact of each project within the organization. By allocating the SME to the project with the highest score in the program (which reflects strategic alignment, value contribution, urgency, and potential benefits), the organization: Maximizes return on investment (ROI) Supports organizational priorities Ensures the most critical initiatives succeed

because project planning was based on the assumption that the SME would be available.

In this situation, the best approach is to consider Project A, which is using a predictive approach, because the planning for this project was based on the assumption that the SME would be available. In a predictive (waterfall) project, timelines and deliverables are often carefully planned in advance, and the absence of a critical resource like an SME can disrupt the entire schedule. The correct answer is: C. Project A, because project planning was based on the assumption that the SME would be available. Since Project A has already planned around the SME's availability, allocating the SME to Project A will reduce the risk of project delays or rework. While technical excellence is critical in agile projects (answer D), agile projects are generally more flexible and can adapt more easily to resource changes. Therefore, the priority should go to Project A, which has already made firm assumptions about the SME's involvement.

B. The project with the highest score in the program to improve the likelihood of success

The project with the highest score in the program to improve the likelihood of success. In this case, the decision should be based on the overall strategic importance and priority of the projects within the program. Allocating the SME to the project that scores the highest in terms of strategic importance, risk, and potential benefits ensures that the organization maximizes its resources to achieve the best possible outcomes. It is not necessarily about the approach (predictive or agile) or the experience level of the project manager, but rather which project will have the greatest impact on the organization's objectives.

Why do so many people choose C? Please explain. I don't understand.

LOL what score, B is irrelevant. C. Project A, because project planning was based on the assumption that the SME would be available. Allocating the SME to Project A ensures that the project's initial planning assumptions are met, reducing the risk of project delays or failures.

While the other options may have some merit, the key consideration in this case is to avoid disrupting the plan that was made based on the assumption of the SME's availability, which is more typical in predictive project management methodologies. Project A planned its activities assuming the availability of the SME, which is part of the predictive (or traditional) project management approach. Changing critical resources mid-project in predictive environments can lead to disruptions and deviations from the planned schedule. Project B, which is using an agile approach, is more flexible in adapting to changes, and agile projects often prioritize responding to change over following a plan.

In a predictive (or traditional) project management approach, planning is done upfront, and dependencies, including critical resources like SMEs, are typically identified early in the project. If Project A's plan assumed the availability of the SME, allocating the SME to Project A aligns with the initial project assumptions and plans. This helps maintain consistency with the project's original baseline and reduces the risk of disruptions caused by changes in resource allocation.

Should be B instead of C. If project A is a ten dollars project and project B is a billion project, which project should be assigned?

D is the answer.

Both projects would have assumed the need for the SME. The only logical choice would B to ensure at the highest valued project gets the their time.

I would argue the project with the highest value will get critical resource.