There are seven members on the project team not counting the project manager and the sponsor. How many communication channels are there?

Question

Options

• A21
• B28
• C36
• D42

• A
  3% (2)
• B
  7% (4)
• C
  74% (43)
• D
  16% (9)

Explanation

Option C (36) is correct because the communication channels formula is n(n-1)/2, where n represents the total number of stakeholders - here, 7 team members + the project manager + the sponsor = 9 people: 9(8)/2 = 36.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (21): Uses only the 7 team members and ignores the PM and sponsor: 7(6)/2 = 21. A common trap when the question says "not counting" - it flags who isn't in the 7, not who to exclude from the formula.
• B (28): Counts only 8 people (forgets either the PM or sponsor): 8(7)/2 = 28.
• D (42): Correctly counts all 9 people but skips the division by 2: 9×8/2 without the division gives 72, but 7×6 = 42 - likely from applying the formula to 7 without dividing.

Memory tip: Write the formula as a fraction - n(n-1) over 2 - to remind yourself never to skip that final step, and always scan the question for hidden stakeholders like the PM and sponsor before plugging in n.

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