APMG-International AgilePM-Practitioner - Agile Project Management (AgilePM) Practitioner Exam

The initial action to deal with the lack of provision of a fire escape from the upstairs of the building in Timebox B should be:

•C. The Architect, in the role of Technical Co-ordinator, should escalate the issue to Architecture Angels’ Senior Management Team.

This is because the lack of a fire escape is a significant safety concern that could have legal and regulatory implications. It’s important that the Senior Management Team is aware of this issue so they can make informed decisions about how to address it. The Architect, in the role of Technical Co-ordinator, is well-positioned to understand the technical implications of this issue and communicate them to the Senior Management Team.

While revising the Timebox Plans (option A) or commencing understanding and delivering the new requirement (option B) could be part of the solution, these actions should be taken after the issue has been escalated and discussed with the Senior Management Team. Escalating the issue to the Marketing Director (option D) may not be the most effective course of action, as this is primarily a technical and safety issue, not a marketing one.

Here are the appropriate options for each assertion and reason combination:

The Marketing Director, in the role of Business Visionary, is empowered to overrule cost restrictions advised by the Chief Accountant, who is appointed as Business Ambassador.

C. True (Assertion) False (Reason)

Rationale: While the Business Visionary may have the authority to make strategic decisions that could overrule cost restrictions, the reason given relates to project-level roles directing the project, not to the authority to overrule cost-related advice.

The Procurement Manager is an appropriate representative of the end user of the solution.

B. True (Assertion) True (Reason) BUT the reason does not explain the assertion

Rationale: The Procurement Manager, as part of the operational team, could represent the end user. However, the reason given talks about the empowerment of the Business Ambassador, which does not directly explain why the Procurement Manager is a representative of the end user.

The other specialist gardening team members from Earth Excavations would be suitable as Solution Developers, assigned alongside the Head Landscape Gardener.

A. True (Assertion) True (Reason) AND the reason explains the assertion

Rationale: Specialist gardening team members would be suitable as Solution Developers, providing support to the Lead Developer, which is a common practice in Agile teams.

The 'Hoy for Hoy Hall' Action Group members should be assigned as Business Ambassadors.

D. False (Assertion) True (Reason)

Rationale: While the Business Ambassador should ensure that business needs are analyzed, the 'Hoy for Hoy Hall' Action Group members being assigned as Business Ambassadors is not necessarily true as they are external stakeholders and not necessarily equipped to represent the business internally on a project.

The Project Manager should plan the communication needed between the Marketing Director, in the role of Business Visionary, and the 'Hoy for Hoy Hall' Action Group.

A. True (Assertion) True (Reason) AND the reason explains the assertion

Rationale: The Project Manager typically has the responsibility to plan and manage communication between the project team and external stakeholders, and the Business Visionary's role includes promoting the business vision to interested parties, which includes the 'Hoy for Hoy Hall' Action Group.

The two actions that the Workshop Facilitator should take if the team cannot agree on the system content are:

C. Facilitate the creation of a list of actions to be carried out after the workshop, to resolve the issue. This will ensure that the disagreement does not stall the project and that there is a clear plan for how to move forward.

E. Prepare a report describing the outcome of the workshop. This will provide a record of the discussion and any decisions made, which can be useful for future reference and for keeping stakeholders informed.

Please note that while presenting their own interpretation of what the system should include (option A) or presenting the group with a predefined specification of what should be included (option B) might seem like potential solutions, these actions could bias the discussion and may not lead to a solution that meets all stakeholders’ needs. Agreeing to disagree and closing the workshop (option D) could leave the issue unresolved, which could cause problems later in the project. The facilitator’s role is to guide the discussion and help the team reach a consensus, not to impose their own views or prematurely end the discussion.

For each line, here is the appropriate option from A to E that applies:

All internal works to be assigned to Timber Tigers throughout the project should be consolidated into one Structured Timebox.

E. False (Assertion) False (Reason)

Rationale: It is not practical or in line with Agile principles to consolidate all internal works into one Structured Timebox, as the work will likely need to be spread over multiple Timeboxes. Additionally, the Investigation step involves agreeing on how to meet the requirements of the Timebox, not necessarily consolidating all work into one.

Acceptance criteria for the front rooms to be developed in Timebox A should be described in detail and agreed during the Timebox Kick-Off

B. True (Assertion) True (Reason) BUT the reason does not explain the assertion

Rationale: While it is true that acceptance criteria should be agreed upon during the Timebox Kick-Off, the reason given is incorrect because the aim of the Investigation step is not necessarily to complete as much development work as possible but to plan and understand the work that will be carried out.

It is appropriate that both the Evolutionary Development phase and Deployment phase are shown in the first Project Increment.

A. True (Assertion) True (Reason) AND the reason explains the assertion

Rationale: Each Timebox should indeed include both Evolutionary Development and a Deployment phase. This assertion and reason correctly align with the concept of Timeboxing in Agile.

It is appropriate that the outputs of Timebox C are scheduled for deployment at the end of the first Project Increment.

A. True (Assertion) True (Reason) AND the reason explains the assertion

Rationale: The typical Timebox Plan does provide a schedule of high-level activities for the imminent Project Increment, which would include planning for deployment.

It is appropriate that Earth Excavations create a detailed plan of activities they will complete during Timebox C.

C. True (Assertion) False (Reason)

Rationale: While it is true that Earth Excavations should create a detailed plan for their activities in Timebox C, the reason is incorrect as the Solution Development Team is not solely responsible for planning all work details within a Timebox. This task would typically be a collaborative effort involving all relevant parties.

A. Yes, because this will allow the Solution Development Team to focus on the quality of the Solution Development Timebox's deliverable as a whole, in order to keep focus on the business need.

Rationale:

Setting acceptance criteria for the overall deliverables of a timebox is a key practice in Agile to ensure that the work meets the business objectives and quality expectations. It helps the Solution Development Team to understand what is required for the deliverables to be considered complete and acceptable. This aligns with the Agile principle of delivering quality and maintaining a constant pace of development. It also ensures that all team members are aligned on the goals and can focus on delivering value in line with business needs.

This question examines the application of David Rock's SCARF framework, which identifies five social drivers influencing motivation: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness. In this scenario, the focus is on status, which refers to the perception of one’s standing or importance relative to others in a group.

1. Understanding the Status Domain in SCARF

Status is one of the core social needs in the SCARF framework.

It is linked to how individuals perceive their importance or recognition within an organization.

Acknowledging contributions publicly enhances status by signaling respect and appreciation, which motivates individuals to engage and cooperate.

2. Why Option D is Correct

In this scenario, the Operations Director’s public praise of the Applications Manager acknowledges their cooperation in relocating to a shared workspace.

This public acknowledgment improves the Applications Manager’s informal status within the group by:

Showing that their efforts are valued.

Positioning them as a cooperative and contributing member of the leadership team.

Enhancing status in this way fosters motivation and strengthens engagement in the change process.

3. Analysis of Other Options

Option A: No, because 'status' should be rewarded by ensuring open, two-way communication using rich channels.

While two-way communication is important for building relatedness or addressing concerns, it does not directly address the brain’s need for status, which is driven by recognition and acknowledgment.

Eliminate.

Option B: No, because the Application Manager's knowledge and skills are still relevant and there is no threat to 'status'.

This misinterprets the concept of status. The relevance of skills is unrelated to the need for recognition. Status can still be boosted even when skills are intact, especially in a new environment where informal recognition is key.

Eliminate.

Option C: Yes, because highlighting cooperation provides an opportunity for the Applications Manager to learn and develop.

While cooperation can contribute to learning and development, the focus here is on public acknowledgment of contributions to improve status, not on skill-building or development.

Eliminate.

4. Practical Implications

The public acknowledgment at the Operations group meeting serves to:

Reinforce positive behavior (cooperation during relocation).

Increase the Applications Manager’s informal standing within the leadership team.

Such actions align with the SCARF framework by addressing social motivations and fostering collaboration.

5. Reference to SCARF Framework

Status: Enhancing motivation by recognizing contributions publicly, which boosts an individual’s perceived value.

Threats to status (e.g., moving to a shared workspace) can be mitigated by public praise, maintaining the individual's perception of importance.

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The Hay-McBer six dimensions of organizational climate provide a framework for analyzing and improving work environments. The six dimensions are:

Clarity: Employees understand their roles, goals, and the direction of the organization.

Responsibility: Employees feel empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work.

Standards: There is a focus on high-performance expectations.

Rewards: Contributions are recognized and rewarded.

Flexibility: Employees feel that the organization is adaptable and open to new ideas.

Commitment: Employees feel a strong sense of belonging and loyalty to the organization.

1. Joint Meetings to Discuss UniCo’s Strategic Focus (Clarity)

Reason: These meetings aim to communicate the organization’s strategic direction, providing employees with a clear understanding of goals and expectations.

This directly improves clarity, as employees gain insight into the company’s vision and how their roles align with it.

2. Internal Marketing Campaign on New Contract (Rewards)

Reason: Highlighting the success of the new contract through an internal campaign boosts employee pride and morale. This is a form of recognition, aligning with the rewards dimension.

Employees feel their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated, motivating further engagement.

3. Shared Leadership Workshops for Decision-Making (Responsibility)

Reason: Empowering staff by delegating decision-making responsibilities enhances their sense of ownership and accountability.

This supports the responsibility dimension, as it shifts decision-making closer to those executing the work, increasing engagement and confidence.

4. Engaging Staff to Define Service Levels (Flexibility)

Reason: Involving staff in shaping service levels fosters adaptability and innovation. This shows the organization values employee input, improving flexibility by encouraging open-mindedness and collaboration.

Summary of Dimensions Applied

The recommendations align with specific dimensions to address identified gaps in organizational climate, improving overall engagement and performance:

Clarity: Joint meetings to communicate strategy.

Rewards: Internal campaigns celebrating achievements.

Responsibility: Delegating decision-making through leadership workshops.

Flexibility: Involving staff in defining processes.