Project management is the process of starting, planning, executing, regulating, and ending a team’s work to meet particular success criteria within a given time frame. The main issue of project management is to meet all of the project’s objectives while staying within the limits. Initiation, planning, execution, closing, and monitoring are the five phases of the project management life cycle. The application of information, skills, tools, and strategies to project activities is known as project management. So, if you’re interested in working in the field of project management, take a look at the Project Management Job Interview Questions and Answers.
1. What is stakeholder analysis and Power-Interest Grid used for?
Stakeholder analysis involves preparing a list of all the potential stakeholders who will be associated with the project in some way or the other. A power-interest grid is used for categorizing stakeholders and prioritizing them based on significance and impact. Stakeholder analysis and power-interest grid help in prioritizing the positions of the stakeholders in the project for developing relevant stakeholder engagement strategies for different groups.
2. What does it mean to be a stakeholder?
Anyone who stands to gain or lose as a result of the project’s or phase’s success or failure is referred to as a stakeholder.
3. What do you mean by Project Baselines?
It establishes the logical end of any deliverable or cycle. For example, you’ve completed the requirement phase and received client approval on the requirement paper. So you establish a baseline and state that any changes to this document will be considered a change request. One sort of baseline is source code versioning.
4. Define Effort Variance.
Effort Variance = (Actual effort – Estimated Effort) / Estimated Effort
5. How do tackle project execution?
Effectively handling project execution requires the PM to act as a leader and work in collaboration with project stakeholders, sponsors, and peers by demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
6. What type of conflict management techniques you will use for managing conflicts between stakeholders and team members?
Conflicts in a project are a result of disagreements between stakeholders and team members. They are common and the PM must tactfully intervene and resolve them to create an environment of trust and respect.
Conflict management techniques for a project manager include:
- Problem-solving/collaborating or confronting which is the best method to fix disputes
- Competing/Forcing
- Accommodating
- Avoiding/Withdrawing
- Reconciling/Compromising
7. How do you handle underperforming team members?
As a Project Manager, it is important to keep a close observation of the performance of every team member to get a thorough idea of what is going on in the team. Some of the important ways in which we can try to deal with an underperforming team member are –
- Have a direct and informal conversation and take an empathetic approach to understand the underlying cause.
- Offer meaningful help, encouragement, and training to motivate the underperforming team member.
- Analyze if there is a possibility to change the role of that particular team member within the same project after assessing their capabilities.
- Observe if the underperforming resource can be changed with a capable one.
8. How do you prevent Gold Plating?
Gold plating is one of the most common phenomena perceived during project execution. The underlying notion is that customers will feel happy as the development team is delivering more than what is expected.
9. How will you execute a project with new change requests?
Change requests are common in any project baseline. This involves tweaking any aspect of the project plan such as the timeline, resources, technology, scope, and requirements. These requests can be raised from the client or any other stakeholder, even the team members or the project manager.
10. What are the reasons why change request comes in?
A change from the stakeholder’s end when they want a new feature or technology to be added or some changes in the aspects like the budget and timelines. Regulatory changes that require the project needs to comply lead to changes in the planned project strategy.
In the middle of a project, the team members might feel that they need to take corrective measures to resolve an issue.
11. What’s the difference between project monitoring and controlling?
Monitoring includes determining differences between real project performances against the project baseline. Controlling comprises detecting repair for handling the variances and suggesting corrective measures. Both project monitoring and controlling assist in keeping projects on track and are done from the beginning to the end of the project. These processes need to be planned as a part of the project management plan for the seamless functioning of the project lifecycle.
12. What is the difference between a CAR and a DAR?
What do you know about performance reports?
Performance reports are created to demonstrate the status of the project and its actual performance in comparison to the established baselines. A progress report highlights the work completed in the project so far but a status report is focused on the discrepancies in the project performance to date. While monitoring and controlling the project the team prepares different performance reports such as:
- Progress report
- Status report
- Forecast report
13. What is the Pareto Principle or the 80/20 Rule?
It is one method of dealing with managerial issues. It claims that 20% of the problems cause the other 80% of the difficulties. We should concentrate on 20% of the problem, according to this idea. The first 10% and end 10% of any software project are the most important parts of the project.
14. What is the Pareto Principle, and how does it work?
The 80/20 principle is another name for the Pareto Principle. It is a management tool for successfully tracking problem tracking. According to this idea, 20% of the problems cause 80% of the other difficulties. As a result, rather than concentrating on addressing 80 percent of the difficulties, one may concentrate on fixing 20% of the problems, which saves a lot of time and effort. The early ten percent and the end ten percent of a project are the most critical issues.
15. What is fast-tracking and crashing techniques?
Fast-tracking and crashing techniques are leveraged to shorten the project duration while keeping the project scope intact. They are applied in case there is a discrepancy noticed. Crashing may add extra cost to the project by adding resources but fast-tracking can add additional risk as the tasks are performed in parallel.
16. What are the techniques that you can use to collect project requirements?
The crucial techniques used for requirement gathering are:
- Data gathering (pondering, standardization, focus groups, questionnaires, and surveys and interviews)
- Data analysis (examining different project documents)
- Observation (monitoring the performance of the team members)
- Affinity diagram (grouping of requirements and ideas)
- Prioritization of the requirements by using techniques like MoSCoW
- Prototyping
17. What are the details included in a project plan?
A project plan is a blueprint that includes detailed information about how the project will be executed, monitored, and closed. It comprises the project scope, schedule, cost estimates, and budget constraints known as project baselines. A project plan is prepared by the PM with the help of inputs given by the core team members involved in designing various components of the plan.
18. What is WBS used for?
WBS is referred to as a Work breakdown structure which is a crucial technique for having a complete idea about the project scope. It entails breaking up the project work into smaller and manageable chunks known as work packages. WBS helps the PM and the team in refining and defining the specific project requirements and scope in detail for seamless execution and tracking of the project progress.
19. What is the purpose of RACI Matrix?
The RACI matrix is a responsibility assignment chart used to map out every task, milestone, and key decision required to complete a project. As there are many stakeholders and involved in a project having clarity about the duties of every member helps in removing doubts for which the RACI matrix is crucial.
20. How do you differentiate between trend analysis and variance analysis?
Variance analysis is done regularly and is a method for computing the variance between the actual performance and the planned numbers that’s the project baseline. It helps in tracking discrepancies so preventive measures can be taken before any risk arises.
Trend analysis determines if any patterns or variances are cropping up during the project and understanding the cause to design corrective measures. Trend analysis is done regularly but not as frequent as variance analysis.
21. What do you mean by System Testing?
The purpose of system testing is to determine whether the system meets the required features, functional and non-functional criteria, and outputs. It does not check each component separately, but rather the entire system as a whole. It is completed at the developer’s end. Non-functional requirements testing comprises the following:
- Firstly, Testing on a large scale.
- Secondly, Testing of the documentation.
- Testing for robustness.
22. Explain the term Acceptance Testing.
The client conducts Acceptance Testing to ensure that the system fulfils the requirements. It appears to be similar to system testing, but the objective is different. Client performs the testing from his perspective because he is the one who understands the entire process and requirements of his business.
23. What Does V-Model mean in testing?
The V-model creates a link between the type of test and the stage of project development, i.e. which test should be run when. The system is tested on four levels:
- At the first level, the system team does unit testing.
- System team or an independent tester performs integration/assembly testing.
- System testing is carried out by the system team.
- The client conducts acceptance testing.
24. In testing, what is the difference between Sitp and Utp?
A unit test plan is a test plan that is carried out at the simplest level or in a stand-alone mode. Customer and invoicing modules, for example, are included in a project. As a result, the client module and the invoicing module will be tested separately. This is an example of a Unit Test Plan.
Later, both the customer and the invoice will be tested together in a single set. To do so, we combine them into a single set and test them. NUNIT may be use to create a System Integration Test Plan and a Unit Test Plan.
In an integrated method, unit testing is usually done by developers and system testing is usually done by testing specialists.
25. What are the differences between Unit, Assembly, and Regression Testing?
- Unit testing verifies that the program unit fulfills dependable standards. The programmer, who is supervise by the team lead, is usually in charge of unit testing. Unit testing’s fundamental goal is to test each individual unit. Unit testing is done via the white box method.
- Assembly testing validates the correct, stable, and proper interaction between modules as stated in the functional requirements provided by the client. Assembly testing is done in the black box method.
- Regression testing ensures that an application’s functionality is maintain regardless of system changes or enhancements. All of the scripts will be executed by the testers to check that nothing has been harmed.
26. Define V- Model in testing.
The V model is use to map the type of testing to the stage of development of a project. There is a testing step for every development stage in this testing paradigm, implying that there is a mapping between development and testing.
27. What do you mean by Project?
A project is a one-time undertaking to create a one-of-a-kind product or service. A project is a one-time, temporary effort of work that fits the following criteria:
- It has a beginning and an end date.
- There are limits in terms of time, money, and quality.
- Is a one-of-a-kind enterprise that entails risk.
28. What do you mean by the term Project Plan?
The project plan is the central document that guides all actions toward the desired goal. The plan may evolve over time, but it represents the project manager’s ongoing perspective on what has to be done, by whom, and when.
29. Explain the term Project Management.
- “The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and procedures to project activities in order to achieve project requirements,” it says.
We are concerned with the management of the project’s time, cost, and scope under the project management triangle. - We managed the project’s quality, risk, communications, integration, schedule, performance, stakeholder demands, wants, requirements, and expectations as a result of these concerns.
- Each of the project phases uses the project management processes—initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout—and all of the project phases must employ all of the project management processes.
30. In project management, what is the Triple Constraint Triangle?
It’s a delicate balancing act between the project’s scope, schedule, and budget. Dempster’s triangle is another name for it.
31. In project management, what is a triple constraint triangle?
A project management triangle depicts project cost, time, and scope. The triangle’s central point is the client, and the triangle’s three sides are the three aspects. The project management team should deliver scope in the proposed schedule and cost to gain customer satisfaction. If one leg is afflicted, the other two are impacted as well. If the customer raises the scope, for example, the other two legs—schedule and cost—are impacted.
32. What is Project Management’s purpose?
To give management with a reliable and auditable state on which to make choices.
33. Why is it necessary to plan the project?
The primary motivation for designing a project is to save money. The amount of work to be completed, the time allocated to satisfactorily complete the work scope, and the resources required to fulfil the work scope will all be equally balanced with proper project planning. During the course of a project, it is inevitable that it will alter. Prior to making a change, proper planning enables for an assessment of its impact.
34. What is the most important safeguard that project planning provides?
The recording of the work scope in language that is understandable by the personnel who must complete the job scope is an important part of proper planning. When done correctly, this one step will save you time and money by keeping you from wasting resources on efforts that aren’t necessary to achieve the project’s objectives.
35. What tools are necessary for a Project Management System?
A work definition policy and format, a scheduling procedure, a resource budgeting methodology and format, a real-time data collection/reporting system, a material control and accountability subsystem, a change control subsystem, and a monthly formal status review format for senior management are all included.
36. In the context of project management, what are the advantages of risk management?
The benefit of risk management is that it increases the chances of the project being finished successfully by ensuring that the project’s risk and uncertainty are adequately controlled. It allows people engaged to identify potential hazards, how to contain them, and the expected cost of mitigation solutions.
37. How do you recognize Project Risks?
In Project Management, risk identification is frequently accomplished through brainstorming sessions to identify and define the primary risks that may obstruct the project’s ability to achieve its stated objectives. It’s critical to precisely define the project’s scope so that the risk assessment can stay focused on what could jeopardise the project’s results, output delivery, level of resourcing, time, cost, and quality.
38. What is the definition of a project charter?
It is primarily a document that officially initiates a project and contains all of the project’s details. The paper also covers project authorization from beginning to end. This document outlines all of the project’s top-level requirements, as well as the project’s outcomes.
39. Explain the life cycle of a project.
Every project must go through a set of phases from start to finish, which we refer to as the project life cycle. Projects must go through five phases, according to the PMBOK:
- Initiation – Determine whether or not the project is feasible.
- Plan — Determine how the project will be carried out.
- Execution is the process of putting the project plan into action.
- Monitoring and Control – Compare the project’s progress report to the project’s schedule.
- Closing — Hand over the project documents and final deliverables to the business.
40. What is RAID and why is it required to generate a RAID log in project management?
Risk, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies (RAID) is an abbreviation for Risk, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies. A project manager needs a RAID journal to keep track of anything that could affect the project now or in the future.
41. Which of the 10 important knowledge areas described in the PMBOK Guide are you familiar with?
Integration Management, Scope Management, Time Management, Cost Management, Quality Management, Human Resource Management, Communications Management, Risk Management, Procurement Management, and Stakeholder Management.
42. What is Work Breakdown Structure (WBD) and how does it influence task/activity work estimates?
The deconstruction of a project into deliverable-oriented components is known as WBD. This allows the project manager to better manage the project.
43. What are some methods for determining scope?
Product breakdown, requirements analysis, systems engineering, systems analysis, value engineering, value analysis, and alternatives analysis are some of the methods used to analyse products.
44. What is the plan’s starting point?
These are the final versions of all plans before a project is started. It has a timetable, a quality plan, a communication plan, and other details. This serves as a benchmark against which the project’s success can be measured.
45. What does a time and materials contract entail?
It’s a mutually agreed-upon agreement in which a contractor gets compensated based on factors such as –
- At hourly rates, the true cost of direct labour
- The true cost of using equipment and materials.
- Profits and overheads are included in a set add-on.
46. What is your risk-mitigation strategy when working on a project?
In any endeavour, there will always be dangers; sometimes even before you start it. You must be able to provide enough points to the interviewer on various areas where you can work so that there are hazards.
47. Which methodologies did you apply to your projects? What makes you choose it above others?
Project management employs a variety of approaches, including Agile, Waterfall, and others. Be well-informed about the numerous advantages and disadvantages of each methodology you’ve employed. Never bring up the ones you haven’t tried.
48. How do you use three-point estimating methods to estimate?
It is the best technique to develop estimates for your project. There are three steps:
- Identify the positive and negative risks involved in the project
- Then make three estimates — Best Guess (BG), Pessimistic (P), and Optimistic (O) estimates
- The final step is to calculate the mean and standard deviation using the formulas: (O+4BG+p)/6 and P – O/6 respectively.
49. Which project management software have you previously used?
- Gantt Chart
- Work Breakdown Structure
- Product Breakdown Structure
- PERT Chart
- Logic Network
50. When do you realise the project has gotten off track?
Every project reaches a hitch, but not every project manager is aware of the delay until it becomes more evident or even irreversible. Perhaps the most crucial function of a project manager is the capacity to monitor and track the progress of a project and recognize when it is not achieving the benchmarks set during the planning phase. Project dashboards in Project Manager assist project managers in seeing issues before they become major concerns.
Conclusion
These are some of the most typical Project Management interview questions. If you’re just starting out in project management, these interview questions can undoubtedly help you assess and improve your current level of skill. We hope this information was useful! We hope this was of assistance! Testpreptraining will keep you safe while you practice!
