1.How will you define a project?

A project is a set of task/activities undertaken to create a product, services or results.

These are temporary, in the sense that they are not routine work like production activity
but most often one time set of activities undertaken.
2. Provide some examples.A project for a product will result in a complete product
or part of a product. An example would be the creation of the Microsoft Surprise tablet
that used a liquid magnesium deposition process to create the enclosure. The process
developed in the project will be used for subsequent production of the tablet. Examples
could include development of a new product or process (as in the example), constructing
a road or a bridge (infrastructure in general), developing a computer/information system,
etc.
3. What is your view of Project Management?
Project management involves applying the knowledge & skills of the project team
members including the project manager, application of tools and techniques available to
ensure the defined tasks are completed properly. Proper completion means implies
achievement of end results within given cost and time constraints. It usually means
balancing of the constraints of scope, budget, schedule, quality, risks and resources.
4. Are there distinct kinds of activities in a project?
Most often any project goes through some easily identifiable set of activities during its
lifetime. Some typical activities can be identified as related initiating a project. Planning
set of activities are required to plan the activities to be undertaken to achieve the defined
goals. Executing group of activities help getting the project done. A related set of
activities are required to monitor and correct the course of actions to keep the project on
the planned course charted for it. Final set of activities are related to the systematic
closure of the project. Most important of which is, of course, to formally record what has
been learnt during the execution of the project. When documented, this set of
documents, related forms to be used, the way estimates are to be made, database of
estimates of similar projects etc. are often referred to as Organizational process assets.

5. What do you think is the difference between projects, programs

and a portfolio?
Projects are undertaken for a specific or a set of related purposes. A program is a set of
projects managed in a coordinated manner to achieve different parts of an overall goal.
For example the NASA lunar landing program had the development of the command
module and the lunar landing modules as separate projects. A portfolio is a collection of
projects, programs and even other portfolios that help an organization achieve some
common high level business purpose.
6. Who is a stakeholder?

Any person, organization or an entity whose interest is affected, positively or negatively,

because of the project. The influence of stakeholders is an important issue to take into
account in any planning and subsequently during execution of it as well.
7. What are organizational influences?
Every organization has a certain way of doing things, collective wisdom about how things
can best be done, etc. and these influences the planning and execution processes.
These influences need to be taken into account when estimating, planning for activities
related to projects. These are often mentioned as organizational environmental factors.
8. Can you explain project life cycle?
A project has distinct phases when the range of activities required to carry out the
project work differ. There is a distinct start phase, followed by an organizing and
preparing phase. Carrying out is the actual execution part of the project. Closing
phase makes sure the temporary activities related to the project are closed
systematically. The points in time when the phase changes happen are named variously
as phase gate, exits, milestones or kill points. If a project is to be closed, it is decided at
these stages based on the performance or if the need of the project has disappeared.
9.What to you understand by a project charter?
This is a document where it all begins. Project authorization is done on this document
and a project would be initiated with the top level requirements listed in this document.
Initial requirements as seen by stakeholders and the outcomes of the project also are
listed in it.
10. What do you understand by plan baselines?
Baselines are the final version of all plans before the project execution starts. Project
baselines are the starting versions of all related plans of a project, be it the time
schedule, the quality plan, the communication plan or whatever. This acts as the
reference against which project performance is measured.
11. What qualifications are required to be an effective project
manager?
Besides being a good professional manager, the PM needs to have additional personal
skills for being effective. It is not only essential for him to have project management skills
but be proficient in them. Attitude, core personality characteristics and leadership
qualities are needed. Team management and leadership skills that help the team reach
common objectives and goals are required.
12. What are processes and process groups?
A process is a defined way of doing things. Not only does the process define the actions
to be taken but also in what sequence they are to be carried out. Process groups are a

set of processes that are applicable to various stages of a project. For example, initiating
process group, planning process group, etc. Each of the processes has a defined set of
inputs and produce defined outputs by applying a set of tools and techniques on the
input.
13. What are the knowledge areas relevant to doing a project?
Scope management, time and cost management knowledge areas are quite obvious.
Same goes for quality management too. To complete a project in all its aspects one
needs to be aware of the project integration knowledge area. Communications is an
essential issue so is the communication management knowledge. Procurement and risk
management are two vital support areas. Since people get things done Human
resources management is also an equally important area.
14. What is RAID as it related to project management?
RAID stand for risks, assumptions, issues and dependencies. These are vital items that
a PM should always be aware of. There are always risks about actions and a PM must
take least risk actions. Unless assumptions about any estimates or actions are clear,
these can go wrong. Issues and dependencies also limit the choices of actions often.
15. What are the important processes for project integration
management?
It starts with a project charter development. Project management plan development is
another important activity. Direct and manage project execution and monitor and control
are plans that are to be followed all through the project. Closing of the project (or the
current phase) is the final set of activities for integration management. Since changes
are often unavoidable an integrated change management plan must be developed to
guide all changes systematically.
16. What is a SOW?
SOW or the statement of work is a detailed description of the outcomes of the project in
terms of what products, services or results are expected from the project. Most detailed
SOW are usually given by the customer if he is the one requesting the project.
17. What does Scope management involve?
Typically, this process involves collecting requirements, defining scope, creating WBS,
verifying scope and controlling the scope. The project scope statement, WBS and WBS
dictionary defines the scope baseline. Controlling the scope process must minimize
scope creep.
18. How should changes controlled?

Through the integrated change control process. Requested changes will have to be
reviewed by a change control board. Only the approved changes shall be included in the
document changes guiding project execution.
19. What is Work Breakdown Structure (WBD) and how does it affect
the work estimates of tasks/activities?
Work breakdown structure defines the work activities required for the project and the sub
activities of each of the work requirement. The breakdown goes down to levels where all
the work required is clearly understood. Work need not be broken down further than that.
Work breakdown dictionary includes additional details that help define the tasks. Time
and effort estimates can be accurate when everything about the work and dependencies
are known.
20. How do you define a milestone?
Milestone is a point in project schedule when some objective, a part of a result or a part
of the planned services planned are achieved.
21. What are some techniques used for defining scope?
Product breakdown, requirements analysis, systems engineering, systems analysis,
value engineering, value analysis and alternatives analysis. Alternatives analysis can be
helped by brain storming, lateral thinking and pair-wise comparisons, etc.
22. How do project scheduling help achieve project execution?
When the activity effort and resource estimates are known getting the work done
depends on how the tasks are sequenced. Dependencies with other activities have to be
clearly known. The basic sequence is determined by what activities should be carried out
first and what should follow. Unconnected tasks/activities can be sequenced in parallel to
reduce project time. Most optimized sequencing would give you the best possible time
needed given the resources allocation is ideal and there are no constraints there.
Scheduling is done from activities list prepared after WBS has been finalized.
23. How is the activity time estimates done?
Parametric estimates, three point estimates and analogous estimates are the techniques
used for estimating activity time estimates.
24. How do you estimate in the three point estimating method?
One optimistic estimate, a pessimistic estimate and one most likey estimate is
considered for an activity. (Op estimate+6 X most likely+ pess. Estimate) is calculated
and divided by 6. This result then may be further iterated. This is the estimate to be
used.
25. How in the project time schedule represented most often?

Activity scheduling network diagram is the most common form of representation for the
project time schedule. This is often accompanied by milestone chart, and bar charts.

26. What is a critical path in schedule network diagram?

When activity scheduling is done there will be activities whose start time and/or end
times are not critical. It may be possible, due to dependencies, to start a task later than
the date on the schedule, similarly an activity could be completed later as there are no
other activity waiting for its completion. These time pads are called floats. There is
always a path from start to finish, which does not have any floats. Not only all the
activities in the path must be carried out in planned time, but also there cannot be any
delays. Any delays will directly reflect on project completion time. This chain of activities
or the path from start to finish is known as the critical path.
27. What are the ways a project time schedule can be compressed?
Crashing and fast tracking are two methods of accelerating a project time schedule.
Crashing method tries to optimize the schedule making use of the time floats available
while keeping costs under control. Fast tracking is to make selected activities faster by
applying additional resources if necessary. It may mean paying team members overtime,
paying for the time of a consultant, etc.
28. What is effort variance?
It is the difference in estimated effort and the effort actually needed. Work performance
is monitored periodically to find if there is any variance in efforts so that corrective
actions could be taken.
29. What is EVM, earned value management?
At every monitoring point the planned value (PV), earned value (EV) and actual cost
(AC) are monitored. PMB, performance measurement baseline is the aggregation of all
planned values. Variances from baselines are determined and Schedule variance (SV)
and cost variance (CV) are calculated. If earned value is equal to the planned value then
the project is achieving what it is supposed to. If there is schedule or cost variance is
significant, appropriate action needs to be taken to correct the slips. Estimate at
completion (EAC) is estimated and compared with budget at completion. In case there is
a slip, the cost consequences will be known.
30. What does A processes ensure?
According to a dictionary, A is a way of systematic monitoring and evaluation of aspects
of a project, service or facility to ensure that standards of quality are met. Thus,
whatever ensures products meet customer expectations are part of A efforts. Ensuring

quality of everything that goes into making a product and that no mistakes are made
while making it ensures quality.
31. What is quality control?
QC procedures include inspections to ensure quality requirements are being met
32. Whats the need for process improvement plans?
A cornerstone of A is that processes are continuously improved. Process improvements
help mistakes in processes and thus help improve quality.
33. What is the tool used for arriving at improvements in processes?
GM, or the goals, questions and metrics is the method used. Goals are set, questions
are asked about what improvements can be made and metrics (measurements that tell
us something about the process) are carried out
34. What are the important aspects of a HR plan for the project
team?
Acquiring the team, forming the team, assigning roles & responsibilities, appraisal
policies, rewards & recognition are the areas where clear cut policies should exist and be
well known to team members.
35. Why is the performance management process in the HR
management plan important?
People like to be recognized for their contributions. The project management team needs
to recognize talent and reward and recognize the performers. The assessment should
not only be fair but seen to be fair.
36.How do you determine the communication needs of stakeholders?
The communication needs of stakeholders depend on their position in the
power/influence grid, power/interest grid as also impact/influence grid. Salience
modeling is another technique to determine who is the most effective for the interest of
the project. This is a qualitative assessment and will determine the kind and details of
communications they need on the project.
37. What are the types of risks you may encounter in a project?
These could be categorized as technical, external, internal/organizational, etc.
Depending on the type of projects other categories may have to be considered.
38. What is a risk register?
This is a register/document that contains all the identified risks of a project. List of
actions of potential actions are also included.

39. Are there any positive aspects of the risk identification process?
The risk identification process may be able to come up with some opportunities too.
40. What is risk impact and probability?
When assessing risks the project team also tries to determine the probability of the risk
actually happening and the impact it will have on the project when it does.
41. What is the role of Isikawa/ Fishbone diagrams in determining
root causes of risks?
This is a graphical method of determining cause and effect relationships leading to a
specific risk. One could then determine mitigation actions for that risk.
42.What do you understand of Pareto (80/20) principle/analysis?
This is a statistical analysis method that helps decide priorities between several actions
to be taken. The basis is that there are about 20% action which when executed gets you
80% of the results. In QA this is used to identify the 20% of causes that create 80% of
the problems.
43. What are fixed type contracts in procurement processes?
The seller must supply the contracted items at a fixed price determined at the time of
contract.
44. What are time & material contracts?
In this type of contracts the contractor gets paid for time used on the project and
expenses for material used and other agreed upon expenses.
45. What is the primary purpose of procurement management plan?
To determine what exactly is to be procured, ensure they are procured at the best price
and is made available to the project team at the right time.
46.What does procurement administrator involve?
To keep monitoring and ensure that all open procurement contracts are progressing as
expected.
47. Why does a PM need to be very proactive?
A PM needs to be able to see any signs of a deviation in time and/or cost to project
progress as early as possible. This gives the team as much reaction time as possible to
correct the situation or to minimize the impact.

48.Forming a team, developing the team and improving knowledge

are direct responsibilities of the project manager, do you agree?
It is the team that executes the project. Thus ensuring you has right people is essential.
Developing the team is important as whatever gaps are there need to be bridged.
Improving self and the team knowledge is equivalent to the continuous improvement of A
process and should impact the quality of the project outcome.
49. Do you think professionalism and integrity are essential qualities
of a PM?
PM is charged with managing all aspects of the project. Unless he is a professional and
has integrity there are many things that can go wrong. Not so truthful progress reporting
will easily boomerang on the PM but the organization will have a delayed or a failed
project.
50. Explain the team forming process?
After the members are collected as a project team there is a turmoil before everything
settles down. This is known as the forming-storming-norming-performing process. The
team people go through a storming of relationships when before settling to the role
assignment. Over time they then get used to the structure of the relationship, that is the
norming phase. It is only after everybody has settled into their new roles that the team
starts performing.

Personal IT project
manager interviewquestions and answers
Describe yourself in a few words.
The interviewer is only really interested in hearing what might be relevant to the job.
Restrict yourself to a few words about your qualifications, a few remarks about
previous jobs and a comment about your plans for the future.
Describe a milestone.
A milestone is a stage in the project where a significant objective has been achieved.
They are a measure of progress. Here you should give an example or two of stressful
work situations you have encountered in the past. Describe why they were stressful
and how you overcame them. You could also include a word about how you
personally deal with stress.
What was your greatest success as a project manager?
Describe the project or aspect of a project that you consider was the most successful
and explain your reasons.
What was your biggest failure as a project manager?
Do not be afraid to mention a failure. You should, however, give your answer a
positive spin describe the cause of the failure, but stress what you learned from it
and how it has made you a better manager.
What do you think are your greatest strengths?
Describe what you believe are your key strengths (good motivator, good problem
solver, strong under pressure etc) and give examples of how you used these
strengths in previous projects.
What are your weaknesses?
No one is perfect. State where you think your weaknesses might lay but focus on
what steps you are taking to overcome them.
Why should we hire you?
Make sure that you align your answer to the company and the job and focus on the
benefits you can bring. Answers could include statements like I have the skills and
abilities to get the job done; I am an excellent team leader and team player; and, I
will always go the extra mile.
If you're heading to an interview soon check out our IT recruiter's top
preparation tip below:

Project manager related interview questions and

answers
What are the essential qualities of a project manager?
Good leadership skills and the ability to empower and motivate all the members of
the team. A project manager should also be knowledgeable in his/her field, a good
problem solver and calm under pressure.
Give your definition of a project.
A project is a task, or group of tasks, outside the routine that must be carried out in
order to achieve a specific objective. It could be something like designing a new
software system or implementing new protocols.
Can you describe a project charter?
A project charter details the project requirements and desired outcomes. It must be
authorised before the project can be started.

What do you understand by project life cycle?

Project lifecycle describes the separate phases of a project. These are:
Initiation the reason for the project and its purpose.
Planning defining team skills, required actions, and timelines.
Development build team, establish budgets etc.
Implementation taking the steps necessary to complete the project and
presenting it to the client for approval.
Closure Final delivery to the client and a review of the project to evaluate its
success and any lessons learned.
Have you ever heard of Parkinsons Law?
Yes. It states that Work expands so as fill the time available for its completion.
What do you consider to be the most difficult aspect of project
management?
Use your own experience. But you could identify motivating staff when
circumstances are difficult, or dealing with clients who have totally unrealistic
expectations.
What projects have you handled before?
Describe previous projects on which you have been engaged and be prepared to
provide evidence of your participation. Emphasise your successes and how they
benefited tour employer.
How would those you have worked with previously describe you?
Be positive. Say that they would describe you as knowledgeable, dedicated, a good
team member and other similar attributes.
What is meant by quality standards in software projects?
Companies and the software they use and develop vary widely, so standards are
necessary as a guide to quality Software is classified on the ISO scale according to
aspects such as reliability and functionality. Companies are graded on the CMM
scale, which basically describes their level of software organisation and processes.
Explain in simple terms what is meant by a CMM Level 1 company?
CMM stand for Capability Maturity Model. It is a way to develop and refine a
companys processes. There are five levels Level1 is the lowest. It describes
companies where processes are on an ad hoc basis, are not defined and depend on
individual efforts to succeed.
What is a stakeholder?
A stakeholder is an organisation, entity or individual that has in interest in or is
affected by the project. You should elaborate your answer by giving examples.
How would you motivate your team?
This is intended to examine your management style. Describe your motivation
techniques and give examples of where they have been effective.
How would you deal with a team member who is not performing?
Here you are being asked about your management and motivational methods. You
will need to describe how you would establish why the team member is not

performing well and what remedial action you would take. Draw on previous
experience, if you have encountered the problem before.
What project management software systems do you use?
Simply mention the software you most commonly employ but also refer to other
systems to demonstrate your knowledge and that you are abreast of the latest
developments.
How would you close a project?
Some project many fail to finish projects or close them properly. Describe the end
stages of a project that you have completed, including details of evaluation and
feedback from stakeholders.
How would you close a project?
Some project many fail to finish projects or close them properly. Describe the end
stages of a project that you have completed, including details of evaluation and
feedback from stakeholders.
As a leader, do you think it is better to be feared or loved?
This is always a difficult question. The best answer is to say that you would prefer to
be respected.
How would you resolve a situation if two key stakeholders hold
diametrically opposed views?
Explain how you would achieve consensus while keeping the project on track.

What do you think are the main causes of project failure?

Projects fail for many reasons including:
Unrealistic expectations.
The project addressed the wrong business requirements.
Poor governance.
Poor implementation.
Loss of focus on project benefits.
Briefly, describe EVM.
EVM stands for Earned Value Management and is a technique for measuring the
performance and progress of a project.
What is the difference between effort variance and schedule variance?
Effort variance is the difference between planned effort and actual effort expended
while schedule variance refers to the difference between planned milestone dates
and the dates they are actually achieved.

At the end of the interview, employers will usually ask if you have any questions.
These are among the questions that you should ask.
What particular qualities are you looking for in a project manager?
Does your company have a Project Management Office?
Where does you company expect to be in, say, five years?
What projects does the company have in the offing?
What problems is your company experiencing at the moment?

What will be the most important contribution I can make in the first three
months of my employment?
What criteria does your company use to evaluate staff in their annual review?
What are your companys main goals and how will my role contribute to
them?
How will I be able to make myself indispensable to the company?
What are the opportunities for advancement in your company?