PMP · Question #941
A project in the execution phase is part of a large transformation program. The project manager for this project reports to a program manager and also heads the steering committee for this project…
The correct answer is C. Prepare to explain that the schedule performance index (SPI), schedule variance (SV), and other. To prepare for a steering committee meeting on schedule performance, the project manager should prepare to explain key Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics specific to schedule, such as the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Schedule Variance (SV).
Question
Options
- APrepare to demonstrate the cost-benefit ratio, business value, and return on investment (ROI) as
- BUpdate the cost performance index (CPI) and schedule performance index (SPI) to measure the
- CPrepare to explain that the schedule performance index (SPI), schedule variance (SV), and other
- DInform the program manager that the project is using an agile approach and schedule
How the community answered
(44 responses)- A14% (6)
- B5% (2)
- C77% (34)
- D5% (2)
Why each option
To prepare for a steering committee meeting on schedule performance, the project manager should prepare to explain key Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics specific to schedule, such as the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Schedule Variance (SV).
Cost-benefit ratio, business value, and ROI are financial justification metrics, not direct measures of project schedule performance.
While CPI and SPI are relevant metrics, simply 'updating' them is the act of calculation, not the preparation for presenting and explaining the schedule performance to a committee.
The question specifically asks about presenting the approach to measure 'schedule performance.' The Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Schedule Variance (SV) are fundamental Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics directly used to quantify project schedule efficiency and progress, making their explanation essential for such a presentation. These metrics provide objective data on whether the project is ahead or behind schedule relative to the baseline.
Informing the program manager about an agile approach and schedule flexibility does not directly address the preparation needed to present the approach for measuring schedule performance to the steering committee.
Concept tested: Earned Value Management for schedule performance
Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/project/earned-value-analysis-metrics
Topics
Community Discussion
6
Wesley A.Jun 20, 2026C is correct and yes it showed up on my exam. Failed my first attempt partly because I jumped on any option mentioning SPI and CPI without reading carefully, but here the key is you are presenting schedule performance to a steering committee, so the PM needs to prepare to explain what SPI, SV, and the other earned value metrics actually mean in plain terms rather than just flashing numbers at people.
Prof. SaraJun 5, 2026C is correct because the stem explicitly asks about measuring schedule performance, which maps to Domain 3 (Predictive approaches) where SPI and SV are your go-to Earned Value Management metrics. I teach my students the mnemonic Schedule Performance Is SV and SPI, so when you see schedule measurement in a predictive context, those are the terms you present to the steering committee.
Bao N.Jun 7, 2026Agreed on C and the mnemonic is solid, but watch for stems that say "forecast" instead of "measure" because that shifts you to TCPI or EAC and people blindly apply SV/SPI to anything with the word schedule.
Mei-Ling H.Jun 16, 2026Leaned toward B first, but word 'thus far' in stem points to C for earned value metrics.
Wesley A.Jun 19, 2026Took me failing this once to start catching those time qualifiers, but heads up, C also trips people up if they conflate earned value with actual cost variance, so make sure you are distinguishing between the two before you lock in your answer.
Bao N.Jun 27, 2026C is right but the stem cuts off mid-sentence on most dumps and that throws people. B tempts you because updating CPI and SPI sounds actionable, but the question asks what to present to the steering committee, not what to calculate, so C wins on the explain angle.