Project Lifecycle & Context

Which characteristic BEST distinguishes a project from business as usual (BAU)?

• A A project is managed entirely by the operations department
• B A project is repetitive and ongoing with no defined end
• C A project is a unique, transient endeavour undertaken to achieve desired outcomes ✓
• D A project always costs more than routine operational work

Answer: APM defines a project as a unique, transient endeavour undertaken to bring about change and achieve planned objectives, unlike BAU which is repetitive and ongoing.

In a linear project lifecycle, the phases are characterised as:

• A Continuous operation with no defined handover point
• B Random phases selected by the project manager at will
• C Repeated cycles of build and review until the sponsor is satisfied
• D Sequential phases where deliverables are produced and handed over in a defined order ✓

Answer: A linear lifecycle executes phases sequentially, completing one before moving to the next, with deliverables produced in a defined order.

What is the primary purpose of the deployment phase in a project lifecycle?

• A To define the business case and justify the project
• B To put the project's outputs into operational use so benefits can be realised ✓
• C To recruit the project team
• D To close down the project office immediately

Answer: Deployment transitions the project's outputs into operational use (business as usual) so that the intended benefits can begin to be realised.

An iterative lifecycle is MOST appropriate when:

• A Requirements are likely to evolve and benefit from repeated refinement ✓
• B The project must avoid any stakeholder feedback
• C The deliverable can only be produced once with no revisions
• D Requirements are fully understood and fixed at the outset

Answer: Iterative (and incremental) lifecycles suit projects where requirements evolve, allowing repeated cycles to refine the solution through feedback.

Which of the following is an example of an output of a project rather than an outcome?

• A A newly installed software system ✓
• B Increased market share
• C Improved customer satisfaction
• D Reduced operating costs

Answer: An output is the tangible deliverable produced (e.g. an installed system); outcomes are the changes and benefits that result from using the output.

Why is it important to consider the project context (environment) during initiation?

• A Context determines the colour scheme of project reports
• B Context has no effect on how a project should be managed
• C External and internal factors can significantly influence the approach, constraints and success of the project ✓
• D Context only matters once the project has closed

Answer: The project environment (internal and external factors such as legislation, economy and culture) shapes the chosen approach, constraints and ultimately the project's success.