PMP Question #435: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

Question

During initiation of a new product improvement project, a project manager finds historical data showing that a similar project resulted in customers complaining of an even worse user experience compared to the previous product version. How can the project manager prevent this outcome in the new project?

Options

• AHire a team of external users to perform acceptance testing on the product
• BDefine a user focus group as external stakeholders with a high influence on outcomes
• CHire a consultant to perform a benefit analysis as an input to the project charter
• DDefine a high-level risk and plan mitigation after completing the work breakdown structure (WBS)

Explanation

To prevent a repeat of poor user experience from a previous similar project, the project manager should proactively define a user focus group as key external stakeholders. Engaging these users early ensures continuous feedback and integration of their needs throughout the project, addressing the historical problem head-on.

Common mistakes.

• A. Acceptance testing occurs towards the end of the project, and waiting until this stage to involve external users is too late to prevent fundamental user experience issues that could have been identified much earlier.
• C. Hiring a consultant for a benefit analysis focuses on justifying the project's value and is not directly aimed at addressing or preventing user experience issues through direct user feedback.
• D. Defining a high-level risk and planning mitigation after completing the WBS means addressing the risk relatively late in the planning process, whereas proactive engagement with users is more effective at preventing user experience issues from the outset.

Concept tested. Proactive Stakeholder Engagement for Quality

Reference. https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/stakeholder-engagement-user-experience-8656

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