PMI CODE OF CONDUCT

Hi, please what is the correct answers to this questions:

 Q.1Code of ethics and professional conduct
applies to

a)  Only PMI members

b) Non
members who serve PMI in volunteer capacity 

c)  PMI members and PMI chapter members only

d) Only certified PMPs 

 

Q.2: You are managing a big international project with
very hectic schedule. The project is very important to your management. You are
selecting the team in an Asian country. Since the schedule is very hectic, you
can not afford to let it slip. You are trying for tough team members who can
manage hectic schedule. You have two candidates for a certain technical skill.
Deepa is better skilled and she has worked on similar projects with excellent
recommendations that speak about her capabilities. Ram is another candidate who
is almost equally skilled though he has not yet worked on international
projects. Your customer does not favor women employees and hence wants you to
select Ram. What should you do?

a) Go ahead and select the candidate suggested by
customer. He is also a good resource and customer wants him. There is no
violation of any standard.  

b) Select the candidate who is more capable and
suitable for the project. Otherwise you will be violating aspirational
standards of fairness.

c) Select the candidate who is more capable and
suitable for the project. Otherwise you will be violating mandatory standards
of fairness.

d) Select the candidate who is more capable and
suitable for the project. Otherwise you will be violating mandatory standards
of responsibility

 

Q.3:You are managing a project for
construction of a large pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. The plans of the
projects are ready. All the legal requirements are satisfied and you have
necessary documents. The plant is to be commissioned at a small town away from
all the major cities. When you reach the site, you find that all the local
people are non cooperative and are planning a representation to the government
against the project. They are worried about environmental pollution. You also
feel that what they are saying may be right to a certain extent.  What you should do?

a)   You
have all legal documents and you are not violating any standards. Go ahead with your plan.

b) Initiate project closure as per aspirational
standards of responsibility   

c)   Initiate
project closure as per aspirational standards of responsibility

d )Fix up a meeting with the sponsor and discuss
your findings with him and then decide the course of action.

My best awnsers

 

A 1)   not very sure..  a would be my best guess

A 2)   A

A 3)   D

 

Note - I have started studying for PMP ...

hi, does anyone have the answer for this question.

My guess would be;

1) B

2) B

3) A

The PMP Guru's picture

Hi Bishop,
You brought some Wonderful and Challenging Questions.
We have to explain the reasons Why an answer is Correct.
Q.1: Code of ethics and professional conduct applies to
a)  Only PMI members
b) Non members who serve PMI in volunteer capacity 
c)  PMI members and PMI chapter members only
d) Only certified PMPs 
Definition:
I am afraid of Copy Right Violation but since we have to grow the Profession and Teach people to follow best pratices, I hope PMI will spare me with this.
If you look at the PMI Code Of Ethics Hand Book. You will find the answer as below.
 
1.2  Persons to Whom the Code Applies
 
The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct applies to:
1.2.1  All PMI members
1.2.2  Individuals who are not members of PMI but meet one or more of the following criteria:
.1  Non-members who hold a PMI certification
.2  Non-members who apply to commence a PMI certification process
.3  Non-members who serve PMI in a volunteer capacity.
 
Comment: Those holding a Project Management Institute (PMI®) credential (whether members or not) were previously held accountable to the Project Management Professional (PMP®) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) Code of Professional Conduct and continue to be held accountable to the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
In the past, PMI also had separate ethics standards for members and for credentialed individuals. Stakeholders who contributed input to develop this Code concluded that having multiple codes was undesirable and that everyone should be held to one high standard. Therefore, this Code is applicable to both PMI members and individuals who have applied for or received a credential from PMI, regardless of their membership in PMI. 
 
Let's Start with the Elimination Process and see what answer should be removed starting from (d):
d) Only certified PMPs: Refer to 1.2.1PMI code implies on all the Certifications or Membership that PMI offer: e.g: CAPM etc etc. So not only Certified PMP's has to follow the PMI Code Of Ethics but all Certification Holder's.
c)  PMI members and PMI chapter members only: In these Two Question's, This is the Correct so far but we have Two more to go.
Again refer to 1.2.1  All PMI members: PMI Chapter Member's and PMI general Member's has to follow the PMI Code Of Conduct in any case as they are following the profession since they are the caretaker of this growing profession and has to follow it whether they like it or not :) and this is the first step written Boldly on the PMI code of Ethics that Member's had to follow.
b) Non members who serve PMI in volunteer capacity:
Refer to 1.2.2  Individuals who are not members of PMI but meet one or more of the following criteria: .3  Non-members who serve PMI in a volunteer capacity.
According to PMI Code OF Ethics Handbook, This is also correct but when we compare it with (c) I think (c) must have advantage over (b).
a)  Only PMI members:
Although it's True BUT Refer to Code Of Conduct Handout again there are some more clauses where Code is implied on other individual as well besides Members.
""""All the Answer's are some how Correct BUT the best Answer in this Case is (c)""""
 
I hope I answer the First Question. The rest is followed. PLease Guys keep the discussion going.
 
Kind regards,
 
The PMP Guru

the fact that answer a,c & d have the word ONLY suggested to me that B was the correct answer to this question.

The PMP Guru's picture

Q.2: You are managing a big international project with very hectic schedule. The project is very important to your management. You are selecting the team in an Asian country. Since the schedule is very hectic, you can not afford to let it slip. You are trying for tough team members who can manage hectic schedule. You have two candidates for a certain technical skill. Deepa is better skilled and she has worked on similar projects with excellent recommendations that speak about her capabilities. Ram is another candidate who is almost equally skilled though he has not yet worked on international projects. Your customer does not favor women employees and hence wants you to select Ram. What should you do?

a) Go ahead and select the candidate suggested by customer. He is also a good resource and customer wants him. There is no violation of any standard.  

b) Select the candidate who is more capable and suitable for the project. Otherwise you will be violating aspirational standards of fairness.

c) Select the candidate who is more capable and suitable for the project. Otherwise you will be violating mandatory standards of fairness.

d) Select the candidate who is more capable and suitable for the project. Otherwise you will be violating mandatory standards of responsibility

Answer: I like the Elimination but since this Question is very long, I will make it simple and it's alreay very simple Question although it's tricky and you are diverted from the Real Answer.

Remember whenever you answer any Question, Try to read the Question a couple of time and extract the real Question in it and Eliminate the Noise.(Noise: The Diverting part, Normally the Questions emphasises on One thing and ask the Question on the other part which is kept Secret)

OK: So let's Collect the Points first.

1: International Project, Hectic Schedule, Important Project, Team in Asia, Tough Candidates required, Male and Female and are Equally Skilled, Customer does not favour Women.

Whenever in the Question describe International Projects, It is understood that the Norms, Culture, Traditions of that Specific Area must be followed. So here this is an International Project In ASIA (As they elaborate further) and the customer country doesent allow Women to work may be on there Project. So It's very simple even the First Sentence from the Question gave you the answer. You don't need to follow Hectic Schedule, Important Project. Also both the Candidates are equally skilled. But RAM hasen't work on Internationa; Project. If you are Skilled you can work any where.

a) Go ahead and select the candidate suggested by customer. He is also a good resource and customer wants him. There is no violation of any standard. 

If you have some other opinion, I would Like to take this discussion one step up.

 

Kind regards,

The PMP Guru

 

PMP Guru, again i seem to have a clash of opinion from you (question 2) :)

 

As noted below, 4.3.4 states no discrimination on gender which is why i opted a different reasoning.

 

Favoritism and Discrimination

4.3.3 We do not hire or fire, reward or punish, or award or deny contracts based on personal considerations, including but not limited to, favoritism, nepotism, or bribery.

4.3.4 We do not discriminate against others based on, but not limited to, gender, race, age, religion, disability, nationality, or sexual orientation.

4.3.5 We apply the rules of the organization (employer, Project Management Institute, or other group) without favoritism or prejudice.

The PMP Guru's picture

@dinduboy,

Great.... I like your Clash :) and it's valid and you are very right BUT....

Don't you think these may be in  your Organizational Policies.. Yes... but when it's come to money and especially if you a Projectise Organization then some decisions are beyond that unfortunately  ):.

Also These are your Organizational Policies and as you follow it Strictly So same preference should be given to Other Organizations Policies as well.

If you are working/doing a project in my country: Are you going to bring your Policies, Your Culture, Your Traditions, Your Norms, Your Values or You will Follow mine and Vice Versa for me if I do the same in your Country.

You have to respect other Organiztion Policies as well and in this Question, A Continent is Involved where the Whole Atmosphere may have changed compare to yours....

 

Kind regards,

The PMP Guru

 

I agree with you and strongly disagree with PMP Guru.  As a PMP, You have to follow the best practices without any discrimination.  Answer is C.  Ignore customer concerns.  You don't have to agree with customer 100%.  You have to deliver the goods effciently without violating any norms and without compromising moral and ethical standards.    Regardless of sex, country of origin, race etc, you select the best possible candidate for the job.


 


Chandra

The PMP Guru's picture

@ dinduboy
@ ChandraR.

Thanks Guys, I am enjoying it :)

Let me share with you a personal experience, One of my friend working in Afghanistan as a contractor had his contract expired on the same days when the Customer contract for one year has to be renewed with the vendor as well.

The Vendor was very happy that my friend's contract was getting expired as he was very very expensive.

Now when the Customer was renewing the Contract with the Vendor they ask the Vendor that my Friend has to continue with this Project as they were impressed with his performance.

Summimg up: The Vendor had no choice other than to agree.

Now let's come to this Question. Let's say even I agree with you that this is Gender discrimination or whatever.

Will the Customer allow you if they have a policy or whatever not to allow Women on there Project. Also didn't you notice both the Girl and Boy have the same Technical Skills.

The Answers are just to divert your attention, Nothing else.

PMP Guru,


In PMP World, one should raise above the political considerations and implications.  You have to answer in a hypothetical and ideal world to get credit for your answer.  As far as PMP exam is concerned, you should take the highest moral and ethical ground, complain to proper relevant authorities in case of mis-use even if the part is your friend/relative.  Just stick to answer C if one wants to pass the PMP exam -Period.


 


Chandra

The PMP Guru's picture

Thanks Chandra fro continuing the Discussion.

I agree with you , Again I agree with you

BUT

The point that you are refering to in not mentioned in the Answer's. Also In the Question it's not clear, If in the Question it was mentioned that your company discourage Gender Discrimination and Our company is Strictly against it. Then you could say ok Fine I can choose another Answer.

But the Question dosen't refer to that. May be your company priority could be not to send Women to International Projects.

In the Question, The Company Culture is not clear.

Can you please Re-read the Question Once again for me. It has mentioned that the Project is on Tight Schedule and highly Important for the Management and need brilliant resources and you may send the CV's of both the candidates to the Customer and since they don't allow Women in there Project and also Ram is equally Skilled to Deepa, They ask for Ram.

Now If Ram was not equally skilled and you have no choice other than Deepa then you can take it up with the Customer.

---- Please Don't jump simply to the Answer's, Check what the Question is talking about.

Kind regards,

The PMP Guru

PMP Guru:  STILL STRONGLY DISAGREE!


The question clearly states: Deepa is better qualified/skilled and has worked on similar international projects  where as Ram is almost equally skilled but with no international exposure. 


"Almost equally skilled" & "No international exposure" make Ram less competetive compared to Deepa and you have to go by merit and proven credentials and do not risk by putting an inexpereinced candidate when there is no room for any learning curve on a tight international project. 


 


Chandra

The PMP Guru's picture

Chandra,

Now I guess we are coming closer and closer. Yes I agree.

May be Ram is not Over Qualified but as you stated and as  the Question mentioned "Almost equally skilled". So he has the same required Skills as Deepa has but no International dosen't mean that he will fail. He has the Skills and he can implement his skills anywhere.

With this Statement we can put aside the Skill level thing.

Now the Merit thing:

You are working for the Customer and Deepa and Ram and your Management salary is paid by the customer. Yes you have your identity, your prestige, Your Company Culture,  Your Company Value. But in this Question, It's not mentioned anywhere.

 

Kind regards,

The PMP Guru

PMP Guru,


We both agree that we disagree with each other.  Your approach is customer loyalty + practical world experience based where as my approach is PMI best practices based.  We need few more voices to join the fun with some reasoning.  Any way you are doing awesome job with your videos, blogs, detailed explanations, prompt replies.  Keep it up and continue help the PMP aspirants


 


Regards,


 


Chandra

The PMP Guru's picture

Chandra,

Thanks Alot Man.

Actually people like you motivate me to do such activities and help eveyone because when I was in need there were people like you who helped me alot and now it's pay back time. Yes I agree with you, I worked in such organizations.

I have learnt through this PMP quest and agree with you here that PMBOK is the Bible and PMI Always win.

"Can we have the source of this Question and the explanation they have given on there Version of the selected Answer"..

 

Kind regards,

The PMP Guru

The PMP Guru's picture

Q.3:You are managing a project for construction of a large pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. The plans of the projects are ready. All the legal requirements are satisfied and you have necessary documents. The plant is to be commissioned at a small town away from all the major cities. When you reach the site, you find that all the local people are non cooperative and are planning a representation to the government against the project. They are worried about environmental pollution. You also feel that what they are saying may be right to a certain extent.  What you should do?

a)   You have all legal documents and you are not violating any standards. Go ahead with your plan.

b) Initiate project closure as per aspirational standards of responsibility   

c)   Initiate project closure as per aspirational standards of responsibility

d )Fix up a meeting with the sponsor and discuss your findings with him and then decide the course of action.

Answer: When we talk of Stakeholder's, It means everyone who is -vely or +vely invloved in the Project. That's why alot of emphasis has been put on Stakeholder's Reqirements and Stakeholder's Management Strategy. Since you have the Approved Plan with you I agree but The Town people are also Stakeholder's, So here when some one was creating the Plan, Did they invloved the Town people as well or not this is this first Question. Here it seems they were not taken into confidence.

a)   You have all legal documents and you are not violating any standards. Go ahead with your plan.

Yes you have the Legal Documents but not the Social and Moral.

b) Initiate project closure as per aspirational standards of responsibility   

You haven't collected any evidance or impact or Work Around or Solution. Infact you just went into the site and saw people protesting, You cannot close simply a may be Multi Billion Dollar Project.

c)   Initiate project closure as per aspirational standards of responsibility

Again Same Answer as above.

d )Fix up a meeting with the sponsor and discuss your findings with him and then decide the course of action.

Exactly, Discuss with the Sponsor, Bring up your findings, Suggest alternative etc etc.

SO I would Vote for (d)

 

Guys please explain if you Vote for Other Answer and Why...

Kind regards,

The PMP Guru

http://thepmpguru.wordpress.com/

 

 

hi, i read this information somewhere on the web and would like to clear the issue.

It states for question during the PMP examination when i comes to CODE OF CONDUCT. If there is a choice between;

a) xxxxxxxx.....Otherwise you will be violating aspirational standards of fairness.

b) xxxxxxxx.....Otherwise you will be violating mandatory standards of fairness.

You should always choose the mandatory standard (for the examination)

Can PMP practitioners who have cleared the exam please advise on the following comment.

This seems to be inline with ChandraR answer for question 2.

Thanks.

The PMP Guru's picture

"Always refer to Authentic sources, Everyone has his own viewpoint". Do you know the people who fail the PMP exam are mostly Top Project Manager's, Who have served for more than 10 years in the industry. why Because there way of Managing Project Mangement and PMI way is different and they gave answer according to there experience and Industry Practice they are working in.

There are Two ways your question can be taken.

1: Whatever the Question is if you find these Two in the Answer's, You have to Select option(b).:

a) xxxxxxxx.....Otherwise you will be violating aspirational standards of fairness.

b) xxxxxxxx.....Otherwise you will be violating mandatory standards of fairness.

 I think this is wrong, you have to answer the question based on it's merit and according to PMI. You should always look at the Question.

2: If the Question is related to these Two then you have to choose option (b).

a) xxxxxxxx.....Otherwise you will be violating aspirational standards of fairness.

b) xxxxxxxx.....Otherwise you will be violating mandatory standards of fairness.

I have no idea--- But Let me Search for a Solution as I don't want to mis-guide anyone and get back with an answer and Authentic Source.

@dinduboy, Man you are Testing us badly :)

Kind regards,

The PMP Gurus

The final answers are????

Q-3 - d  ... No dispute


Don't worry.  Not all the questions are well written.  Use your judgment.  PMP exam Q will not be this vague (for Q1).  My suggestion is: Take the highest moral and ethical stand and your answer should reflect NO emotions, NO prejudice, NO fear & NO favoritism.


 


Chandra


 


 

The PMP Guru's picture

:) I feel Sorry That I couldn't Convice The Guru Chandra over it :)

May be we take it to PMI :)

My viewpoint is


1.  Best answer is C


2.  Best answer is C. Descrimination is against code of conduct and PMI wants all of followers to deal with fairness.


3.  Best answer is A. As all legal documents are there, there is no need to go back. We need to assume before giving answer that all project management processes and practices are followed. "ALL" stakeholders are identified and their requirements have been taken care off. For all projects there would be -ve customer who try to pull the project. It is PM's responsibility to manage such stakeholder and create stakeholder management strategy.


 


Pradeep Sodha

Pradeep, once again i concur with your answers except for question 1 where i feel that B is an appropriate answer because the rest of them have ONLY in them and not entirely true.

E.g = stating an example where the Project Manager has the PMP certification but not a member of of PMI or local chapters he still needs to follow the Code of conduct.

Thanks.

The PMP Guru's picture

@Pradeep Sodha.

I think I have clearly defined the reason behind it and the Answer should be (D) while you mentoin (A).

If  you refer to PMBOK4 Chapter 2 Stakeholders: It is written that Skeholder identification is a Continuos process and can be difficult.

So now refering back to your answer and the Question. If these Stakeholder's (Town People) would have been identified and they would have taken into confidence over this Project, They won't be protesting by now.

Since either they have been missed, Ignored or whatever the reasons. You should consider them Stakeholder and listen to them, Talk to Them, Note Them, Convince Them, What ever so many words.

YES again you have all the Legal Documents but not the Social and Moral grounds to start this project.

@Pradeep Sodha I ask you: If you were the Project Manager in this case, Will it be possible to Start this Project until the Stakeholders (Town People) Continue to Protest.

"Anyone Else Diasagree with Me"

Kind regards,

The PMP Guru.

 

 

PMP Guru:
I completely agree with you.  Scraping the project is last resort.  b4 that you have to talk to sponsor, explore alternates, educate the town people, take their objections into account, allay their fears, assure them how this project - which has been legally approved by the town municipality- has reviewed the environmental implications b4 approving etc and do some modifications, if needed to get the support of the local people.  As a PM you don't have the authority to take a unilateral action and start closing/scrapping the project without doing all the home work first.


 


Chandra

The PMP Guru's picture

Thanks Chandra,

I guess you have refine the Answer in a very sophisticated manner and there is nothing left.

Thanks..

Dear PMP Guru,


I agree, but as I mentioned earlier, It is not possible to satisfy each and every stakeholder. Once PM has determined requirements and got the approval (here one has to assume that PM has followed all required processes and got the approval ethically).


PM can continue with project job in this case. During risk idetification, team must have identified this as potential risk and must have plan to mitigate this.


Pradeep Sodha

The PMP Guru's picture

@ Pradeep Sodha,

I don't know whoes term is this for PMI:

"You keep Friends Close and The -ve Stakeholder's Closer"

I guess this statement is enough to satisfy you.

 

Kind regards,

The PMP Guru.

Dear PMP Guru


Is this statement from PMBOK or from PMI code of ethics? If not, it is not relevent for me in this context. I still carry my answer.


Can question initiator give actual answer please?


Regards,


Pradeep

Is this discussion over or still continues... whatever it is this is my view point on the questions....


Q1: Undboubtedly explained by PMGuru, and I also vote for that...


Q2: Forget about what the customer is saying, what is the policy of his country or who is more skilled of the two, just think from a general and PMI code of ethics point of view and interpret the options that are given, which one is in line with the PMI code of ethics and conduct ?? As far as I see it, its only optoin C which is in line with this, rest are all in violation of the PMI code of ethics.


Q3: Fo Q3, its again very logical to think that when some1 is against your decission, or they are voicing their view point it is always better to think and rethink why is there a oppositon or what is making others to think from a different angel than wat you are thinking, so its always better to a clear picture than to just go around with your decission, if you have valid justification of what you think is right give that justification and proceed further or it may back fire on you at any given point of time...


Simple example: Now why are we discussing about the correct options, cause some1 raised a voice saying this is not the correct answer, and we try to justify our view with facts and figures, this is what will/should happen in real life, think frm this angle you yourself can justify the correct answer. Think why dint we simply agree with one persons answe...?? So the correct option for Q3 is option D


Do not complicate things try to make it simple and easy...you'ill have better understanding....


BR


Bad...


 

Badhring,


This is your view point......what is actual answer?

Answer needs to be given by Bishop who initiated this thread :)

 Q1-b

Q2-b

Q3-d

 

 

My answers: 

1: B

2: C

3: D

http://www.pmi.org/About-Us/Ethics/~/media/PDF/Ethics/ap_pmicodeofethics.ashx

Fairness: Mandatory Standards: Favoritism and Discrimination