PMP Exam Dumps - PMI Project-Management-Professional Questions and Answers

 In situations where there is a conflict regarding project governance, it is important for the project manager to facilitate a discussion between the parties involved. Arranging a meeting with the project team member and the project sponsor to discuss the concerns and work towards a consensus is a proactive approach. This allows for open communication, ensures that all viewpoints are heard, and works towards a collaborative solution. It aligns with conflict resolution techniques that emphasize problem-solving and collaboration12. References: This response is based on conflict resolution strategies recommended in the PMBOK Guide and the standards of practice for project management and business analysis1234.

 In a hybrid project, especially one involving innovative technology that requires government approval and has uncertain public acceptance, it is crucial to focus on developing must-have functionalities first. This approach allows the project team to test the core aspects of the product early in the development cycle. By doing so, they can gather feedback quickly and make necessary adjustments before investing further. This method aligns with the principles of Agile and hybrid methodologies, which emphasize early and continuous delivery of valuable software and encourage regular reflection on how to become more effective123. References:

Ultimate Guide To Hybrid Project Methodologies & How To Make Them - The Digital Project Manager1.

Hybrid Project Management: What is it, Approach & Software - Teamhood2.

PMBOK Guide | Project Management Institute3.

In situations where there is resistance to change, it is crucial to engage and gain support from the project sponsor. The sponsor can play a pivotal role in influencing and persuading the sales agents to commit to the change. This approach aligns with the best practices in change management which emphasize the importance of sponsorship in successful change initiatives12.

Since the requirements are not fully defined and the project involves a vendor partnership, an agile approach is suitable. Agile supports iterative development and welcomes evolving requirements. A Time and Materials (T&M) contract is commonly used in such cases where scope is uncertain. This type of contract allows flexibility in scope and payment based on actual work performed.

According to the Agile Practice Guide, “When scope cannot be clearly defined early in the project, time and materials or cost-reimbursable contracts may be more appropriate.” T&M contracts provide flexibility to accommodate changes, which aligns well with agile delivery.

Option B is incorrect because cost-reimbursable with predictive does not support flexibility in evolving requirements.

Option C (Fixed-price with predictive) assumes fixed scope, which is unsuitable for this scenario.

Option D (MOU) is not a formal contract and lacks enforceable terms.

According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 6.2.2.4, the project manager should use agile practices such as sprint reviews and retrospectives to ensure that the product backlog items are delivered according to the product owner’s expectations and that the team continuously improves its performance. Sprint reviews are meetings where the team demonstrates the product increment to the product owner and other stakeholders and collects feedback for future iterations. Retrospectives are meetings where the team reflects on its processes, tools, interactions, and outcomes and identifies areas for improvement. These practices help to align the team and the product owner on the project vision, scope, and quality, and to prevent or resolve any issues or conflicts that may arise during the project. The PMI-PBA Guide, section 5.2.3.1, also supports this approach, as it states that the business analyst should participate in sprint reviews and retrospectives to validate the requirements and to ensure that the product meets the business needs and stakeholder expectations. References:

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, section 6.2.2.4

PMI-PBA Guide, section 5.2.3.1

In this scenario, the project manager should consider the delay as an opportunity due to the upcoming tax reduction on renewable energy products. By updating the risk register, the project manager can document this opportunity and plan how to leverage it, potentially reducing costs. This approach aligns with risk management practices that not only address threats but also identify and capitalize on opportunities that can benefit the project.

The guidance provided is in accordance with the principles of risk management outlined in the PMBOK® Guide, which includes the identification, analysis, and response planning for project risks and opportunities. Additionally, the PMI-PBA emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and communication, which would be relevant in discussing and managing the changes with all stakeholders involved.

 When a project manager is assigned to a new project that is similar to a previous one, they can leverage the historical data from the closed project to create a draft schedule. This approach allows the project manager to make an informed estimate of the project schedule, taking into account the activities listed and the experiences from the previous project. It’s important to note that this is a draft schedule and may be subject to changes as the project progresses. References: Project Management Professional (PMP) Reference Materials source and documents: PMI - Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI - PMBOK Guide and Standards, Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials study guide: PMI - Professional in Business Analysis

 In a project with team members located in different countries and time zones, common understanding about task distribution is crucial for team performance. Here are the recommended actions:

Perform team-building activities (B): Team-building activities can help improve communication and understanding among team members1. These activities can be designed to focus on task distribution and roles within the team, helping to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities1.

Revisit the communications management plan (D): The communications management plan outlines the methods and technologies used for communication among team members2. If the team doesn’t have a common understanding about task distribution, it may indicate that the current communications management plan is not effective. The project manager should revisit this plan, making necessary adjustments to improve clarity and understanding2.

https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/managing-distributed-project-teams-6035

The project manager should use the monitor and control project work process to track, review, and report the progress and performance of the project. This process involves collecting, measuring, and analyzing project data to identify variances from the baseline and take corrective actions if needed. One of the tools and techniques for this process is data analysis, which includes root cause analysis. Root cause analysis is a technique to identify the underlying factors that cause a problem or a deviation from the expected outcome. By conducting root cause analysis, the project manager can understand why some team members are not completing their tasks on time and address the issues accordingly. This could involve providing feedback, coaching, training, or other support to the team members. Communicating the delivery dates more frequently (option A) may not be effective if the team members are facing other challenges or obstacles that prevent them from meeting the deadlines. Mentoring the team members to work in a remote environment (option C) may be helpful, but it is not the best option to resolve the current situation. The project manager should first identify the specific causes of the delays and then provide the appropriate guidance or assistance. Talking to the resource managers and requesting additional resources (option D) may not be feasible or necessary, as it may increase the project cost and complexity. Moreover, adding more resources may not solve the problem if the existing team members are not performing well or have other issues that affect their productivity. References: (Professional in Business Analysis Reference Materials source and documents)

PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 119-120, 4.4 Monitor and Control Project Work

PMI, PMP Exam Content Outline, 2021, page 9, Domain II: Process, Task 7: Monitor project artifacts and resolve any deviations from the project management plan

PMP Practice Questions #60 - iZenBridge

The project manager should first assess the impact of the layoff on the project objectives, scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk. The project sponsor is the person who provides the resources and support for the project and is accountable for enabling success1. Therefore, the project manager should request a meeting with the project sponsor to discuss the viability of the project and determine the next actions, such as revising the project plan, securing additional resources, or terminating the project. This is the best option among the given choices.

Option B is not the best answer because the project manager should not discuss trade-offs with the customer without consulting the project sponsor first. The project sponsor is the one who authorizes any changes to the project scope or quality1.

Option C is not the best answer because the project manager should not request a meeting with the finance department to increase the budget without consulting the project sponsor first. The project sponsor is the one who approves the project budget and any changes to it1.

Option D is not the best answer because the project manager should not request a meeting with the HR department and demand they find a solution to retain the project team members. This is not a realistic or respectful way to handle the situation. The project manager should work with the project sponsor and the HR department to find the best possible solution for the project and the affected team members2. References: 1: PMBOK Guide, 7th Edition, Section 4.1.2, Project Sponsor Role and Responsibilities 2: PMBOK Guide, 7th Edition, Section 9.1.3, Develop Team: Tools and Techniques

The best course of action in this scenario is for the project manager to seek interim funding approval from an authority within the project governance structure, such as the project director. This approach allows for the continuation of critical project activities without delay, which is essential given the expedited schedule of the project. Once interim approval is granted, the project manager should then bring this interim approval to the investment committee’s attention at the next meeting for formal acknowledgment and inclusion in the project’s funding records.

The answer is verified by the principles outlined in the PMBOK® Guide, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining project continuity and the role of the project governance in facilitating necessary approvals for project progression. The PMBOK® Guide also discusses the project manager’s responsibility to communicate with stakeholders and manage project constraints, including schedule and funding. The Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) reference materials further support this approach by highlighting the need for effective stakeholder engagement and decision-making processes within project management practices.

When a new sponsor joins a project, it is crucial for the project manager to perform a stakeholder analysis to understand the new sponsor’s expectations, influence, and level of engagement. This process helps in aligning the project objectives with the new sponsor’s vision and ensures that the project artifacts are in line with their expectations. It also aids in establishing communication and building trust with the new sponsor, which is essential for the project’s success1. References: = Stakeholder Analysis: Pivotal Practice to Project Success | PMI1

According to the PMBOK Guide, planning poker is a technique used to estimate the size of user stories in agile projects. It involves each team member privately selecting a card with a number that represents the relative size or complexity of a user story, and then revealing their choices simultaneously. The team then discusses the reasons for the differences and repeats the process until they reach a consensus or an acceptable range. This technique helps the team to avoid anchoring, groupthink, and estimation bias, and to consider different perspectives and assumptions. By continuing multiple rounds of planning poker, the team can improve the accuracy and reliability of their estimates and plan their iterations more effectively. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition, page 309; Agile Estimation Techniques for the PMP Exam

In the context of virtual teams, it is essential for the project manager to actively manage communication and coordination issues. The PMBOK Guide and PMI’s resources on virtual teams emphasize the importance of addressing issues of cultural and personal diversity, communication, and coordination1. This includes reassessing the situation continually to identify and remove blockers that prevent effective communication and collaboration2. Implementing KPIs can be part of this process, but it is not a solution by itself if the underlying communication issues are not resolved. Terminating the contract or asking the contractor to solve the problem without the project manager’s involvement does not align with the proactive and engaged management approach recommended by PMI. References: Managing Virtual Teams for High Performance - Project Management Institute; Managing a Virtual Project Team - Project Times12.

In a hybrid work environment, especially when a significant portion of the team is working remotely, it is crucial to maintain regular communication and collaboration. Holding virtual daily standups each workday morning using collaboration tools ensures that all team members are informed and can share updates, progress, and any blockers they may be facing. This approach aligns with best practices for managing remote or hybrid teams, as it allows for consistent communication and fosters a sense of team unity and engagement12. It also adheres to the bank’s directive of not having in-person daily standups while still ensuring that the necessary information sharing among the team members takes place.

 Being assigned a mentor offers several benefits for a junior project manager. Firstly, it creates a safe space for the junior project manager to discuss issues and challenges without fear of retribution, which is crucial for learning and development. Secondly, the mentor can share valuable past project documentation and experiences, including early warning indicators of potential problems. This knowledge transfer is essential for the junior project manager to anticipate and mitigate risks effectively.

According to the best practices in project management, when facing significant changes that impact project timelines, the project manager should first assess the situation with the project stakeholders. This involves analyzing the new circumstances, evaluating the potential impact on the project delivery, and exploring alternative solutions or adjustments to the project plan. Once a clear assessment is made, the project manager should then communicate the impact to the customer, providing them with the most accurate and updated information. This approach ensures that the customer is informed of the situation based on a thorough analysis and collaborative effort, rather than a hasty, unilateral decision by the project manager.

The situation described in the question is a common occurrence in project management known as scope creep, where additional features or functions are added to the project without changes to time, budget, or resources. This can lead to projects overrunning their budget and schedule, and can reduce the value delivered to the client. The Project Management Professional (PMP) guidelines emphasize the importance of managing scope creep. In this case, the project manager should refocus the team on the agreed-upon features to ensure that the project delivers the expected value within the agreed time and budget. References: Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Handbook from www.pmi.org and A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) from www.pmi.org.

In Agile project management, the team’s ability to deliver value is paramount. If a team acknowledges that they may not have the same level of efficiency as another team in a specific area of work, the project manager should assess the impact of a possible delay to the project. If the impact is tolerable, the team should be encouraged to take the work. This approach maintains the integrity of the team and respects their self-organization, which are key principles in Agile. References: Agile Practice Guide, Project Management Institute, Inc., 2017, p. 37. Available at: PMI

When a stakeholder submits a request to add new features that could enhance the company’s competitive advantage, the project manager should start the process to include these new features in the next iteration of the product1. This is part of the stakeholder management process, which involves managing relationships and expectations with the people who have an interest in the project2. It’s important to understand that managing stakeholders is about managing a relationship, not the stakeholder themselves1. The project manager must actively engage with stakeholders throughout the project’s lifecycle, ensuring their input and concerns are heard and addressed3. By starting the process to include the new features in the next iteration, the project manager is effectively managing the relationship with the stakeholder and ensuring that their input is taken into consideration1.

The PMBOK Guide and PMP objectives emphasize the importance of a proactive approach to project management, which includes focusing on recovery and corrective actions when faced with setbacks. When bad news is shared that impacts the project schedule, it is crucial for the project manager to maintain a positive outlook and lead the team towards finding solutions to get back on track. This involves analyzing the situation, understanding the implications, and working collaboratively with the team to develop a recovery plan. It is not productive to punish team members for sharing bad news, as this can create a negative atmosphere and discourage open communication. Instead, the project manager should encourage transparency and use the information to make informed decisions that steer the project towards success12.

A project kickoff meeting is the standard and most effective way to introduce the team, establish rapport, and lay the foundation for collaboration—especially in virtual and cross-cultural environments. It also sets expectations, roles, communication norms, and provides clarity on the project’s goals and direction.

According to the PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition, “Kickoff meetings foster team alignment, encourage engagement, and ensure shared understanding of objectives.” This is particularly critical when the team has never worked together before.

Options A and B may support team knowledge, but they lack real-time interaction. Option C (one-on-ones) may be helpful later, but does not replace a full-team kickoff for alignment and engagement.

According to the PMBOK Guide, a design change is a type of change request that modifies the product or service specifications, features, or functions. A design change might potentially add value to the project, but it might also affect the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and other aspects. Therefore, the project manager should not accommodate, consult, or convince the client without following the change management process. The change management process involves identifying, analyzing, documenting, presenting, deciding, communicating, and implementing the change request. The project manager should make transactional decisions focusing on the project goals, which means assessing the feasibility, desirability, and priority of the change request, and preparing a recommendation for the change control board (CCB). The CCB is the formal recognized group that reviews, evaluates, and takes decision on change requests. The CCB can approve, partially approve, or reject the change request based on the project goals, objectives, and constraints. The project manager should communicate the decision of the CCB to the client and implement the approved changes accordingly. References:

PMBOK Guide’s Change Management Process For PMP Exam

Change Log - Project Management Knowledge

Project Management Change Request Form & Process

Change Log Template - Project Management Docs

 When faced with a delay in a critical path activity, it is prudent for the project manager to thoroughly evaluate the proposed fallback plan, considering its impact on the project’s scope, time, cost, and quality. If the fallback plan is viable and justifies the additional cost, the project manager should proceed with submitting a change request. This process involves documenting the proposed changes, assessing the benefits and risks, and seeking approval from the project sponsor or change control board. The change request should detail the reasons for the deviation from the original plan, the expected outcomes, and the justification for the additional expenditure. This approach ensures that any alterations to the project are well-considered, transparent, and formally approved, maintaining the integrity of the project management process123.

Engaging with the community and keeping them informed is a key aspect of project management, especially for projects that directly affect local community members. Regular community meetings are an effective way to share updates, gather feedback, and ensure that the community’s needs and concerns are being addressed. This approach aligns with best practices in community engagement, which emphasize the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and active participation in the decision-making process.

= The information provided is based on best practices in community engagement and communication as outlined in resources related to Project Management Professional (PMP) and Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) standards12345. These resources highlight the importance of regular communication and involvement of community members in projects that impact them.

 When a geographically distributed team faces challenges with verbal communication and collaboration due to new health protocols, it is essential to adapt the communication methods to ensure effective collaboration. Adding collaboration tools to the communications management plan can provide alternative ways to facilitate communication and collaboration. These tools can range from messaging apps, video conferencing, to project management software that supports asynchronous communication, allowing team members to collaborate effectively despite being in different locations or time zones. This approach aligns with the PMBOK® Guide’s emphasis on tailoring communication plans to project needs and the iterative nature of Agile project management, which encourages continuous improvement and adaptation123.

Communications management plan - Lovepmp1; Understanding the iterative process, with examples - Asana2; A Guide to Understanding the Iterative Process | The Workstream - Atlassian3.

In Agile project management, when a team member is struggling with an impediment that is hindering the team’s progress, the project leader should identify the impediment and associated risks at the daily standup12. The daily standup, also known as the daily scrum, is a short meeting where the team discusses progress and identifies obstacles2. By bringing up the impediment and its associated risks during this meeting, the project leader ensures that the entire team is aware of the issue and can work together to find a solution12. This approach aligns with the Agile principle of self-organization, where individuals on the team take on key responsibilities2. References:

Who Is An Agile Team Leader And What They Do?1

Agile Team Roles and Responsibilities: A Brief Guide2

Leadership in agile projects – what makes for success?3

 In an agile environment, accountability is achieved through transparency, collaboration, and shared understanding of the project’s goals and objectives. The agile model emphasizes the importance of open communication and collective responsibility among team members. By fostering an environment where the marketing vice president and other stakeholders can openly discuss issues and agree on objectives, the project manager ensures that everyone is aligned and accountable for the project’s success. This approach aligns with the principles of both Agile and Business Analysis, which advocate for stakeholder engagement and collaborative decision-making to deliver value and meet business needs. References: (Agile Methodology in Project Management as a Licensed PMP1, Accountability is a Quality of Agile2, Professional in Business Analysis Certification | PMI3, What is Personal accountability? – The Functional BA4)

 To avoid a situation where only a few team members contribute to defining the ground rules, it is essential for the project manager to set clear expectations for contributions ahead of the meeting. This approach encourages all team members to prepare and ensures that everyone has an opportunity to contribute, leading to more balanced and representative ground rules. By setting these expectations, the project manager can foster an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and considered.

= Ground rules for a high performing team - Project Management Institute1.

 In Agile project management, particularly within the Scrum framework, the Definition of Done (DoD) is a crucial checklist that ensures all necessary work on the product increment has been completed. By incorporating documentation into the DoD, the project team is required to update documentation consistently as part of their sprint deliverables. This approach ensures that documentation is treated with the same priority as other sprint tasks and is completed alongside the development of value-added features, rather than being postponed or overlooked.

= The importance of including documentation in the DoD is supported by Agile best practices, which emphasize the need for comprehensive and up-to-date documentation as part of the project deliverables12. Additionally, the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK® Guide) highlights the significance of maintaining accurate and current documentation throughout the project lifecycle34.

The project manager should first meet with the project sponsor to clarify how the benefits from the project align with the organization’s vision. This is because the project sponsor is typically responsible for the business case and will have insight into how the project fits within the larger strategic context of the organization. The benefits management plan should reflect the organization’s strategic objectives, and the project sponsor is the key link between the project team and the organization’s leadership.

The project manager should work with the PMO manager to generate an onboarding plan for the new product owner. This is because the product owner’s role is crucial in understanding the product and conveying its requirements to the team. An onboarding plan would help the new product owner to understand the product, the project, and their role better. It would also help in establishing the product owner’s credibility with the team.

While options A, B, and D might be part of the subsequent actions, the first step should be to work on an onboarding plan. Assuming the role of the product owner (option A) might create confusion about roles and responsibilities. Scheduling time to share insights (option B) is important, but it should be part of a structured onboarding plan. Organizing a team-building activity (option D) might help in building respect, but it does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the product owner’s lack of knowledge.

Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide, 6th Edition, Section 9.1: Plan Resource Management.

The closing phase of project management is the final phase of the project lifecycle. This is the stage where all deliverables are finalized and formally transferred, and all documentation is signed off, approved, and archived1. The most important step of the project closing phase is getting formal sign-off and acceptance of the customer2. Because projects are initiated based on a business need and customer request. Therefore, if the customer does not accept the final outputs and product, a project cannot be closed2. References: 7 Steps to Nail the Project Management Closure Process, Project Closing Phase: Do You Know the 8 Steps for Closing a Project?

 A change log is a document that contains the list of changes that are made during the project. It tracks the progress of each change based on its review, approval, implementation, and closure. A change log is a useful tool for communicating the status of change requests to the stakeholders, as it shows the impact and outcome of each change. A risk log, a backlog, and an issue log are different documents that serve different purposes. A risk log records the identified risks, their probability, impact, and response strategies. A backlog is a list of features or tasks that need to be completed in an agile project. An issue log records the issues that arise during the project, their causes, effects, and resolution. References:

Change Log - Project Management Knowledge

Change Log Template - Project Management Docs

Risks, issues, and changes–help, I’m drowning in logs!

 Adding an experienced professional to the agile project team is a strategic approach to bridge the knowledge gap while fostering an environment of learning and expertise development within the team. This aligns with the PMI’s guidance on leveraging project team expertise to develop better project solutions, as it facilitates the acquisition and recognition of expertise on the project team and promotes effective sharing and use of information possessed by the experts1. It also resonates with the PMI-PBA’s emphasis on enhancing team effectiveness through knowledge sharing and continuous improvement in team capabilities2. References:

Leveraging Project Team Expertise for Better Project Solutions | PMI1

Increase Project Team Effectiveness - Step-by-Step | PMI2

 In an Agile environment, the project manager’s role is to lead the team, set the project goals and objectives, and ensure successful project delivery1. When a team that has been working together in a co-located setting is suddenly dispersed due to unforeseen circumstances, it can disrupt the team dynamics and impact the project’s progress2. To keep the team performing as effectively as possible, the project manager should provide the team with virtual collaboration software and training on the software to minimize disruption2. This approach enables the team to continue collaborating and communicating effectively, thereby maintaining their performance2. References: 2, 1

 In situations where a team member is facing challenges with a task, it is beneficial to seek expert assistance to support the team member. This aligns with the PMI’s principles of project management, which emphasize the importance of team development and leveraging expertise to enhance project outcomes1. It also resonates with the PMI-PBA’s focus on collaboration and utilizing available resources to address issues and improve team capabilities2. References:

PMBOK Guide and Standards1

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® Handbook2

In Agile project management, it is crucial to address issues as they arise, particularly when an iteration is nearing completion and the team is struggling with user stories. The first step should be to meet with the project team to understand the challenges they are facing and collaboratively develop a resolution. This approach is supported by the principles of Agile, which emphasize team collaboration, regular communication, and adaptive planning to overcome obstacles1. By engaging the team directly, the project manager can facilitate problem-solving and ensure that the team’s insights and suggestions are incorporated into the solution.

When facing difficulties in communication with a stakeholder, it is advisable to revisit and update the stakeholder engagement plan. This ensures that the approach to stakeholder engagement is tailored to their specific communication needs and preferences, which may increase the likelihood of successful interaction and feedback. The PMI standards advocate for the continuous monitoring and adjusting of stakeholder engagement activities to address and manage individual stakeholder requirements effectively. References: = The PMI’s “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)” and “Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide” both provide guidance on stakeholder engagement and the importance of adapting communication strategies to meet the needs of different stakeholders12.

The RACI chart is a responsibility assignment matrix that helps define roles and responsibilities across project activities. It ensures clarity about who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed for each task or deliverable.

The PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition recommends responsibility assignment matrices such as RACI as part of stakeholder and resource management.

Option A outlines communication plans but not roles.

Option C visualizes workflow, not responsibilities.

Option D communicates high-level objectives, not detailed responsibilities.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

In a new team environment, it is important that everyone participates in establishing team norms. A round table approach allows each team member to voice their opinion in a structured way. This improves psychological safety and encourages open participation in future meetings.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Given the aggressive timeline and the distributed team, the project manager must act quickly to initiate team planning and alignment. A virtual planning session helps kickstart the project, clarify roles, and begin building team rapport. This is more timely and feasible than waiting for in-person meetings.

* A and C may be helpful but could delay the start of the project.

* B is a tool but not a direct leadership or facilitation action.

* D is proactive and ensures momentum is maintained from the beginning.

In Agile projects, it is essential to involve stakeholders and keep them informed about the project’s progress. The sprint review meetings are designed for this purpose, as they provide a platform for the team to demonstrate the work completed during the sprint and gather feedback. Inviting stakeholders to these meetings every 2 weeks aligns with Agile best practices of maintaining regular feedback loops and ensuring stakeholder engagement1. This approach allows stakeholders to see firsthand the project’s progress and contribute their insights, which can be invaluable for the project’s success.

Personas are fictional characters created based on the behaviors and motivations of real people. They are used in user-centered design to visualize the users and their needs in detail, allowing for a deeper understanding and empathy towards the user. This technique helps in designing tools and systems that strongly appeal to the users by considering their persona, which is crucial for the success of any project that involves user interaction123.

In an agile project, the Definition of Done (DoD) is a shared understanding among the team about what it means for work to be complete. This includes the completion of all user stories and meeting all acceptance criteria. If the sprint goals were not met, but there were no defects for the new user stories and no new requirements were discussed, it indicates a possible misalignment between the team’s understanding of the DoD and the product owner’s expectations. To avoid such situations in the future, the project manager should review the DoD with the product owner to ensure that everyone has the same understanding of what it means for work to be complete1.

Agile project management focuses on continuous improvement, scope flexibility, team input, and delivering essential quality products2. Agile project management approaches include scrum as a framework, extreme programming (XP) for building in quality upfront, and lean thinking to eliminate waste1. These and many other agile methodologies have in common flexible scope, frequent interaction, and delivering working, tested software2.