Chapter 21 - Project Administration and Execution

Question 1

An ICT infrastructure needs to be able to support new applications and technologies for ___ years

a. 1 to 3
b. 3 to 5
c. 5 to 7
d. 10 to 15

Answer 1

d. 10 to 15

p 21-2

An ICT infrastructure needs to be able to support new applications and technologies for 10-15 years. Therefore, this foundation needs to be carefully planned to ensure that the investment in infrastructure will support new technologies.

Question 2

___ includes detailed review of the design documentation throughout the project where the ICT distribution designer is responsible for the workmanship and test results.

a. Quality management
b. Risk management
c. Integration management
d. Scope management

Answer 2

a. Quality management

p 21-7

Each project should have a quality management plan that includes detailed review of the design documentation throughout the project.

In the event that the ICT distribution designer is also responsible for the build portion of the project, then physical quality (i.e., workmanship) and test results would be part of this area.

Question 3

___ of a project covers the breakup of a large project into multiple small projects

a. Risk management
b. Communications management
c. Scope management
d. Integration management

Answer 3

d. Integration management

p 21-7

Integration management of a project covers the breakup of a large project into multiple small projects or conversely, running several small projects as one large one.

Question 4

___ covers personnel issues, which involves engaging the right people to do the job and ensuring that they are properly trained, equipped, and motivated.

a. Scope management
b. Human resources management
c. Risk management
d. Stakeholder management

Answer 4

b. Human resources management

p 21-6

The human resources area of TPM covers personnel issues, which involves engaging the right people to do the job and ensuring that they are properly trained, equipped, and motivated.

Question 5

A(n) ___ describes the work to be performed or the services to be provided.

a. RFP
b. Execution plan
c. SoW
d. Construction documents

Answer 5

c. SoW

p 21-9

An SoW describes the work to be performed or the services to be provided. It describes tasks, directs methodologies to be used, and establishes the period of performance.

Question 6

Specifications must be included in the contract documents to provide a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the materials used.

a. True
b. False

Answer 6

a. True

p 21-10

Specifications must be included in the contract documents to provide a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the materials used and the installation of those materials, including the procedures for commissioning the final product

Question 7

The ___ is the contractual vehicle for expressing the specific agreement between the contractor and the owner of the project

a. RFP
b. Execution plan
c. SoW
d. Construction documents

Answer 7

c. SOW

p 21-10

The SoW is the contractual vehicle for expressing the specific agreement between the contractor and the owner of the project. Because the SoW defines the actual work to be performed, its accuracy has a direct impact on effective contract administration.

Question 8

It is recommended to include in the SoW requirements for legal, financial, or contract administration matters.

a. True
b. False

Answer 8

b. False

p 21-11

The SoW is only one part of the procurement process and contract development. Do NOT include in the SoW requirements for legal, financial, or contract administration matters. These requirements more appropriately belong in the RFP.

Question 9

The United States National Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Standard is developed and administered by the:

a. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
b. Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
c. American Institute of Architects (AIA)
d. National Institute of Building Services (NIBS)

Answer 9

d. National Institute of Building Services (NIBS)

p 21-48

The NIBS wrote the introduction and is responsible for the administration and development of the standard

Question 10

In project management, when using a PERT estimate, if there is a greater than _____ percent difference between the most likely and pessimistic estimates, the project is considered to be high-risk.

a. 20
b. 15
c. 10
d. 5

Answer 10

c. 10

p 21-24

If there is greater than a 10 percent difference between the most likely and pessimistic estimates, it is a high-risk project or activity

Question 11

In the MasterFormat 2012 numbering system, Division _____ is titled “Electrical.”

a. 27
b. 26
c. 17
d. 16

Answer 11

b. 26

p 21-45 Table 21.1

Telecom or Communications is Division 27

Question 12

A work breakdown structure (WBS) can be diagrammed as a ___ or a(n) ___.

a. Calendar chart; text report
b. Logic diagram; milestone chart
c. PERT chart; Gantt chart
d. Tree structure; outline

Answer 12

d. Tree structure; outline

p 21-18

The content of a WBS should be as specific as possible. A WBS can be diagrammed as a tree structure or an outline.

Question 13

A ___ type of specification allows contractors to choose the materials and installation methods to provide the desired results.

a. Reference
b. Design-build
c. Descriptive
d. Performance

Answer 13

d. Performance

p 21-43

Specifications are one of the elements produced during the design phase of a construction project. Performance— The focus is on results. Contractors can choose the materials and installation methods to provide the desired results.

Question 14

In project estimation, a cost performance index (CPI) of less than 1 indicates that the project is _____ budget.

a. Under
b. Over

Answer 14

b. Over

p 21-24

By determining the actual cost of work performed (ACWP) for each task that is completed and then accumulated similar to the budgeted cost of work performed (BCWP), the CPI can be calculated by using the following equation:

CPI = BCWP / ACWP

A CPI value less than 1 indicates the project is over budget, while a value greater than 1 is under budget.

Question 15

In project estimation, if the budgeted cost of work performed (BCWP) is higher at a given time than the corresponding budgeted cost of work scheduled (BCWS), the project is considered to be _____ schedule.

a. Behind
b. Ahead of

Answer 15

b. Ahead of

p21-24

By comparing the BCWP with the initial BCWS, one can visually determine if the project is behind or ahead of schedule. If the BCWP is higher than the corresponding BCWS, the project is ahead of schedule. If the BCWP is below the BCWS, then the project is behind schedule

Question 16

In a _____ bid, bids and contracts for the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical portions of the project must be separate from the general construction contract.

a. Negotiated
b. Segregated
c. Syndicated
d. Multiple prime

Answer 16

d. Multiple prime

p 21-38

in the United States, bidding laws often require the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical portions of the work to be bid and contracted separately from the general construction contract. This is called a multiple prime bid or filed sub bid.

Question 17

___ estimates are based on the time or cost it took to perform similar work in the past.

a. Analogous
b. Parametric
c. Engineering
d. Subcontractor
e. PERT

Answer 17

a. Analogous

p 21-23

Analogous estimates are based on the time or cost it took to perform similar work in the past. The better the current costs are tracked, the more accurate the future
estimates will be. Analogous estimates must be adjusted for current job conditions (e.g., building size, construction type).

Question 18

A(n) ___ estimates is handy for developing a rough order of magnitude estimate.

a. Analogous
b. Parametric
c. Engineering
d. Subcontractor
e. PERT

Answer 18

b. Parametric

p 21-23

Parametric estimates are based on dollar/foot, dollar/drop time, and cost. A parametric estimate is handy for developing a rough order of magnitude estimate and is used to check an analogy estimate.

Question 19

A PERT estimate usually falls between the ___ and ___ estimates.

a. Pessimistic, most likely
b. Most likey, Optimistic

Answer 19

a. Pessimistic, most likely

p 21-23

A PERT estimate usually falls between the pessimistic and most likely estimates. The greater the difference between the estimates, the greater the risk.

Question 20

A SPI values less than 1 indicates a project is ___

a. Behind schedule
b. Ahead of schedule

Answer 20

a. Behind schedule

p 21-24

SPI = BCWP / BCWS

An SPI value of 1 indicates a project is on schedule, whereas SPI values less than 1 indicate being behind schedule with values greater than 1 being ahead of schedule.

Question 21

A ___ is an accepted collection of requirements and recommendations for the defining, construction, evaluation, application, or comparison of materials, equipment, products, and services.

a. Code
b. Standard
c. Directive
d. Regulation

Answer 21

b. Standard

p 21-31

Standards may define processes, procedures, practices, or methods and are developed to improve the quality, function, performance, repeatability, or some other facet of the item being defined.

Question 22

Compliance to a standard is an optional act

a. True
b. False

Answer 22

a. True

p 21-31

Compliance to a standard is a voluntary act unless otherwise specified by law, contract, or other legally binding article.

Question 23

___ may reference numerous ___ to ensure the minimum functional requirements of a given material or component.

a. Codes, standards
b. Standards, codes

Answer 23

a. Codes, standards

p 21-32

Question 24

Which one of the following is not a key member of the construction team.

a. Construction manager
b. Subcontractor
c. ICT designer
d. General contractor

Answer 24

c. ICT designer

p 21-34

Question 25

Once bids are received from the contractors, this type of delivery method ___, is where the owner and design professional will review these bids to award the contract.

a. Design-bid-build (DBB)
b. Design-build (DB)
c. Construction manager (CM) at risk
d. Integrated project delivery (IPD)

Answer 25

a. Design-bid-build (DBB)

p 21-37

The final phase is the construction phase, which consists of construction of the facility. The design professional typically will also have a role in overseeing the contraction at the owner’s request.

Question 26

In this delivery process ___, the construction typically is overlapping the design phase. This allows for an expedited schedule while minimizing any potential risk for the owner.

a. Design-bid-build (DBB)
b. Design-build (DB)
c. Construction manager (CM) at risk
d. Integrated project delivery (IPD)

Answer 26

b. Design-build (DB)

p 21-37

Unlike the DBB scenario, the design professionals generally work directly for the contractor.

Question 27

This approach ___ integrates all aspects of the design and construction process into a single team effort. This includes design professionals, CMs, and contractors.

a. Design-bid-build (DBB)
b. Design-build (DB)
c. Construction manager (CM) at risk
d. Integrated project delivery (IPD)

Answer 27

d. Integrated project delivery (IPD)

p 21-37

IPD uses a three-pronged platform with the owner as one entity, the design professionals as the second, and the contractors as the third.

Question 28

With this form of contract, ___ , there can be a shared savings clause or incentives for early completion.

a. Stipulated sum
b. Cost plus fee
c. Unit price

Answer 28

b. Cost plus fee

p 21-41

This form of contract often leads to value engineering that can generate savings during the construction phase of the building.

Question 29

In the design phases of a project, pricing for the required work is obtained using documents developed in the _____ phase.

a. Programming
b. Schematic design
c. Design development
d. Construction document

Answer 29

d. Construction document

p 21-25

Upon the owner’s approval of DD documents, the design team prepares the CDs. These are used to obtain pricing for the required work. CDs communicate the owner’s detailed requirements, coordination, and quality requirements in a set of CD drawings and specifications.

Question 30

Within the nine telecommunications project management (TPM) knowledge areas, project safety is covered in the area titled ___ management.

a. Quality
b. Risk
c. Scope
d. Human resources

Answer 30

d. Human resources

p 21-6

The human resources area of TPM covers personnel issues, which involves engaging the right people to do the job and ensuring that they are properly trained, equipped, and motivated.

Project safety, an issue where the telecommunications PM may have the greatest personal liability, can be managed by the human resources, risk management, and safety management departments. Any of these departments may have a responsibility to ensure that training for safety is provided to all project team members.

Question 31

In the design-build (DB) project delivery method, the design professionals generally work directly for the:

a. Architect
b. Consultant
c. Contractor
d. Owner

Answer 31

c. Contractor

p 21-37

Unlike the DBB scenario, the design professionals generally work directly for the contractor.

Question 32

The _____ document is the baseline standard for evaluating all proposals submitted by contractors for a project.

a. Organization breakdown structure (OBS)
b. Work breakdown structure (WBS)
c. Request for proposal (RFP)
d. Scope of work (SoW)

Answer 32

d. Scope of work (SoW)

p 21-10

The difficult and sometimes controversial function of proposal evaluation and contractor selection is based largely on the SoW, which is the baseline standard for evaluating all proposals

Question 33

In a _____, bids and contracts for the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical portions of the project must be separate from the general construction contract.

a. Trades prime bid
b. Segregated bid
c. Multi-bid
d. Filed sub bid

Answer 33

d. Filed sub bid

p 21-28

Additionally, in the United States, bidding laws often require the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical portions of the work to be bid and contracted separately from the general construction contract. This is called a multiple prime bid or filed sub bid.

Question 34

Before the 2004 edition, the MasterFormat included _____ divisions, with the telecommunications scope of work (SoW) included in Division _____.

a. 20; 19
b. 20; 16
c. 19; 19
d. 16; 16

Answer 34

d. 16; 16

p 21-44

Before the 2004 edition, the MasterFormat included 16 divisions as well as a summary of the front-end requirements. Telecommunications SoW was included within the electrical scope of Division 16.

Question 35

Periodic progress reports _____ classified as deliverables in the scope of work (SoW) document for a project.

a. Are not
b. Are

Answer 35

a. Are not

p 21-14

Periodic progress reports are not considered deliverables because they are not the final result of the task; rather, they are a management tool for monitoring progress toward the completion of a deliverable.

Question 36

In project estimation, if the budgeted cost of work performed (BCWP) is lower at a given time than the corresponding budgeted cost of work scheduled (BCWS), the project is considered to be _____ schedule.

a. Behind
b. Ahead of

Answer 36

a. Behind

p 21-24

By comparing the BCWP with the initial BCWS, one can visually determine if the project is behind or ahead of schedule. For example, if the BCWP is higher at Week 3 than the corresponding BCWS, the project is ahead of schedule. Similarly, if the BCWP is below the BCWS, then the project is behind schedule.

Question 37

In project estimation, another term for a budgeted cost of work scheduled (BCWS) is _____ value.

a. Budgeted
b. Earned
c. Estimated
d. Planned

Answer 37

d. Planned

p 21-24

BCWS is also known as planned value.

Question 38

A ___ type of specification allows contractors to choose the materials and installation methods to provide the desired results.

a. Reference
b. Design-build
c. Descriptive
d. Performance

Answer 38

d. Performance

p 21-43

Performance—The focus is on results. Contractors can choose the materials and installation methods to provide the desired results.

Question 39

A ___ type of specification requirements are based on an established standard.

a. Reference
b. Design-build
c. Descriptive
d. Performance

Answer 39

a. Reference

p 21-43

Question 40

A _____ type scope of work (SoW) tells the contractor the objectives and parameters to be accomplished and the end goal or desired achievement.

a. Specification
b. Quality
c. Design
d. Performance

Answer 40

d. Performance

p 21-11

The performance type tells the contractor the objectives and parameters to be accomplished and the end goal or desired achievement. The contractor proposes how these objectives will be accomplished.

Question 41

In project management, _____ bids are used to develop cost and time estimates for work that requires special tools or skills.

a. Specialty
b. Parametric
c. Engineering
d. Subcontractor

Answer 41

d. Subcontractor

p 21-23

Subcontractor bids—Subcontractor bids are used to develop cost and time estimates for work that requires special tools or skills. The subcontractor will provide the client a price that will not be exceeded. This provides an option to use the subcontract or to perform the work.

Question 42

The Uniform Drawing System (UDS) specified in the United States National Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Standard is produced by the:

a. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
b. Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
c. American Institute of Architects (AIA)
d. National Institute of Building Services (NIBS)

Answer 42

b. Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)

p 21-48

NIBS wrote with introduction and is responsible for the administration and development of the CAD standard. AIA produces the CAD Layer Guidelines. CSI produced the Uniform Drawing System (UDS).

Question 43

A scope of work (SoW) is _____ that is used to establish requirements for the performance of work to achieve the project objectives.

a. A stand-alone document
b. Part of a request for proposal (RFP)

Answer 43

b. Part of a request for proposal (RFP)

p 21-9

The SoW is part of a RFP or RFQ.

A SoW is developed as a response to a statement of work provided by the client and establishes requirements for the performance of work to achieve the project objectives

Question 44

In the MasterFormat 2012 numbering system, the Communications division is located in the ___ Subgroup.

a. Site Services
b. Infrastructure Services
c. Site and Infrastructure
d. Facility Services

Answer 44

d. Facility Services

p 21-45 Table 21.1

Question 45

Which one of the following types of symbols in the United States National CAD Standard (NCS) is scale dependent?

a. Reference
b. Line
c. Identity
d. Template

Answer 45

d. Template

p 21-54

Template—Resemble the actual objects being symbolized. These symbols are scale dependent.

Question 46

MasterFormat uses a ___-digit format to represent ___ levels of hierarchy.

a. Nine; five
b. Six; three
c. Three; four
d. Three; three

Answer 46

b. Six; three

p 21-46

MasterFormat uses a six-digit format to represent three levels of hierarchy. An additional two levels are provided; the fourth is reserved for assignment by MasterFormat, and the fifth is open for user definition. The full five-level format is typically represented as:
11 22 33.44.55555

Question 47

The UDS, included with Version 6 if the NCS, includes _____ interrelated modules consisting of standards, guidelines, and other tools.

a. Nine
b. Eight
c. Seven
d. Six

Answer 47

b. Eight

p 21-50

Question 48

A fifth-level identifier in MasterFormat can consist of one to _____ entries.

a. Five alphanumeric
b. Five numeric
c. Four alphanumeric
d. Four numeric

Answer 48

a. Five alphanumeric

p 21-46

Levels one through four are represented by a digit between 0 and 9, whereas level five can be a combination of one to five alphanumeric entries (a-z, 9-9)

Question 49

In the design-bid-build (DBB) project delivery method, the design professionals generally work directly for the:

a. Architect
b. Consultant
c. Contractor
d. Owner

Answer 49

d. Owner

p 21-37

Question 50

Within the ten telecommunications project management (TPM) knowledge areas, calculation of the critical path of events on the project is covered under _____ management.

a. Resource
b. Time
c. Scope
d. Integration

Answer 50

b. Time

p 21-7

Time management of a project covers time estimates and schedules. It includes the integration of time schedules from various subteams and calculation of the critical path of events on the project.

Question 51

Which one of the following project management tools uses network diagrams to identify the chain of events that take the longest time to complete on projects?

a. Gantt chart
b. Earned value (EV) method
c. Critical path method (CPM)
d. Program evaluation and review technique (PERT)

Answer 51

c. Critical path method (CPM)

p 21-21

CPM uses a similar network diagram by identifying the chain of events that take the longest time to complete on the project. The end date of the project is determined and identified as the critical path.

Question 52

Which is NOT true about conformance quality?

a. It focuses on physical quality.
b. It involves evaluating customer satisfaction.
c. It requires work force training.
d. It includes inspections of work

Answer 52

b. It involves evaluating customer satisfaction.

p 21-25

Conformance quality—The first step in the quality evolution was called conformance, which focused on physical quality (e.g., neatness, test results). This step is still important and requires workforce training and quality inspections of the work. It follows the principle of plan, do, check, and act.

Question 53

Which of the following does NOT describe one of the four main types of specifications?

a. Based on an established standard
b. Focused on exact properties and installation methods
c. Calling out brand names and models
d. Listing maximum acceptable performance

Answer 53

d. Listing maximum acceptable performance

p 21-43

Question 54

Which is NOT a type of contract?

a. Contractor submits a fixed price for the SOW
b. Contractor is reimbursed for actual costs plus a fee
c. Unit price is used because the SOW cannot be determined prior to bid
d. Mediation panel assigns a fair price based on work completed

Answer 54

d. Mediation panel assigns a fair price based on work completed

p 21-40

Question 55

In project estimation, another term for a budgeted cost of work performed (BCWP) is _____ value.

a. Budgeted
b. Earned
c. Estimated
d. Planned

Answer 55

b. Earned

p 21-24

Earned value occurs as work is performed. As each task is completed, the budgeted amount is accumulated similar to the BCWS, but is called the BCWP.