The document describes a sample PMP exam question regarding decomposing a system testing work package when project details are still unknown. The best approach is to: 1) Decompose the system development work package now as details are available 2) Decompose the system testing work package later when more information is available from the partially completed system development 3) This rolling wave planning approach delays decomposition of uncertain future work packages until additional details emerge, as is described in the question's answer.

1. PMP EXAM
SAMPLE Q & A

2. You are facing problems decomposing the testing work package into the final activities required to complete
the work package. Detailed testing plans and activities cannot be determined until the system is at least 50%
developed and more details become available. The system development work package will take at least three
months to complete.
What is the best way to resolve this problem?
A. Use product analysis techniques such as product breakdown and systems analysis to decompose the system
testing work package
B. Decompose the system development work package now and decompose the system testing work package
later
C. Break down the project into multiple phases so that the system testing work package goes into the second
project phase
D. Consult the project management plan to determine what to do in this situation
HINT: Which of the available choices describes rolling wave planning?
Question

3. The correct answer is B.
Delaying the decomposition of the system testing work package until later in the project is an example of
rolling wave planning.
Rolling wave planning is an iterative planning technique in which the work to be accomplished in the near
term is planned in detail, while the work in the future is planned at a higher level. Decomposition may not
be possible for a deliverable or subcomponent that will be accomplished far into the future.
The project management team usually waits until the deliverable or subcomponent is agreed on, so the
details of the work breakdown structure (WBS) can be developed.
Therefore, the best approach is to use rolling wave planning and decompose the system development
work package now, and then decompose the system testing work package later, when more project
information becomes available.
Answer

4. All our questions are updated to the latest
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge
(PMBOK® Guide) standard.
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