General Notes APM Project Management Qualification –

Time allowed 3 hours Examination Paper

You must also enter your candidate Candidate Number
number and test code on your Exam Date
examination script.
Exam Location
Only answer 10 questions
Test Code

E
There are 16 questions, each question
carries equal marks. Use ink, not Reference Sample Paper
pencil, to answer all questions.
Question Number Office Question Number Office
On completion of the examination PL number of pages use only number of pages use only
■ please collate your answer sheets
into question number order
■ complete the table to your right
and secure this question paper
and your answers with the tag
provided.
M
Do not open this paper until instructed by the invigilator.
All candidate markings on the question paper will be disregarded unless specifically stated otherwise.
This question paper must not be removed from the examination room.
SA

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 APM Project Management Qualification. Examination Paper

Please take note of the command verbs in each question.

Verb Definition
Differentiate Recognise or determine what makes something different.
Describe Give an account, including all the relevant characteristics, qualities and events.
Explain Give an account of the purpose(s) or reason(s).
Interpret Translate information/data into another form to aid understanding,
to demonstrate understanding or to inform a future action.
Outline Set out the main points/characteristics.
State Express the details without elaboration.

E
PL
M
SA

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 APM Project Management Qualification. Examination Paper

Question 1

Learning Outcome Understand risk and issue management in the context of project management.

Question part (a) Explain two stages in the risk management process.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three key benefits of risk management for projects.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 2

Learning Outcome Understand how organisations and projects are structured.

Question part (a) Describe two benefits of having an embedded project management office.

E
Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three differences between the following types of organisational
structure:
■  Functional
■  Matrix

PL
Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 3

Learning Outcome Understand project procurement.

M
Question part (a) Explain two elements of a procurement strategy and why these are
important.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

SA

Question part (b) Explain three steps in the supplier selection process for a project.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 4

Learning Outcome Understand planning for success.

Question part (a) In an iterative life cycle, explain two components of the project
management plan that need to be taken into account when arriving at the
deployment baseline.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three different methods of estimation in projects. Choose three
from the following:
■  Parametric
■  Analogous
■  Analytical
■  Delphi

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

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 APM Project Management Qualification. Examination Paper

Question 5

Learning Outcome Understand communication within project management.

Question part (a) State four sources of conflict within a project.

Marks 20 marks (5 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three benefits of a communication plan to a project.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 6

Learning Outcome Understand project life cycles.

E
Question part (a) Explain two reasons why projects are structured in phases in a linear
project life cycle.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

PL
Question part (b) Explain three diffences between linear and iterative life cycles.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 7
M
Learning Outcome Understand schedule and resource optimisation.

Question part (a) Describe two elements that need to be considered when allocating
resources to a project schedule following a linear life cycle.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

SA

Question part (b) Explain three key differences between resource smoothing and resource
levelling.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 8
Learning Outcome Understand the situational context of projects.

Question part (a) Explain two key differences between projects and business as usual.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

Question part (b) Provide one explanation for how project professionals can assess a
project’s context against each of the following:
■  PESTLE
■  SWOT
■  VUCA

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

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 APM Project Management Qualification. Examination Paper

Question 9

Learning Outcome Understand the principles of leadership and teamwork.

Question part (a) Describe two characteristics of an effective team.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three reasons why it might be necessary to change leadership
styles to ensure effective management during a project.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 10

Learning Outcome Understand how organisations and projects are structured.

E
Question part (a) Select two phases of the project life cycle and explain how the roles of
project manager and project sponsor differ during those two phases.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

■  Users
PL
Question part (b) Select three of the project roles below and describe their responsibilities
throughout the project:

■  Project team members

■  Project steering group
■  Product owner
M
Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 11

Learning Outcome Understand project scope management.

SA

Question part (a) Explain two steps in a configuration management process that help to
manage the scope of a project.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three steps in a requirements management process that help to
establish the scope of a project.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 12

Learning Outcome Understand communication within project management.

Question part (a) Explain how understanding BATNA and ZOPA can help plan and conduct
negotiations.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three ways in which conflicts can be addressed.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

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 APM Project Management Qualification. Examination Paper

Question 13

Learning Outcome Understand project life cycles.

Question part (a) Outline four ways in which outputs of knowledge management informs
decision making.

Marks 20 marks (5 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three reasons why a project may close early.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 14
Learning Outcome Understand quality in the context of a project.

E
Question part (a) Explain two purposes of quality planning for a project.

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three key differences between quality control and quality

Question 15
PL
assurance when managing a project.

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Learning Outcome Understand the situational context of projects.

Question part (a) Outline four reasons why a programme would be used to deliver strategic
M
change as opposed to using a project.

Marks 20 marks (5 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain three ways in which failure to comply with laws and regulations can
impact on project delivery.
SA

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

Question 16

Learning Outcome Understand planning for success.

Question part (a) Explain how the following two investment appraisal techniques can be
used to assess the validity of a project:
■  Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
■  Net Present Value (NPV)

Marks 20 marks (10 marks each)

Question part (b) Explain the following three steps in an information management process:
■  Collection
■  Storage
■  Dissemination

Marks 30 marks (10 marks each)

End of Questions
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 APM Project Management Qualification. Examination Paper

Notes

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