Update with Complete Solution
Section 1: Program Planning, WBS, and Scheduling
(Questions 1–40)
1. A Program Manager is developing the Work Breakdown
Structure (WBS) for a new defense acquisition program. Which
statement BEST describes how the WBS should be organized?
A. By organizational functional areas to simplify resource allocation
B. By product-oriented elements that represent the work to be performed
C. By contract award dates to track major milestones
D. By budget categories to align with financial management systems
Answer: B
Rationale: According to MIL-STD-881, the WBS should be product-oriented, not
organized by functional areas or organizational chart structure. It breaks 100% of the
work into smaller manageable products and tasks to ensure nothing is missed . Option
A is incorrect because organizing by function can create gaps or overlaps. Option C and
D are incorrect because the WBS focuses on deliverables, not timeline or budget
categories.
2. A key difference between a Program WBS and a Contract WBS
is that:
,A. They are identical and serve the same purpose
B. The Program WBS represents the total government program, while the Contract WBS
is only the portion the contractor is responsible for
C. The Contract WBS is always larger than the Program WBS
D. The Program WBS is developed by the contractor, and the Contract WBS is developed
by the government
Answer: B
Rationale: The Program WBS encompasses the total scope of the government's
program, including all work across all contractors and government efforts. The Contract
WBS is a subset—the specific slice of work the contractor is responsible for delivering .
Option A is incorrect because they serve different scopes. Option C is incorrect because
the Contract WBS is a subset, not larger. Option D is incorrect because the government
defines the top levels, and the contractor extends to their work packages.
3. The Integrated Master Plan (IMP) is BEST described as:
A. A detailed schedule with specific dates and durations for all tasks
B. An event-based plan that lists accomplishments and criteria without dates
C. A budget document that tracks program expenditures
D. A risk register that identifies program uncertainties
Answer: B
Rationale: The IMP is an event-based plan that defines what must happen in the
program. It identifies significant program events, accomplishments, and completion
criteria. Critically, the IMP contains no dates—it describes the "what" and "how" of
program execution . Option A describes the IMS. Option C is incorrect because the IMP
is not a budget document. Option D is incorrect because the IMP focuses on events and
accomplishments, not risk.
4. The Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) is BEST described as:
,A. The same as the IMP with different formatting
B. The time-phased, detailed schedule that executes the IMP by adding who, how long,
dependencies, and dates
C. A parts list for program components
D. A leadership chart showing organizational structure
Answer: B
Rationale: The IMS takes the IMP (which defines what needs to be done) and adds the
who, how long, task dependencies, and specific dates. It represents the execution of the
IMP and is time-phased with detailed scheduling information . Option A is incorrect
because the IMP and IMS serve different purposes. Option C and D are incorrect
because the IMS is a schedule, not a parts list or org chart.
5. What is the CORRECT relationship between the IMP and the
IMS?
A. The IMS drives the IMP
B. The IMP drives the IMS
C. They are unrelated and developed independently
D. The IMP comes after the IMS is complete
Answer: B
Rationale: The IMP drives the IMS. You define what needs to be done in the IMP first
(events, accomplishments, criteria), and then you schedule it in the IMS by adding
timing, durations, and dependencies . Options A and D are reversed. Option C is
incorrect because they are related and sequential.
6. What does CPM stand for, and what is its primary function in
program scheduling?
A. Cost Performance Method — tracks program expenditures
B. Critical Path Method — identifies the longest path of dependent activities and
, determines the minimum project duration
C. Critical Program Milestone — tracks major decision points
D. Cost Program Management — manages program budgets
Answer: B
Rationale: CPM (Critical Path Method) is a scheduling technique that identifies the
longest sequence of dependent activities in a project. Activities on the critical path have
zero or minimal float, and any delay on the critical path will delay the overall program
completion . Option A, C, and D are incorrect definitions.
7. The DCMA 14-Point Schedule Assessment is used to:
A. Determine the total cost of a program
B. Perform a health check to determine if a schedule is well-built and realistic
C. Evaluate contractor past performance
D. Assess program technical risk
Answer: B
Rationale: The DCMA 14-Point Schedule Assessment is a health check for schedules. It
checks for logic links, leads, lags, float, duration issues, and other factors to identify if a
schedule is well-built and realistic . Option A, C, and D describe different assessment
tools.
8. Which scheduling practice would FAIL the DCMA 14-point
schedule assessment?
A. All tasks have at least one predecessor and one successor
B. The baseline vs. forecast variance is tracked
C. 40% of tasks have no predecessor or successor
D. Task durations are under 44 days when appropriate
Answer: C