PM Sem 8
PM Sem 8
Dec 2024
Q1) Answer the following any four
a) Explain the triple constraint in project management
b) Explain the stages of team development and growth
c) Explain the work breakdown structure
d) Explain Goldrat’s critical chain
e) Explain the earned value management technique for measuring the value of work
f) Explain multicultural and virtual projects
Q2)
a) ABC Industries has a potential project with an initial cost of Rs. 20,00,000. The capital
budget allows to accept only one project. Using the NPV method, which project should
be selected?
b) Discuss why project management is essential in today's business environment. What
benefits does it provide in achieving organizational goals?
Q3)
a) Explain Risk response strategies for positive and negative risks.
b) What is the importance of vendor documents? How the vendor documents should be
preserved?
Q4)
a) The R & D project has a list of tasks to be performed whose time estimates are given in
the table below.
b) Explain the aggregate project plan used in the portfolio process. (5 marks)
c) Explain the project buffer. (5 marks)
Q5.
a) Explain the project management template with a sample template sheet.
b) Define Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) and evaluate its role in the
successful execution of complex projects. (5 marks)
c) Write a short note on the GANTT chart. (5 marks)
Q6
a) Why are meetings useful in project monitoring? What rules should be followed to
maximize the effectiveness of meetings? (10 marks)
b) List and briefly describe the ways projects may be terminated. What are some non-
technical reasons for project termination? (10 marks)
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MAY 2024
Q2)
a) Explain stages of team development and growth. What are the advantages of effective
team and barriers to team effectiveness?
b) A project is composed of 8 activities, the time estimate for which are given below.
Q3.
a) Explain work breakdown structure and Gantt chart with example.
b) A project requires an initial investment of Rs. 200000 and it is expected to generate a
cash flow of Rs. 10000 for 3 years. The target rate of return of the project is 12% per
annum. Calculate the net present value of project. (5 marks)
c) Explain non numeric project selection models. (5 marks)
Q4.
a) Explain top down and bottom-up budgeting. (5 marks)
b) What is the difference between resource loading and resource leveling? (5 marks)
c) Describe probability and impact matrix. Explain risk response strategies for positive and
negative risks. (10 marks)
Q5
a) A project in its 20th week has an actual cost of Rs. 250,000. It was scheduled to have
spent Rs. 241,000. For the work performed to date, the budgeted value is Rs. 252,000.
What are the cost and schedule variances for the project? What are the SPI and CPI? (5
marks)
b) Describe Earned value management technique in Project Management. (5 marks)
c) Explain Project Procurement Management. What is the difference between contracting
and outsourcing? (10 marks)
Q6
a) Explain multicultural and virtual projects. (5 marks)
b) Why is ethics important in Project management? (5 marks)
c) What is project termination? Explain different types of project terminations. (10 marks)
3
Dec 2023
May 2023
Dec 2024
Q1) Answer the following any four
a) Explain the triple constraint in project management
b) Explain the stages of team development and growth
1. Cost
Definition:
The total money needed to complete the project, including salaries, materials, and tools.
If cost increases, it may affect time or quality.
Example:
If you're building a website and suddenly need to hire an extra developer, your cost goes up.
2. Scope
Definition:
Scope means what work or features must be done in the project.
If scope increases, it may need more time and money.
Example:
If you planned a website with 3 pages, but now the client wants 6 pages, the scope has
increased.
3. Time
Definition:
Time means the deadline or how long the project will take.
Delays can increase costs or reduce quality.
Example:
If a team takes 2 extra weeks to finish a mobile app, they may have to pay for more work hours.
1. Cost – Significance
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2. Scope – Significance
● Helps prevent confusion and feature creep (adding extra tasks without planning).
3. Time – Significance
1. Forming Stage
Team members meet for the first time and are polite.
They don’t know their roles clearly yet.
Example:
A new project team meets and just introduces themselves, not sure who will do what.
2. Storming Stage
Team members start sharing ideas, and arguments may happen.
There may be confusion or power struggles but solutions are found through discussions.
Example:
Two people in the team want to be the leader and argue about how to start the project.
Example:
The team decides who will design, who will code, and who will test, and they follow the plan.
4. Performing Stage
The team works efficiently with trust and focus.
They perform tasks efficiently and aim to finish the project.
Example:
Everyone does their part on time and helps each other to complete the project perfectly.
Example:
The team presents the final project, thanks each other, and goes to new teams or tasks.
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a method of breaking a project into smaller, manageable
tasks to improve planning and execution.
Characteristics of WBS
1. Definable
Each task is clear and easy to understand.
2. Manageable
Tasks are small enough to give to someone and check easily.
3. Estimated
You can guess how much time and money each task will need.
4. Integration
Combines tasks to ensure all project parts work together
5. Measurable
You can check progress and see if tasks are on time.
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6. Adaptable
You can change tasks if the project needs change.
WBS Rules
✅ Easy Explanation:
In CCPM, we don’t give extra (safety) time to each task.
Instead, we give realistic (shorter) times and add extra time as buffers to protect the full
project.
📌 Types of Buffers:
● Project Buffer:
👉
Extra time added at the end of the main task chain (critical chain).
Example: If the main tasks should finish in 20 days, we may add 4 more days as a
project buffer to protect the final deadline.
● Feeding Buffer:
👉
Extra time added before tasks from smaller paths join the main chain.
Example: If a side task needs to be done before the main task, we add 2 days buffer
in case it gets late.
● Resource Buffer:
👉
A reminder or alert added to make sure people/tools are ready on time.
Example: If a designer is needed in 3 days, we give a signal today so they’re free
and ready.
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✅ Easy Explanation:
CCPM makes sure people or tools are not working on too many things at once.
Doing one task at a time helps avoid delays and keeps work moving smoothly.
👉 Example: Instead of one team member doing 3 things at once, they finish one task first, then
move to the next.
3. Buffer Management
✅ Easy Explanation:
Buffers are checked often to see if the project is going well.
Instead of only checking how many tasks are done, we check how much buffer time is used.
👉 Example: If the project used half the buffer early, it’s a sign there may be delays ahead, and
we can take action quickly.
e) Explain the earned value management technique for measuring the value of work
EVM is a way to track how a project is doing by looking at the work planned, work done, and
money spent.
It helps compare what was planned vs. what actually happened.
Formula: EV / AC
Formula: EV / PV
✅ Finds Differences
EVM helps you see the gap between what was planned and what actually happened.
✅ Better Decisions
With real data, project managers can make smart choices during the project.
✅ Tracks Progress
It clearly shows if the project is on track or not by comparing planned work to actual work.
1. Multicultural Projects
👉TheyA project where people from different countries or cultures work together.
may speak different languages or have different ways of thinking and working.
✏️ Challenges:
● People may not understand each other clearly.
✅ Opportunities:
● Team members share new ideas and different views.
2. Virtual Projects
👉TheyA project where people work from different places, not from the same office.
use tools like email, Zoom, or Teams to talk and share work.
✏️ Challenges:
● It’s hard to communicate well without meeting in person.
Opportunities
● Virtual projects give more flexibility — people can work from anywhere.
● Teams can work together from different time zones and countries.
Q2)
a) ABC Industries has a potential project with an initial cost of Rs. 20,00,000. The
capital budget allows to accept only one project. Using the NPV method, which
project should be selected?
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To determine the most profitable project, we calculate the Net Present Value (NPV)
for each project using the given discount rates and cash flows.
The formula for NPV is:
Where:
Ct = Cash inflow at year t
r = Discount rate
t = Year
NPV Calculations:
Initial Investment: Rs. 20,00,000
Project Discount Rate NPV (₹)
Project A 9% ₹3,33,791
Project B 6% ₹1,06,182
Project C 15% ₹1,97,127
Project D 22% –₹2,19,414 (Negative)
Decision:
Since Project A has the highest positive NPV of ₹3,33,791, it should be selected. This
means it offers the highest return over the initial cost and is the most financially
viable option among the four projects.
Project management is very important today because it helps businesses plan, organize, and
complete work properly. It makes sure that projects are done on time, within budget, and as
per the goal.
👉 Example: A marketing project has a fixed launch date and tasks for each team
It sets clear objectives, deadlines, and tasks, so everyone knows what to do.
member.
👉 Example: Delivering a mobile app on deadline builds trust with the client.
Projects completed on time and budget make clients happy.
👉 Example: A company shifts from in-store sales to online sales during a crisis.
Helps the business quickly respond to new trends or problems.
👉 Example: Team members feel involved and responsible when roles are clear.
Keeps the team motivated and working together.
Q3)
a) Explain Risk response strategies for positive and negative risks.
👉
1. Exploit
📌
Make sure the opportunity happens.
Example: If a team member is very skilled, assign them the most important task to
guarantee success.
👉
2. Enhance
📌
Try to increase the chance or benefit of the opportunity.
Example: Give training to your team to boost their speed and get work done faster.
👉
3. Share
📌
Work with others to enjoy the opportunity together.
Example: Team up with another company to launch a new product faster.
👉
4. Accept
Do nothing special but take the benefit if the opportunity comes.
Example: If there’s a chance a task might finish earlier than planned, don’t change
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👉
5. Escalate
📌
Tell a higher authority (like senior management) to handle the opportunity.
Example: If a big business deal could bring huge profits but is beyond your control,
inform your senior manager to take it forward.
👉
1. Avoid
📌
Change the plan so the risk cannot happen.
Example: Skip using a risky material to prevent safety issues.
👉
2. Mitigate
📌
Try to reduce the chance or damage of the risk.
Example: Give training or install safety equipment to avoid mistakes.
👉
3. Transfer
📌
Move the risk to someone else.
Example: Buy insurance or hire an expert contractor to handle a risky task.
👉
4. Accept
📌
Do nothing unless the risk happens.
Example: Be ready with a backup plan if a machine breaks down, but don’t act
unless it really does.
👉
5. Escalate
📌
Send the risk to higher management to handle it.
Example: If a major technical issue could delay the whole project, report it to
top-level decision makers.
b) What is the importance of vendor documents? How the vendor documents should be
preserved?
Vendor documents are papers or digital records that store important information about the
👉
vendors a business works with.
They include things like contracts, bills, orders, and contact details to help manage vendor
relationships.
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📌
faster.
Example: A vendor’s invoice helps you pay them on time without confusion.
📌
Having correct vendor info helps avoid problems like late deliveries or legal issues.
Example: A contract with clear rules protects you if a vendor doesn’t follow terms.
📌
Keeping all vendor documents in one place helps you make better choices.
Example: If you see a vendor always delays, you can decide to change vendors.
📌
Proper documents help in tax filing and following legal standards.
Example: Keeping purchase receipts helps during tax audits.
Q4)
a) The R & D project has a list of tasks to be performed whose time estimates are
given in the table below.
How to solve:
● Draw the project network diagram based on the given task dependencies.
● Identify all possible paths through the network.
● Calculate the total duration for each path.
● Determine the critical path as the path with the longest duration.
● The time required to complete the project is the duration of the critical path.
B→D
C→E
D, E → F, G
F→H
G→I
2. Critical Path:
To calculate expected time (TE) for each activity using the formula:
TE = (to + 4×tm + tp) / 6
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(b) Explain the aggregate project plan used in the portfolio process. (5 marks)
An Aggregate Project Plan is a tool used by companies to manage all their projects in a smart
and organized way. It helps them choose the right mix of projects based on business goals,
available resources, and risk levels.
👉
1. Breakthrough Projects
📌
Big and risky projects that bring new ideas.
Example: Making a completely new electric car.
👉
2. Platform Projects
📌
Improve or upgrade existing products.
Example: Launching a better version of a mobile phone.
👉
3. Derivative Projects
📌
Small changes or add-ons to current products.
Example: Adding a new color or feature to a phone.
👉
4. R&D Projects
📌
Focus on research and testing new ideas.
Example: Studying how AI can help in business.
👉
5. Partnering Projects
📌
Work together with other companies.
Example: Teaming up with a tech company to build an app.
Steps in APP:
Benefits of APP:
A Project Buffer is extra time added at the end of the project plan to protect the project from
delays. It is used in Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM).
Why is it Needed?
It acts like a safety cushion in case some important tasks take longer than expected.
How It Works:
Benefits:
Example:
If a project’s main tasks take 40 days, a 20-day buffer is added. So, the total project time
becomes 60 days. If any task is delayed, the buffer time can be used.
Q5.
a) Explain the project management template with a sample template sheet.
👉
1. Project Plan Template
📌
Shows the full plan of the project from start to end.
Example: A document showing goals, tasks, team members, and deadlines.
👉
2. Gantt Chart Template
📌
A visual chart that shows the timeline of tasks with start and end dates.
Example: A bar chart that shows when each task starts and ends, like "Design Phase – Jan
1 to Jan 10."
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👉
3. Task List Template
📌
A checklist of all the tasks to be done in the project.
Example: A table with tasks like “Write report,” “Test software,” with assigned persons and
due dates.
👉
4. Risk Management Template
📌
Helps identify and track possible problems or risks in the project.
Example: A list showing risks like “Server failure,” “Delay in delivery,” with actions to handle
them.
👉
5. Project Budget Template
📌
Tracks the money to be spent and where it is being used.
Example: A sheet with rows like “Marketing – ₹20,000,” “Development – ₹50,000.”
👉
6. Status Report Template
📌
Summarizes project progress at a certain time.
Example: A weekly update showing tasks completed, pending, and any issues faced.
1. Project Overview
A short summary of the project including the name, goal, manager, and timeline.
2. Project Scope
Defines what is included and excluded in the project and what the deliverables are.
3. Project Team
Lists all the team members and their roles in the project.
4. Project Timeline
Shows the schedule and deadlines for all project tasks.
5. Project Budget
Shows the total cost of the project and how the money is divided.
6. Project Resources
Lists all the tools, equipment, or materials needed to complete the project.
7. Risk Management
Identifies possible problems and how to reduce or handle them.
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8. Project Communication
Explains how the team will share updates and information.
9. Project Status
Shows the current progress of the project and what is completed or pending.
b) Define Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) and evaluate its role in
the successful execution of complex projects. (5 marks)
PMIS is a computer software that helps project managers plan, track, and finish projects
properly.
It shows who is doing what, how much work is left, and if the project is on time and on budget.
📌 Example:
Using Microsoft Project or JIRA to plan tasks, check deadlines, and see team progress in one
place.
👉 Example: JIRA shows who is working on what, and if it’s done or not.
Everyone knows their work and deadline.
👉 Example: A report shows the budget is going over, so the manager reduces costs.
PMIS gives reports to fix problems fast.
👉 Example: The system warns that delivery is late, so backup planning is done.
7. ⚙️ Saves Time and Work
A Gantt chart is a simple bar chart that shows the timeline of a project.
It helps project managers see when tasks start and end, and track progress step by step.
📌 Example:
If you're building a website, a Gantt chart shows that:
Each task in the Gantt chart can show who is responsible for it.
👉 Example:
This helps everyone know who is doing what and makes teamwork clear!
Q6.
a) Why are meetings useful in project monitoring? What rules should be followed to
maximize the effectiveness of meetings? (10 marks)
👉
Decide the topics to be discussed and share them before the meeting.
Example: Today’s agenda is "Project updates and solving bugs."
👉
Know the reason for the meeting.
Example: The meeting is to check work progress and fix delays.
👉
Start and end on time.
Example: 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, no extra talking.
👉
Only call people who are needed for that topic.
Example: For design discussion, only the design team is invited.
👉
Let everyone speak and share ideas or problems.
Example: Ask each member for updates one by one.
👉
Note down what was decided and who will do what.
Example: "Amit will finish the login page by Friday."
👉
Send a short summary of the meeting.
Example: Email with list of tasks and deadlines.
b) List and briefly describe the ways projects may be terminated. What are some non-
technical reasons for project termination? (10 marks)
Project Termination means stopping a project either because it’s finished or it cannot continue.
1. Termination by Addition
This happens when the project is completed successfully and its result becomes a regular part
of the company’s daily operations. The work done in the project is now added permanently to
the organization.
Example: A new software created by the team is now used every day by the company’s IT
department.
2. Termination by Integration
In this type, the final output of the project is merged into the company’s existing systems or
departments. The project team is disbanded, and members return to other jobs.
Example: A new sales process designed in the project is now included in the company’s usual
sales work.
3. Termination by Extinction
This occurs when the project ends because it is either successfully completed, failed, or no
longer useful. All work on the project stops, and resources are released.
Example: A marketing campaign project ends after achieving its goal of increasing customer
reach.
4. Termination by Starvation
The project is not officially closed but is slowly shut down by cutting its budget and resources.
As a result, it cannot continue and stops over time.
Example: A research project is given less money and support until it eventually ends without
any official announcement.
5. Termination by Suspension
The project is temporarily stopped and may continue later. This happens when there are
unexpected issues or a need to wait for more information, decisions, or resources.
Example: A building project is paused due to changes in government safety rules, and work
will start again once the issue is cleared.
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6. Termination by Transfer
The project is handed over to another team, department, or outside company to complete,
maintain, or manage it in the future.
Example: A software development project is transferred to an external company to continue
updates and support.
MAY 2024
A project charter is a simple document that officially starts a project. It tells what the project is
about, what it should do, who is involved, and gives permission to the project manager to start
the work.
● Project Title and Description: Name and short explanation of the project.
● Scope: What the project will include and what it will not do.
● Project Manager and Authority: Name of the project leader and how much power they
have to make decisions.
● Risks and Assumptions: Things that might go wrong and ideas we believe to be true at
the start.
A project sponsor is a senior person (like a boss) who supports the project. They give money,
help solve big problems, and make sure the project matches the company’s goals.
1. Authorizes the Project: Gives official approval to start the project.
2. Provides Funding: Makes sure the project has enough money.
3. Supports the Project Manager: Helps the project leader and solves big issues.
5. Monitors Progress: Checks updates to see if the project is going well.
6. Ensures Alignment with Business Goals: Makes sure the project fits company’s
plans.
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7. Approves Major Changes: Says yes or no to big changes in the project.
A Project Management Information System (PMIS) is a software that helps plan, run, and
check projects. It helps project managers handle time, money, people, and tasks easily and
correctly.
e) Project audits
A project audit is a proper check done on a project to see if everything is going well. It checks if
the work is done correctly, on time, within budget, and as planned. It also helps find problems
and ways to do better in the future.
👉
rules.
Example: A software company’s audit team checks if a website project is using the
right coding rules.
👉
Done by someone outside the company to give an honest, neutral check.
Example: A government hires an outside firm to check if a road-building project used
money correctly.
👉
Planned in advance and done at certain points in the project.
Example: An audit is planned after 50% of a school construction is done.
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Q2
c) Explain stages of team development and growth. What are the advantages of
effective team and barriers to team effectiveness? (10 marks)
b) A project is composed of 8 activities, the time estimate for which are given below.
Path 1: A → C → F → H = 5 + 9 + 9 + 5 = 28 weeks
Path 2: A → E → H = 5 + 8 + 5 = 18 weeks
Path 3: A → D → G → H = 5 + 15 + 4 + 5 = 29 weeks
Path 4: B → F → H = 14 + 9 + 5 = 28 weeks
The critical path is A – D – G – H (29 weeks)
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Q3.
a) Explain work breakdown structure and Gantt chart with example.
WBS is a way to break a big project into smaller parts so it is easier to plan, manage, and
complete.
It helps us see all the work in small steps.
Levels in WBS
● Level 1: Main Project Goal
This is the full project name or goal.
Example: Build a house or make a website.
4. Review:
Check if all work is covered and matches the goal.
These are ways to choose projects without using numbers or money calculations.
They are based on opinions, needs, or what is important to the company, not profit or cost.
1. Sacred Cow
Very Easy Definition:
A project started just because a powerful boss or senior person wants it.
Easy Example:
The CEO says, “We must make a mobile app for our store,” so the team starts working on it
without asking questions.
2. Q-Sort Model
Very Easy Definition:
Projects are grouped into "good", "average", or "bad" based on opinions about things like risk,
usefulness, and market need.
Easy Example:
A team puts 5 ideas into 3 boxes: very useful, okay, and not useful, to help pick the best one.
Easy Example:
A toothpaste company starts a new mouthwash product to go along with its toothpaste line.
Easy Example:
The manager thinks Project A will help employees more than Project B, so they choose A.
5. Competitive Necessity
Very Easy Definition:
A project is selected to keep up with or beat competitors.
Easy Example:
If a rival company launches an app, your company also starts a similar project to stay
competitive.
6. Operating Necessity
Very Easy Definition:
The project is chosen because it is needed to keep the system or company working.
Easy Example:
A hospital upgrades its old software system to avoid failures and keep operations running
smoothly.
Q4.
a) Explain top down and bottom-up budgeting. (5 marks)
1. Top-Down Budgeting
In Top-Down Budgeting, the higher management or project head decides how much total
money (budget) is available for the whole project. After that, they break the total budget into
parts and give it to different departments or teams based on their needs or importance.
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✅ Main Points:
● The total budget is decided from the top level (managers or sponsors).
● Quick and simple to use because less time is spent on small details.
📌 Example:
A company plans a marketing campaign and the top manager fixes the total budget as
₹5,00,000.
They divide it like this:
2. Bottom-Up Budgeting
In Bottom-Up Budgeting, the people actually doing the work (team members, team leaders)
make individual cost estimates for each task or part of the project. Then, all these small costs
are added together to get the total project budget.
✅ Main Points:
● Budget is built from the bottom level (team members) by estimating each task.
📌 Example:
A company is launching a new product.
Example:
A worker is given 12 hours of tasks on Monday, but can only work 8 hours.
Resource Loading will show this overload, but won’t fix it.
Example:
If a worker has 12 hours of work on Monday, Resource Leveling will move some tasks to
Tuesday, so the worker only has 8 hours of work per day.
1. Basic Idea Shows how busy each Adjusts schedule so no one is too busy
resource is
2. Looks Like A chart with bars showing A new timeline with adjusted task dates
work per day
3. Main Use For checking workload For fixing too much workload
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6. Task Order Task order stays same Task order may change to fix workload
10. Project End End date stays same End date may move forward
Date
The Probability and Impact Matrix is a risk assessment tool used in project management
to evaluate and prioritize risks based on:
Purpose:
✅ More Explanation
● This matrix helps project teams decide which risks are serious and need quick
action, and which risks are not that important.
● It is often shown as a table with colors (like green, yellow, red) to show low, medium,
or high risk.
● A high probability + high impact risk will be marked red and must be handled
immediately.
● A low probability + low impact risk may be marked green and can be monitored but
is not urgent.
Q5
a) A project in its 20th week has an actual cost of Rs. 250,000. It was scheduled to
have spent Rs. 241,000. For the work performed to date, the budgeted value is Rs.
252,000. What are the cost and schedule variances for the project? What are the
SPI and CPI? (5 marks)
46
Contracting:
Contracting means hiring a person or company to do a specific task or deliver a product
47
👉
under a formal agreement.
Example: Hiring a contractor to build a website for ₹50,000.
Outsourcing:
Outsourcing means giving a full process or service to another company to handle, usually for
👉
long term.
Example: Outsourcing customer support to a call center company.
3. Control Company has more control Less control; the vendor handles
over the work everything
4. Scope Limited work (e.g., one job or Full function (e.g., HR, IT support)
deliverable)
7. Employees Contractors are not company Outsourced team works fully for the
staff vendor company
9. Flexibility More flexible; task can change Less flexible; involves contract for long
process
Example:
If a company is building a mobile app but doesn't have app developers, they hire another
company to do it. This is procurement management.
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Example:
You are making a website. You decide to buy hosting and hire a designer next month.
2. Conduct Procurements
Easy Meaning:
Ask different sellers for their prices or offers, choose the best one, and make a deal.
Example:
You ask 3 designers to send their price and samples. You pick one and sign a contract with
them.
3. Control Procurements
Easy Meaning:
Check the work, make sure the seller is doing everything correctly, and solve any problems.
Example:
The designer sends a half-done website. You review it, give feedback, and ask for changes
based on the contract.
4. Close Procurements
Easy Meaning:
Finish the work, check that everything is complete, make final payment, and end the
contract.
Example:
The designer finishes the full website. You check the work, pay the last amount, and close
the deal.
Q6.
a) Explain multicultural and virtual projects. (5 marks)
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Ethics means doing what is right, fair, and honest. In project management, ethics means
making correct decisions, being truthful, respecting others, and not doing anything wrong
or unfair while handling the project.
c) What is project termination? Explain different types of project terminations. (10
marks)
Dec 2023
1. Time Management
● Make a clear plan with tasks and deadlines.
2. Budget Management
● Create a detailed budget for all work and resources.
3. Quality Management
● Set clear quality rules for the final work.
● Train the team and make sure they follow quality steps.
(b) Why project manager’s role is more of a facilitator rather than a supervisor?
(5 marks)
A project manager is more like a facilitator because they help the team work together, solve
problems, and stay motivated, instead of just giving orders like a supervisor.
5. Good Communication
Facilitators keep communication open with everyone.
Supervisors usually talk only top-down.
6. Team Growth
Facilitators help the team learn and grow.
Supervisors mostly care about finishing tasks quickly.
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7. Building Trust
Facilitators build trust by supporting the team.
Supervisors use authority, which can reduce trust.
Given already
(d) What is Goldratt’s critical chain method? (5 marks)
Given already
(e) Briefly describe the purchasing cycle. (5 marks)
Purchasing Cycle:
The purchasing cycle is the process a business uses to buy goods or services from outside
suppliers. It helps make sure the right things are bought at the right time, price, and amount.
The main steps are:
1. Needs Identification: First, the business finds out what product or service is needed.
2. Supplier Selection: Then, they look for suppliers and pick the best one based on price,
quality, and reliability.
3. Negotiation: Next, they talk with the supplier to agree on price, delivery time, and
payment terms.
4. Purchase Order: After that, a formal order is sent to the supplier with all the details.
5. Goods/Service Receipt: The goods or services are received and checked to make sure
they are correct.
6. Invoicing and Payment: The supplier sends a bill, and the business pays as agreed.
7. Record Keeping and Review: Finally, the purchase is recorded, and the business
reviews how well the supplier did to improve future buying.
(f) What are the four stages of team development and growth? (5 marks)
Already given
Q2.(a) Swanson Industries has a potential project with an initial cost of Rs.
20,00,000. The capital budget allows to accept only one project. Using the NPV
method, which project should be selected? (10 marks)
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Q2.(b) What is the project life cycle? How is cost of change, risk, and influence of
stakeholders affected by Project time during the life cycle of project? (10 marks)
The project life cycle is the series of steps a project goes through from start to finish. It helps
organize the work and make sure the project is completed successfully. The main phases are:
● Resources like people and tools are given to the team to do their tasks.
● The project manager makes sure the team is on track and solves problems or risks.
● The team reviews what went well and what they learned.
How Cost of Change, Risk, and Stakeholder Influence Change Over Time:
1. Cost of Change:
● Costs get higher in Execution and Closure because changes are harder to do.
● For example, changing requirements during planning is cheaper than fixing things after
testing.
2. Risk:
● Risks decrease as the project moves forward and problems are solved.
● For example, if the project scope is unclear at first, it can cause delays or extra costs.
● Stakeholders have the most influence at the beginning when decisions are made.
● Their influence reduces as the project progresses since most major decisions are done.
● For example, clients can change the project scope early but have less say at the end.
Q3.(a) What are the responsibilities of the project auditor? What is essential for
a successful project Audit? (10 marks)
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A Project Auditor is a person who checks and reviews a project’s progress, quality, costs, and
risks to make sure everything is done correctly and follows the plan. They help find problems
early and suggest improvements to keep the project on track.
2. Independence:
The auditor should be neutral and not influenced by the project team.
Q3.(b) Explain probability and impact matrix. What are the risk response
strategies for negative risks (threats) & positive risks (opportunities)? (10 marks)
Already given
Q4.(a) Following are the manpower requirements for each activity in a project.
(10 marks)
ii) Rearrange the activity suitably to reduce the existing total manpower
requirement.
6. Efficiency High inside High project focus but Balanced but can face
departments may waste resources conflicts
7. Team Loyalty To the department or To the project and Split between function
function project manager and project
9. Resource Use Shared across many Used only for one Shared among different
projects project projects
1. Functional Organization
A Functional Organization groups people based on their specialized skills or job roles, such
as marketing, finance, or engineering. Each department is led by a functional manager who
controls the team and resources
Example:
In a company, the marketing team works under the marketing manager, the finance team
under the finance manager, and so on
Example:
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A construction company forms a dedicated team (architect, engineers, workers) for a specific
building project. Once the building is complete, the team disbands or joins a new project.
3. Matrix Organization
A Matrix Organization combines features of both functional and project structures. Employees
report to both a functional manager and a project manager.
Example: An engineer works on a project and also reports to the engineering head.
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1. Communication Planning:
In this step, the team decides:
2. Identify Stakeholders
● List all the people involved in the project (team members, clients, sponsors, etc.).
● Some need detailed reports (like sponsors), while others may just need updates.
● ✅ Example: Developers may need technical updates; clients need progress summaries.
3. Choose Communication Methods:
Select the best ways to share information:
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● Keeping a schedule avoids delays and keeps everyone on the same page.
● Are people getting the info they need? Is there confusion or delay?
● The project manager listens, responds quickly, and solves problems early.
Q5.(b) A consulting project has an actual cost of Rs. 45000, Scheduled cost of Rs.
35000, and the value of completed work is Rs. 31000. Find the Scheduled and
Cost Variance. Also, find SPI and CPI. (5 marks)
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In project management, estimation means predicting the time, cost, and resources needed for
tasks. Scheduling means planning when each task will be done.
b) Parametric Estimating
This method uses a formula based on unit cost or time.
Example: If painting 1 wall takes 2 hours, then painting 5 walls is estimated to take 10 hours.
c) Expert Judgment
Here, experienced professionals are asked to estimate based on their knowledge.
Example: A senior developer estimates that coding a module will take 4 days based on past
experience.
d) Bottom-up Estimating
Each small task is estimated separately, and then all are added to get the full project estimate.
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Example: Estimating time for writing, testing, and reviewing a report separately, then adding it
to get total time.
e) Three-Point Estimating
This uses three values: optimistic (best case), pessimistic (worst case), and most likely, to
calculate an average.
Example: If a task can take 2 days (best), 4 days (most likely), or 6 days (worst), the estimate
is:
(2 + 4×4 + 6)/6 = 4 days.
c) Gantt Chart
It’s a bar chart that shows tasks and their start/end dates over time.
Example: In software development, a Gantt chart may show "Design from May 1 to May 10,"
"Coding from May 11 to May 25," etc.
d) Kanban
This is a visual board (with columns like "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done") to track tasks.
Example: A developer moves a task from “To Do” to “Done” on a Kanban board when it's
completed.
Q6.(a) What is a scope creep? How does a formal change control system work in
project management? (10 marks)
Scope creep means uncontrolled or unexpected changes to a project’s scope after it has
started. It happens when new features, tasks, or goals are added without proper approval or
planning. This often leads to project delays, more cost, and lower quality.
2. Delayed Timelines – More work causes the project to take longer.
3. Lower Quality – If scope is increased but time and resources are not, quality may suffer.
✏️
Someone (client or team member) asks for a change using a formal request.
Example: "Add a new report to the software."
💡
quality.
Is it possible? What will it cost? How much more time is needed?
6. Implementation
The approved change is carried out. Team members may be reassigned or deadlines
may be shifted as per the new plan.
🧠
After the change is done, a review is done to see if it helped the project.
Lessons learned are noted for future projects.
✅ Conclusion:
Scope creep can be dangerous for a project if not handled properly. A formal change control
system helps control changes in an organized way to protect the project from delays, extra
costs, and poor quality.
Q6.(b) List and briefly describe the ways the project may be terminated. What
are some non technical reasons for project termination? (10 marks)
May 2023
(a) What are the contents of project charter? who prepares and authorizes the
project charter? (5 marks)
A Project Charter is an official document that starts a project. It gives the project manager
permission to use resources and lead the project. It shows what the project is about, why it’s
needed, and who is involved.
● The Project Manager usually prepares the Project Charter by gathering details from
sponsors and stakeholders.
● The Project Sponsor authorizes the charter by reviewing and signing it. This shows
that the project is officially approved.
1. Definitions:
● Top-Down Budgeting:
In this method, senior management creates the overall project budget and passes it
down to departments or teams.
It starts from the top level and breaks down into smaller parts.
● Bottom-Up Budgeting:
In this method, individual teams or departments estimate their own costs, and all the
estimates are added together to create the total budget.
It starts from the bottom and goes up.
📘 2. Examples:
● Top-Down Budgeting Example:
Company sets a total budget of ₹10 lakhs for a project. Each team is given a share like
₹2 lakhs for design, ₹3 lakhs for development, etc.
📊 3. Comparison Table:
Point Top-Down Budgeting Bottom-Up Budgeting
2. Approach Starts from overall budget and Starts from task-level estimates
breaks it down and adds them up
10. Example CEO decides total budget and Each department calculates and
gives limits to departments submits their own budget
IRR (Internal Rate of Return) is a method used to check how profitable a project is.
It is the interest rate at which the Net Present Value (NPV) of a project becomes zero.
In simple words, it tells us how much return (%) a project will give.
A Risk Breakdown Structure is a hierarchical chart that organizes all possible project risks into
categories and sub‑categories, making it easier to spot, assess, and manage risks.
○ Top level shows broad risk types; lower levels break each type into more specific
risks.
3.Risk Identification
By scanning each category and sub-category in the RBS, the team can systematically think
through all possible risks. This helps ensure that no important risk—especially hidden, small, or
indirect ones—is missed during planning.
After identifying risks, each one is rated based on how likely it is to happen and how big its
impact would be. This helps the team decide which risks need immediate attention and which
ones are less critical.
Grouping risks in the RBS helps assign the right team members to handle each type of risk. It
also makes it easier to plan how to reduce or avoid risks early, instead of reacting to problems
later.
Q2.(a) A consulting project has an actual cost of Rs. 35000, Scheduled cost Rs.
27000, and completed work is Rs. 31000. Find the Scheduled and Cost Variance.
Also find SPI and CPI. (5 marks)
Given Data:
Actual Cost (AC) = Rs. 35,000
Scheduled Cost (Planned Value, PV) = Rs. 27,000
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A contract is a legal agreement between two or more people or parties. It clearly says what
work will be done, who will do it, how much will be paid, and when it will be finished.
Once both sides agree, they must follow it.
🔹
The price of the work is decided in advance and doesn’t change.
Example: A builder agrees to build a wall for ₹50,000 no matter what the final cost is.
🔹
The buyer agrees to pay the actual cost of work plus extra fees (like profit).
Example: A company hires a software firm and agrees to pay all costs plus ₹10,000
profit.
🔹
planned.
Example: A plumber is paid ₹500 per hour and cost of materials like pipes and taps.
🔹
Payment is based on how many units of work are done, like per meter, per kg, etc.
Example: A road contractor is paid ₹2,000 per meter of road built.
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🔹
Not written or spoken clearly, but understood by actions or behavior.
Example: You sit in a taxi, and the driver takes you. It’s an understood agreement to
pay.
🔹
Both parties make promises to each other.
Example: You promise to pay a painter ₹10,000, and he promises to paint your
house.
🔹
Only one party makes a promise. The other must perform the act to get the reward.
Example: A company offers ₹1,000 for finding a lost dog. You get paid only if you
find it.
Q2.(c) Consider a project having following cash flow stream. The cost of capital
(r) for the firm is 10% . Calculate NPV of project and decide whether to accept
or reject the project. (10 marks)
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Q3.(a) What is project life cycle? How does cost of change, risk and influence of
stakeholder are affected with Project time during life cycle of project? (10 marks)
Q3.(b) Explain probability and impact matrix. What are the risk response
strategies foe negative risks (threats) and positive risks(opportunities). (10 marks)
Q4.(a) A small project is composed of 8 activities, whose time estimates are listed
below. (10 marks)
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Q4.(b) What are the non-numeric models of project selection? Expalin in brief.
(5 marks)
Non-numeric models are simple methods to choose projects without using numbers or
financial data. These models are based on opinions, needs, or business importance instead
of profits or cost. They are helpful when the company wants to focus on strategic goals or
urgent needs.
👉
A project started by a top boss or important person in the company.
It continues unless the same person stops it.
Example: The CEO wants a new office app, so it gets approved even without full
planning.
👉
benefit, or importance.
Helps to sort and rank projects.
Example: Managers sort all ideas into "high priority", "medium", and "low".
👉
the company.
No exact numbers, just opinions.
Example: Choosing between making a mobile app or improving the website based on
benefits.
👉
A project is needed to keep something running properly.
It is selected to avoid failure or shutdown.
Example: Replacing old servers so the website doesn’t crash.
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Q5.(b) What is lifecycle of a project audit? What are the responsibilities of the
project auditor? What is essential for a successful project Audit? (10 marks)
A project audit is a process to check how well a project is going. It has four main steps:
1. Planning:
This is the first step where you decide what to check in the project and how to do the audit.
Example: If you want to check if the project is finishing on time, you plan to review the schedule
and progress reports.
2. Execution:
Here, you collect information like reports, budgets, and documents. Then you compare this
information with the project plan to see if everything is going as expected.
Example: You check if the money spent is within the budget and if tasks are done on time.
3. Reporting:
After checking, you write a report about what is working well and what problems you found.
You share this report with the project team or managers.
Example: You might say, "The project is behind schedule, and extra resources are needed."
4. Follow-up:
This step makes sure the project team fixes the problems mentioned in the report. You check
later if the changes helped improve the project.
Example: If extra resources were given, you check if the project got back on track.
Q6. (a) What are four stages of team development and growth? What are the
barriers to team effectiveness. (10 marks)
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1. Poor Communication: If team members don’t share information clearly, it can cause
confusion and arguments.
2. No Clear Goals: Without clear goals, the team doesn’t know what to focus on and may
lose direction.
3. Weak Leadership: If the leader is not strong or consistent, it can stop good decisions
and reduce team motivation.
4. Conflicts Between Members: Arguments or tension between team members can hurt
teamwork and trust.
5. Lack of Trust: When team members don’t trust each other, they won’t work well
together or feel motivated.
6. Unclear Roles: If everyone is unsure about their tasks, work can get repeated or
important jobs might be missed.
7. Poor Time Management: If the team doesn’t manage time well, deadlines can be
missed and work piles up.
Q6.(b) List and briefly describe the ways the project may be terminated. What
are some non technical reasons for project termination? (10 marks)