AgilePM-Foundation Agile Project Management (AgilePM) Foundation Exam Questions and Answers

The missing word in the sentence is “Champion”. The Business Sponsor is known as the project Champion because they are committed to the solution and the delivery approach34. This role is crucial as it provides the strategic direction and controls the funding/budget for the project1.

The strategy for Iterative Development should be considered during the Foundations phase. This phase establishes a firm foundation for the project, ensuring that only the right projects are started and that they are set up correctly, considering aspects such as feasibility and business case1. It’s crucial to have a clear strategy for Iterative Development at this stage to guide the subsequent phases of the project effectively.

The DSDM product that reflects the approach to the management of the project as a whole, considering how the project will be organized and planned from a management perspective, is the Management Approach Definition2. This product outlines the overall strategy for managing the project, including aspects such as roles, responsibilities, and processes, ensuring that the project is aligned with its objectives and can be delivered successfully2.

The DSMD (Dynamic Systems Development Method) principle of “Build incrementally from firm foundations” emphasizes the importance of having a solid understanding of the project’s foundation before proceeding with incremental development. This principle ensures that each increment is built upon a stable base, which supports the overall project integrity and success.

Instrumental Success Factors (ISFs) in DSDM are crucial as they position projects for a successful outcome. ISFs are the critical elements that must be in place for a DSDM project to succeed. They provide a foundation for effective project management and delivery, ensuring that all necessary conditions are met to support the project's objectives and deliverables.

References:

DSDM Agile Project Framework Handbook

"Agile Project Management with Scrum" by Ken Schwaber

Small Incremental/Iterative Releases: Delivering change in smaller increments allows for immediate feedback and adaptation, embodying the concept of 'Minimum Viable Change Practice.'

Other Options:

A: Big Bang involves a single, large-scale rollout, unsuitable for iterative practices.

B: Phased rollouts involve sequential implementation but may not emphasize iteration.

C: Voluntary Adoption doesn’t inherently align with iterative releases.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Iterative Delivery Strategies: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 3, Section 3.7.

Simple: The Cynefin framework classifies situations where cause and effect are obvious as "simple," requiring straightforward solutions based on best practices.

Other Options:

Multifaceted: Not a recognized category in Cynefin.

Complex: Refers to situations where cause and effect are not immediately apparent.

Chaotic: Refers to situations with no apparent relationship between cause and effect.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Cynefin Framework for Complexity: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.

Timeboxing is the technique that allows for testing the achievability of objectives. This approach involves setting a fixed period (the Timebox) during which specific tasks or objectives must be completed. By focusing on what can be achieved within the set time frame, Timeboxing helps teams test and validate whether their objectives are realistic and attainable. This iterative approach ensures continuous assessment and adaptation, promoting efficient project management.

References:

AgilePM Foundation Handbook

"Agile Project Management with Scrum" by Ken Schwaber

The stated benefits of using DSDM include the business being better able to direct development, the reduced risk of building the wrong solution, and a smoother deployment process2. These benefits stem from DSDM’s iterative approach and close collaboration with stakeholders2.

Within the Solution Development team, it is not required for all members to be multi-skilled experts1. While a diverse set of skills is beneficial, DSDM emphasizes collaboration and the effective use of individual strengths rather than expecting every team member to be an expert in all areas1.

The DSDM product that describes how the benefits have actually accrued following a period in live operation is the Benefits Assessment3. This product is used to assess the actual benefits realized after the solution has been in use3.

The DSDM process can indeed be configured and calibrated to cater for a range of projects, from those requiring light governance to those needing stronger governance1. This flexibility allows the DSDM process to be tailored to the specific needs of the project, ensuring that the right balance between control and agility is achieved1.

Focus on Benefits: Highlighting the benefits of the change makes the desired end state more attractive, increasing buy-in and reducing resistance. This aligns with the Beckhard and Harris change formula, where the perceived benefits of change must outweigh the dissatisfaction with the status quo and the cost of change.

Other Options:

B: Burning platforms address urgency but don’t directly enhance desirability.

C and D: These are practical measures but don’t necessarily increase desirability.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Change Formula Framework: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.5.

The role that normally facilitates the Daily Stand-up in AgilePM is the Team Leader5. The Team Leader ensures that the meeting is focused on progress toward the iteration goal and facilitates effective decision-making during the stand-up.

Statement 1: Correct. Rich communication channels, such as face-to-face conversations or video calls, are necessary for active engagement as they allow for two-way interaction and emotional connection.

Statement 2: Correct. Leaner channels, like emails or memos, are appropriate when the message is straightforward and unlikely to be misinterpreted.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Effective Communication Channels: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.

Storming Stage: During this stage, team members test and challenge assumptions, roles, and processes. This is essential for resolving conflicts and building stronger foundations for collaboration.

Other Stages:

Forming: Initial stage with minimal conflict.

Performing: High-functioning stage with clear roles.

Adjourning: Focuses on reflection and closure.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Team Development Models: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 5, Section 5.4.

The quality of the evolving solution should be tested as part of the iterative development process4. This approach allows for continuous integration and testing of the solution, ensuring that quality is built into the product from the beginning and maintained throughout the development cycle.

Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose: As outlined by Daniel Pink, these three factors drive motivation in knowledge work, which relies on creativity and engagement. Agile practices support autonomy through self-organizing teams, mastery through continuous learning, and purpose through shared goals.

Other Options: These reflect traditional or outdated models of motivation and do not align with Pink’s framework.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Motivating Teams: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 5, Section 5.7.

Statement 1: Correct. Diverse teams leverage different perspectives, leading to higher creativity and innovation, as Agile encourages collaborative solutions.

Statement 2: Incorrect. Diverse teams typically take longer to reach consensus due to varying viewpoints and styles of communication, though the decisions they make are often more robust.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Team Collaboration and Creativity: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 5, Section 5.3.

Maintenance is not one of the interest groups into which each DSDM role is grouped1. The recognized interest groups are Business, Solution/Technical, and Management1. These groups represent the different areas of focus within a DSDM project.

In DSDM, each role is grouped into interests such as Business, Solution/Technical, and Management. Maintenance is not one of the interests into which DSDM roles are grouped. The primary focus of DSDM roles is to ensure that the project is delivered successfully by balancing business needs, technical feasibility, and effective management practices.

References:

DSDM Agile Project Framework Handbook

"Agile Project Management: Best Practices and Methodologies" by Eric Brechner

Performing Stage: In this stage, team members work cohesively towards achieving results. Roles and processes are clear, and collaboration is at its peak.

Other Stages:

Forming: Initial setup with limited collaboration.

Storming: Characterized by conflict and role clarification.

Adjourning: Focused on disbanding after tasks are completed.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Team Development Models: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 5, Section 5.4.

Both statements about the Technical Coordinator role in AgilePM are true. The Technical Coordinator provides the same function from a technical perspective as the Business Ambassador does from a business perspective, ensuring that the technical aspects of the project align with the overall business objectives. Additionally, the Technical Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the solution conforms to the requested technical standards, overseeing the technical integrity and quality of the product throughout the development process.

References:

DSDM Agile Project Framework Handbook

"Agile Architecture: Strategies for Scaling Agile Development" by James O. Coplien and Gertrud Bjørnvig

Dissatisfaction with the Status Quo: The change formula includes dissatisfaction as a key driver for change. Without sufficient dissatisfaction, the motivation to change is diminished.

Other Options:

B, C, and D: These factors, while important, are not explicitly part of the Beckhard and Harris change formula.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Change Formula Framework: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.5.

The purpose of the Foundations Summary in AgilePM is to provide enough information to decide whether the project is likely to deliver a return on investment. This document serves as a comprehensive overview of the project's viability, including a high-level understanding of the business case, objectives, scope, and risks. It ensures that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the project's potential value and feasibility before significant resources are committed.

References:

AgilePM Foundation Handbook

"Agile Project Management: Creating Innovative Products" by Jim Highsmith

Productivity Dip: A temporary drop in productivity is common when employees are being trained on new processes or systems. This cost is critical to account for in planning and managing change effectively.

Other Options:

Safety & Wellbeing: Relates to physical and emotional health, not productivity.

Reputational: Refers to external perception of the organization.

Opportunity: Refers to lost potential from alternative courses of action.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Assessing Change Impact: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 7, Section 7.3.

Statement 1: Incorrect. Non-verbal communication refers to gestures, facial expressions, and body language, which cannot be captured in written form.

Statement 2: Correct. Actions, such as behavior during change or leading by example, can convey powerful messages without verbal communication.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Non-Verbal Communication in Engagement: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 4, Section 4.4.

Statement 1: Correct. The change curve describes typical emotional responses to change, including denial, resistance, exploration, and commitment.

Statement 2: Incorrect. The change curve applies to both positive and negative changes, as it reflects the adjustment process regardless of the perceived nature of the change.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Emotional Responses to Change: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.3.