APM PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXAM QUESTIONS ANSWERED CORRECTLY LATEST UPDATE 2026
What is a project? - Answers A unique transient endeavour undertaken to achieve planned objectives.
You will have heard the term 'project' on many occasions in many different situations. For example, in
your home life you may have a project to build a shed. Or, you may have heard that your neighbour is
working on his classic car restoration project. And possibly, you may have heard it at work which team
members work on a new project to change the phone system. These are all different projects but they
have a number of similar characteristics regardless of size, cost or duration:
A project is unique.
A project is cross-functional.
A project is temporary.
A project will deliver a defined output.
A project is required to achieve benefits.
A project is about managed change.
A project needs a budget.
A project represents higher risk.
Business as usual - Answers You may have often heard the term ''it's business as usual'' being used to
express 'the norm' i.e. the typical or regular activity of individuals, teams or businesses. This is
particularly the case when it is used as a means to emphasise the difference between normal activity
and something that is irregular or 'not the norm'.
As an example, the regular sales processes that follow on from a new customer who has signed up to
your service is business as usual. The one-off promotional event which attracted this new customer to
your service is not business as usual.
Within the business environment we have operations management which is the routine activity of a
business. The activities covered by operations management are termed as business as usual. It takes
inputs and makes them outputs which will be managed, but not within a project environment.
Business as usual is the day-to day ongoing work that is repetitive and familiar. The teams involved in
business as usual are usually well established and don't change very often, whereas a project will
often consist of a temporary team of individuals who may not often work together.
The work completed during a project may need to become 'business as usual', therefore the changes
made need to be managed carefully so that they become routine - and therefore business as usual.
What makes a project a success? - Answers There are many factors that make a project successful.
From its initial concept, a project needs to be well planned, well resourced, and well managed in
order to be well executed.
There are many large projects that are completed within the public eye. Some of these projects are
very successful, and some are not so successful.
An example of a successful project is the London 2012 Olympics. This project was completed on time
and under budget, and the event itself ran successfully.
An example of a project that has not been as successful is the building of Wembley Stadium. The
stadium was not completed on time; it took nearly five years longer than estimated. It was also over
budget by nearly double the amount.
A project is usually measured on whether it was delivered on time and within budget. It will also be
measured against its perceived benefits and whether it has achieved these benefits.
Why do projects fail? - Answers Not all projects are successful. There is risk involved with project
management, and an inability to manage the risk may be one reason why a project may fail. As a
project manager, you need to be aware of the risks and pre-empt them as much as possible.
,Sometime we judge a project as having failed because it went over budget, however, it may not have
delivered the expected results or the expected quality. There are several reasons why a project may
fail.
One of the reasons may be that there are undefined goals and objectives. If people do not know what
the objective is of the project, they will not have anything to work towards and therefore the project
will be unsuccessful.
Another reason might be that the stakeholders in the project have conflicting opinions and reasons
for what they want the project to achieve and how they want the project to work. If the conflict is
unresolved it will have a detrimental effect on the project.
A reason might also be scope creep. This means that the scope of the project has changed over time,
and that 'the goal posts' have moved. The project was set up to deliver a certain benefit and whilst
the project is being worked on, the benefit changes. An example of this could be to create a one-
storey house and while the project is being worked on it is decided that another floor is required.
There are many other reasons why a project might fail and this can range from a lack of resources to a
lack of communication. It may fail simply because of poor project management. If you are aware of
why projects might fail, you will be able to put safeguards in place to hopefully prevent or minimise
the number of project failures.
What is project management? - Answers The application of processes, methods, knowledge, skills and
experience to achieve the project objectives.
Project management is one of the most efficient ways to manage the project, and they will do this by:
1. Understanding and defining what has to be accomplished in terms of the time, cost and various
technical and quality standards.
2. Developing the plan to achieve success. The project manager will need to work on the plan and
ensure that it is progressing in line with the objectives.
3. Using tools and techniques to plan, monitor and maintain the progress of the project.
4. Leading a team of employees to complete the deliverables of the project.
Project management is required throughout the life of the project. This is from the earliest stage of
conception, to the workings of the project, and then to the completion and handover, and finally the
termination of the project. The project manager is the single point of contact for the project and they
have the responsibility to achieve the project objectives within the agreed time and cost. At the
required quality meeting they set criteria.
The project life cycle - Answers The inter-related phases of a project, programme or portfolio, and
provides a structure for governing the progression of work.
Concept: Initiation and planning phase. The key personnel working on the project will be appointed.
This will be the project sponsor, the project manager and the project board. The feasibility of the
project is considered when considering what the need is for the project. The context of the project is
understood in this phase and the success criteria are defined. From this a preferred solution can be
identified, and the project scope and benefits can be defined. The outline for the business case is
prepared and high-level budget and schedule is developed. Key risks need to be assessed at this stage
and how these will be managed is identified. Once this is identified, the project team will be
considered, and a go/no go decision is taken whether to plan the project in detail.
Definition|: The project team is put together. The solution required is further evaluated and
optimised. The basic business case that was created in the concept phase can now be put together as
a full business case. The resources for the project will be identified, and all roles and responsibilities
for the project will be created. The product breakdown structure, work breakdown structure, cost
breakdown structure and organisation breakdown structure will be created and detailed estimates
will be created. The milestones for the project need to be confirmed in a milestone plan. A schedule
for the Deployment phase will be created and the tasks and resources will need to be defined and
allocated. All plans will be created at this stage, and this will include a communication, risk, resource,
, quality, change, configuration, information and procurement management Iac. A full risk assessment
will need to be completed. The project
The principles of project management governance - Answers The board has overall responsibility for
governance of project management.
The organisation differentiates between project and non project based activities.
Roles and responsibilities for the governance of project management are defined clearly.
Disciplined governance arrangements, supported by appropriate methods, resources and controls are
applied throughout the project lifecycle.
There is a demonstrably coherent and supporting relationship between the overall business strategy
and the project portfolio.
All projects have an approved plan containing authorisation points at which the business case,
inclusive of cost, benefits and risk is reviewed. Decisions made at authorisation points are recorded
and communicated.
Members of delegated authorisation bodies have sufficient representation, competence, authority
and resources to enable them to make appropriate business decisions.
Project business cases are supported by relevant and realistic information that provide a reliable basis
for making authorised decisions.
The board or its delegated agents decide when independent scrutiny of projects or project
management systems is required and implement such assurance accordingly.
There are clearly defined criteria for reporting project status and for the escalation of risks and issues
to the levels required by the organisation.
The organisation fosters a culture of improvement and frank internal disclosure of project
management information.
Project stakeholders are engaged at a level that is commensurate with their importance to the
organisation and in a manner that fosters trust.
Projects are closed when they are no longer justified as part of the organisation portfolio.
Advantages of project management methodologies - Answers Although using standard project
management methodology can mean more paperwork and time to complete the work it does have its
advantages. These advantages can be known as the 5 C's, these are:
Consistency - Everyone works with the same paperwork on a unique project therefore giving some
consistency in an otherwise unique world.
Continuity - As everyone is aware of the paperwork required and the processes to follow key staff
members can be moved to other projects or back to business as usual and somebody else can step in
and take over the project.
Communication - Having a clear method that is easily described means a common language is used
across the project environment.
Clarity - Ensuring everyone involved in the project is aware of what is going on means that there is
limited ambiguity. Having this clarity around job roles and the purpose of the project will make it
more efficient.
What is a project? - Answers A unique transient endeavour undertaken to achieve planned objectives.
You will have heard the term 'project' on many occasions in many different situations. For example, in
your home life you may have a project to build a shed. Or, you may have heard that your neighbour is
working on his classic car restoration project. And possibly, you may have heard it at work which team
members work on a new project to change the phone system. These are all different projects but they
have a number of similar characteristics regardless of size, cost or duration:
A project is unique.
A project is cross-functional.
A project is temporary.
A project will deliver a defined output.
A project is required to achieve benefits.
A project is about managed change.
A project needs a budget.
A project represents higher risk.
Business as usual - Answers You may have often heard the term ''it's business as usual'' being used to
express 'the norm' i.e. the typical or regular activity of individuals, teams or businesses. This is
particularly the case when it is used as a means to emphasise the difference between normal activity
and something that is irregular or 'not the norm'.
As an example, the regular sales processes that follow on from a new customer who has signed up to
your service is business as usual. The one-off promotional event which attracted this new customer to
your service is not business as usual.
Within the business environment we have operations management which is the routine activity of a
business. The activities covered by operations management are termed as business as usual. It takes
inputs and makes them outputs which will be managed, but not within a project environment.
Business as usual is the day-to day ongoing work that is repetitive and familiar. The teams involved in
business as usual are usually well established and don't change very often, whereas a project will
often consist of a temporary team of individuals who may not often work together.
The work completed during a project may need to become 'business as usual', therefore the changes
made need to be managed carefully so that they become routine - and therefore business as usual.
What makes a project a success? - Answers There are many factors that make a project successful.
From its initial concept, a project needs to be well planned, well resourced, and well managed in
order to be well executed.
There are many large projects that are completed within the public eye. Some of these projects are
very successful, and some are not so successful.
An example of a successful project is the London 2012 Olympics. This project was completed on time
and under budget, and the event itself ran successfully.
An example of a project that has not been as successful is the building of Wembley Stadium. The
stadium was not completed on time; it took nearly five years longer than estimated. It was also over
budget by nearly double the amount.
A project is usually measured on whether it was delivered on time and within budget. It will also be
measured against its perceived benefits and whether it has achieved these benefits.
Why do projects fail? - Answers Not all projects are successful. There is risk involved with project
management, and an inability to manage the risk may be one reason why a project may fail. As a
project manager, you need to be aware of the risks and pre-empt them as much as possible.
,Sometime we judge a project as having failed because it went over budget, however, it may not have
delivered the expected results or the expected quality. There are several reasons why a project may
fail.
One of the reasons may be that there are undefined goals and objectives. If people do not know what
the objective is of the project, they will not have anything to work towards and therefore the project
will be unsuccessful.
Another reason might be that the stakeholders in the project have conflicting opinions and reasons
for what they want the project to achieve and how they want the project to work. If the conflict is
unresolved it will have a detrimental effect on the project.
A reason might also be scope creep. This means that the scope of the project has changed over time,
and that 'the goal posts' have moved. The project was set up to deliver a certain benefit and whilst
the project is being worked on, the benefit changes. An example of this could be to create a one-
storey house and while the project is being worked on it is decided that another floor is required.
There are many other reasons why a project might fail and this can range from a lack of resources to a
lack of communication. It may fail simply because of poor project management. If you are aware of
why projects might fail, you will be able to put safeguards in place to hopefully prevent or minimise
the number of project failures.
What is project management? - Answers The application of processes, methods, knowledge, skills and
experience to achieve the project objectives.
Project management is one of the most efficient ways to manage the project, and they will do this by:
1. Understanding and defining what has to be accomplished in terms of the time, cost and various
technical and quality standards.
2. Developing the plan to achieve success. The project manager will need to work on the plan and
ensure that it is progressing in line with the objectives.
3. Using tools and techniques to plan, monitor and maintain the progress of the project.
4. Leading a team of employees to complete the deliverables of the project.
Project management is required throughout the life of the project. This is from the earliest stage of
conception, to the workings of the project, and then to the completion and handover, and finally the
termination of the project. The project manager is the single point of contact for the project and they
have the responsibility to achieve the project objectives within the agreed time and cost. At the
required quality meeting they set criteria.
The project life cycle - Answers The inter-related phases of a project, programme or portfolio, and
provides a structure for governing the progression of work.
Concept: Initiation and planning phase. The key personnel working on the project will be appointed.
This will be the project sponsor, the project manager and the project board. The feasibility of the
project is considered when considering what the need is for the project. The context of the project is
understood in this phase and the success criteria are defined. From this a preferred solution can be
identified, and the project scope and benefits can be defined. The outline for the business case is
prepared and high-level budget and schedule is developed. Key risks need to be assessed at this stage
and how these will be managed is identified. Once this is identified, the project team will be
considered, and a go/no go decision is taken whether to plan the project in detail.
Definition|: The project team is put together. The solution required is further evaluated and
optimised. The basic business case that was created in the concept phase can now be put together as
a full business case. The resources for the project will be identified, and all roles and responsibilities
for the project will be created. The product breakdown structure, work breakdown structure, cost
breakdown structure and organisation breakdown structure will be created and detailed estimates
will be created. The milestones for the project need to be confirmed in a milestone plan. A schedule
for the Deployment phase will be created and the tasks and resources will need to be defined and
allocated. All plans will be created at this stage, and this will include a communication, risk, resource,
, quality, change, configuration, information and procurement management Iac. A full risk assessment
will need to be completed. The project
The principles of project management governance - Answers The board has overall responsibility for
governance of project management.
The organisation differentiates between project and non project based activities.
Roles and responsibilities for the governance of project management are defined clearly.
Disciplined governance arrangements, supported by appropriate methods, resources and controls are
applied throughout the project lifecycle.
There is a demonstrably coherent and supporting relationship between the overall business strategy
and the project portfolio.
All projects have an approved plan containing authorisation points at which the business case,
inclusive of cost, benefits and risk is reviewed. Decisions made at authorisation points are recorded
and communicated.
Members of delegated authorisation bodies have sufficient representation, competence, authority
and resources to enable them to make appropriate business decisions.
Project business cases are supported by relevant and realistic information that provide a reliable basis
for making authorised decisions.
The board or its delegated agents decide when independent scrutiny of projects or project
management systems is required and implement such assurance accordingly.
There are clearly defined criteria for reporting project status and for the escalation of risks and issues
to the levels required by the organisation.
The organisation fosters a culture of improvement and frank internal disclosure of project
management information.
Project stakeholders are engaged at a level that is commensurate with their importance to the
organisation and in a manner that fosters trust.
Projects are closed when they are no longer justified as part of the organisation portfolio.
Advantages of project management methodologies - Answers Although using standard project
management methodology can mean more paperwork and time to complete the work it does have its
advantages. These advantages can be known as the 5 C's, these are:
Consistency - Everyone works with the same paperwork on a unique project therefore giving some
consistency in an otherwise unique world.
Continuity - As everyone is aware of the paperwork required and the processes to follow key staff
members can be moved to other projects or back to business as usual and somebody else can step in
and take over the project.
Communication - Having a clear method that is easily described means a common language is used
across the project environment.
Clarity - Ensuring everyone involved in the project is aware of what is going on means that there is
limited ambiguity. Having this clarity around job roles and the purpose of the project will make it
more efficient.
