PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineProject Management Fundamentals and Core ConceptsEasy
During a project, the team discovers that a critical component supplier has gone out of business. This unforeseen event requires the project manager to quickly assess the impact on the schedule and budget, identify alternative suppliers, and develop a contingency plan. This situation exemplifies which characteristic of a project?
- AUncertainty
- BTemporary
- CProgressive Elaboration
- DUnique
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Uncertainty
Projects inherently involve uncertainty due to various factors like unforeseen events, changing requirements, and external influences. The scenario describes an unexpected event requiring adaptation, which directly relates to managing uncertainty.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While true, 'temporary' refers to a definite start and end, not unexpected events.
- C. Progressive elaboration is about refining details over time, not reacting to sudden disruptions.
- D. While true, 'unique' refers to distinct deliverables, not unforeseen problems.
Project Uncertainty
A characteristic of projects where future events, outcomes, or impacts are not known or predictable, requiring proactive risk management and adaptability.
- Projects operate in environments of varying certainty.
- Unforeseen events are common.
- Requires risk identification and response planning.
Memory trick: Projects are Unique, Temporary, and full of Uncertainty.