Question

Submitted by sgadewar on Tue, 01/01/2013 - 23:31

You are a Project Manager leading a mega construction project. You have noticed that there have been some deviations beyond your expectations. As a PM, you want to control your project and also find the cause of this deviation. Which technique would you use?
Trend analysis
Pareto Chart i.e. 80/20 rule
Root Cause Analysis using Cause and effect diagrams
Variance analysis

I feel the answer should be Root cause analysis but correct answer is variance analysis please explain why?

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sspawar

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 01:58

I think it is a good question?


why ?


bks in content of question, there are 2 questions at a time. 


\1st is as a PM you want control, a deviation you are expecting.


\ 2nd is to analyse the cause of deviation.


looking to 1st - Variance analysis is the correct answer.


looking to 2nd -confusion arises.- prereliminary answer goes to C & E  or RCA


here generally it is supposed that - variance analysis means obtaining the variance (the difference). but it is untrue.


read p127,(control scope) like for control schedule and control cost  and in Report Performance p 268


VA comprises 3 things --- difference, why this difference, and what is impact, thus you can say C&E and Trend Analysis, are included in VA particularly in control processes.


but you can't include VA in C&E or  in Trend Analysis


what do you say now?

madunix (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 07:20

I think to find the cause you do cause & effect / Ishikawa

aval

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 10:57

There can be deviation related to Scope, Time or Cost.  And the question asks you which technique you would use while controlling the deviation.  Go to PMBOK Guide and search for TT of controlling Scope, Time and Cost.  You will find Variance Analysis there.  Trend Analysis, Root Cause Diagrams and Pareto Charts are not listed TT for controlling Scope, Time or Cost.