APMG-International AgilePM-Foundation - Agile Project Management (AgilePM v3) Foundation Exam v3 update

In DSDM, the Minimum Usable Subset refers to the “Must Have” requirements as defined by the MoSCoW prioritization1. This subset ensures that the project delivers the core functionalities that are critical for the system to be considered useful and viable2.

A DSDM team should measure progress: B. Based on what has been delivered at the end of a Timebox5.

The responsibility of the Business Ambassador in AgilePM is to provide day-to-day detail of the requirements during Timeboxes. This role involves representing the interests of the business within the project team, ensuring that the evolving product meets the business needs. The Business Ambassador works closely with the development team to clarify requirements, provide feedback, and make decisions promptly to keep the project on track.

Comprehensive and Detailed 150–300 words Explanation (paraphrased from Scrum & AgilePM practice):

When multiple teams build a single product within one project, effective backlog ownership and value alignment are critical. Scrum practice—and AgilePM when combined with Scrum—supports one Product Owner for the product, even when several teams deliver increments in parallel. A single Product Owner preserves a single ordered Product Backlog, unified priorities, and consistent acceptance criteria, minimizing conflicts and dependency churn. Each team may have its own Scrum Master to optimize facilitation and impediment removal locally, but the essential management mechanism for cross-team coherence is shared product ownership (one Product Owner) paired with lightweight cross-team planning and frequent integration. Splitting into two separate projects (with separate roles) for one product typically fragments value flow and complicates governance. Likewise, mandating different Business Visionaries per team dilutes accountability for the product outcome. Hence, the preferred and most effective approach is that both teams share the same Product Owner to maintain a single value and prioritization voice.

Statement 1: Incorrect. Agile is rooted in adaptability and tailoring practices to fit the specific needs of a project. Taking a single framework and applying it persistently reflects rigidity, which contradicts the Agile principles of flexibility and continuous improvement. AgilePM advocates selecting and combining frameworks (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) based on the project environment rather than sticking to one rigidly.

Statement 2: Correct. Resilience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn are central to Agile practitioners. They must adapt to challenges and new information to ensure continuous delivery of value. This aligns with Agile values of embracing change over following strict plans and the AgilePM philosophy of iterative improvement.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Flexibility over Rigidity: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 1, Section 1.4 ("The Agile Mindset").

Iterative Development and Learning: Chapter 3, Section 3.5 (Iterative Principles).

Referent Power: This form of power is derived from the personal qualities of the leader, such as charisma, integrity, or ability to inspire, making them a role model for others. AgilePM values leaders who lead by influence rather than authority.

Other Options:

Legitimate: Based on a formal position or title.

Reward: Tied to the ability to offer incentives.

Coercive: Involves using fear or threats, which is not ideal in Agile environments.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Leadership Styles: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 4, Section 4.5.

AgilePM emphasizes lightweight but effective planning that maintains control without bureaucracy. Core planning concepts include timeboxing (fixed-duration delivery windows), MoSCoW prioritization (flexing scope to protect time/cost/quality), incremental and iterative delivery (frequent demonstrations and review), and rolling-wave planning (planning at multiple horizons). Together these techniques ensure transparency, predictable cadence, and early value while avoiding heavyweight documentation or rigid stage gates. Plans are living forecasts refined through continuous feedback and empirical evidence from delivered increments. Governance focuses on outcomes and fitness for purpose rather than exhaustive upfront detail. This is why the guidance often summarizes that AgilePM planning “keeps projects on track,” enabling teams to respond to change, surface risks early, and align stakeholders around real progress. Options A, C, and D capture fragments of agile practice, but they understate the project-level intent. The correct completion is “projects on track.”

Statement 1: Correct. Leading by example is crucial for inspiring trust and alignment with the change vision. Symbolic actions by leaders play a significant role in fostering engagement.

Statement 2: Incorrect. Change influence is not limited to leaders; team members and change agents can also drive and inspire change.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Role of Leadership in Change: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 6, Section 6.2.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (paraphrased from DSDM/AgilePM principles):

One of AgilePM’s eight guiding principles is “Never compromise quality.” Quality is fixed and protected: teams define the required level up-front via acceptance criteria, Definition of Done, and non-functional requirements, then manage scope with MoSCoW prioritization to ensure the agreed quality bar is always met. Time and cost are typically fixed through timeboxing and team sizing, while scope flexes to safeguard quality and predictability. This principle prevents trading away essential quality under delivery pressure and ensures increments are genuinely “fit for purpose.” Options A and C are good values but are not stated AgilePM principles, and D contradicts the ethos—agile does commit to quality by making it explicit, measurable, and non-negotiable. Therefore, B is correct.

Statement 1: Correct. Actively responding to contributions fosters a sense of inclusion and appreciation, which is crucial for engagement and trust during change.

Statement 2: Incorrect. Decisions during change often involve emotional as well as rational considerations, as people’s behaviors and attitudes are not purely logical.

Key AgilePM Concepts Referenced:

Engaging Stakeholders Emotionally: AgilePM Handbook, Chapter 4, Section 4.3.