MARKS DISTRIBUTION PHYLOSOPHY

Submitted by sspawar on Sun, 05/06/2012 - 14:23

Dear Friends:

11,23,27,21,9,9

Is it PMI announced % ratio of quistions for exam among process groups?

Is it mean that I can cover only 5 knowledge areas out of 9 or 21 processes out of 42, which includes I + Q + HR + COMM + PROC . Interesting, here core of body of knowledge – IRON TRINGLE = STC is not there.

If it is so, I have to study only 56% (5/9) or 50% (21/42) of whole 9BOC or 42 PRO'S, while will scoring 75.28%.

See below the MARKS DISTRIBUTION METRICS:

Process Groups             Knowledge Areas                  processes          Question in Exam% (ratio)

Initiating                          2                                            2                                   11%

Planning                         9                                           20                                   23%

Executing                        5                                            8                                   27%              

M & C’ ing                       8                                          10                                   21%

Closing                            2                                             2                                  09%

Additional- So & pro Res-                                              ----                               09%

Total                                                                             42                                 100%   

Now If I choose only 5 knowledge areas – I +Q +HR +Comm +Proc , which are missing important IRON TRIANGLE.

As per above metrics knowledge area wise question %age in processes will be like this

11 (I) + 12.78 (p) + 27(E) +10.5(M/C) + 9 (C) + 5 (SO-PRO) =75.28%

It means If I study only above 5 knowledge area among all process groups, (only 21 processes out of 42), 56 (5/9) to 50% (21/42) of whole PMBOK), I will cover 75 % marks.

Where important IRON TRIANGLE – SCOPE + COST+TIME, I have left out.

If it is not like that

My question is that what is %age distribution among knowledge areas or processes by PMI?

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trawal

Sun, 05/06/2012 - 16:21

Nobody knows what goes behind the scene so you better study everything you can even it means you have to reschedule your exam.

projmanpro

Sun, 05/06/2012 - 18:39

Hi sspawr, you have a good analogy, however, let me tell you that it is fatal. Why?  Here is my opinion. Considering the fact that there was no official publication from PMI, i think after 2005 regarding the passing score and distribution, and whatever we see in references now are only based on prior publictions (before 2005), meaning those could be either (1) still being implemented, or (2) obsolete. The truth now is, nobody knows what's behind it. Therefore, to pass the PMP Exam is not to base on % distribution per process group or knowledge area, BUT MUST BE COVERING ALL. I would emphasize, ALL, FROM COVER TO COVER, must be known, for you to have an assurance of passing the PMP exam regardless of how the answers are scored and distributed.

Moreover, from where did you get that distribution? According to Rita's PMP Prep Exam 7th Edition, the % distribution by Process Group is;

Initiating = 13%

Planning = 24%

Executing = 30%

Monitoring & Controlling = 25%

Closing = 8%

The Social and Professional REsponsibility questions are just integrated & distributed among the process groups.

Furthermore, (tho i respect individual differences), using some tricks such as what you are using to represent some terms, process or logic, is something that must be personal and must not be immitated. Let me give you an example.

If we want to remember the word "Planning" do u really need to represent it by "p"? In your way, you have to remember 2 things. First, you have to remember what letter u assign to planning, and 2nd you have to remember what term this letter represents. It sounds like, you are just complicating more your memory.

For ITTOs for instance, I DISCOURAGE EVERY PMP ASPIRANT TO ADOPT some tricks like assigning ACCRONYMS, ESPECIALLY IF THESE ARE NOT YOUR OWN TRICK, otherwise, you are complicating more your memory. Believe me, just familiarize and understand the ITTOs, ask HOW & WHY as you read the ITTOs at least 10 times, for sure you will understand it, and you will recall the exact phrase from the answer choices and NOT THE ACCRONYM.

sspawar

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 01:16

Hi frnds,

Really controversial,

I saw from top to bottom all PMPexam or pro mangt sites suggests this %age of marks even you have also specified knowing the facts that it is not PMI suggested guidelines.

It is an  assumsion which have no meaning.

I saw in Head first sites - he specifies this %age and also describes what topics are included in each process groups - which totally obvious wrong anomaly. Any body can see it.

May someone explain it.

Regards

projmanpro

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 04:46

ya, as what i have said this percentages are based on the latest publication from PMI, before 2005. And till then in the absence of a clear publication from PMI regarding this, these values are assumed. No harm to assume these, but to go deeper into it say, as what you illustrated is risky and will never help.. My emphasis is that - if pmp aspirants want to pass the exam, they have to cover the subject (PMBOK) from cover to cover, as in this way, whatever percentages apply, they can be sure to pass the exam, and not just to gamble or take the chances within the % distribution and passing score which is we know assumed.

You see what you wrote, "If it is so, I have to study only 56% (5/9) or 50% (21/42) of whole 9BOC or 42 PRO'S, while will scoring 75.28%." - this is a false assumption and will never help. Why should you limit your preparation to 56%, or 50%?  Aim for the entire subjects and coverage instead.

I hope guys you get what i mean.