L5M8 Sample exam

✅ Correct Answer: Planning

Explanation:
The planning phase involves developing scope, objectives, budgets, schedules, and sourcing strategies. It sets the foundation for execution.

Why the other options are wrong:
❌ Initiation – focuses on feasibility and authorisation, not detailed scope and plans.
❌ Execution – is when project work is carried out, not when planning occurs.
❌ Closure – finalises deliverables, reports, and lessons learned.

🧠 Summary: Planning defines the how, when, and what of a project before execution.
📖 Source: CIPS L5M8 Study Guide – Project life cycle (pp. 22–28).

✅ Correct Answer: Schedule Variance (SV)

Explanation:
Schedule Variance (SV) compares earned value (EV) to planned value (PV) to show whether a project is ahead or behind schedule.

Why the other options are wrong:
❌ CPI – measures cost efficiency, not time.
❌ ROI – evaluates financial return, not project progress.
❌ NPV – assesses long-term financial value, not project execution.

🧠 Summary: SV indicates whether the project is on track with time.
📖 Source: CIPS L5M8 Study Guide – Project monitoring & control (pp. 68–73).

✅ Correct Answer: Unfreeze

Explanation:
Lewin’s Three-Step Model begins with unfreezing, which prepares people for change by challenging existing behaviours and mindsets.

Why the other options are wrong:
❌ Change – happens after readiness is created.
❌ Refreeze – embeds the new practices into culture.
❌ Reinforce – is part of ADKAR, not Lewin’s model.

🧠 Summary: Change starts with unfreezing current behaviours to build readiness.
📖 Source: CIPS L5M8 Study Guide – Change models (pp. 78–83).

✅ Correct Answer: Stage-gate reviews

Explanation:
Stage-gate reviews assess project progress at checkpoints, ensuring objectives and scope are controlled before advancing.

Why the other options are wrong:
❌ Critical Path Method – tracks scheduling, not scope creep.
❌ Value stream mapping – is a lean tool for waste reduction.
❌ Force field analysis – analyses forces for/against change, not scope control.

🧠 Summary: Stage-gates prevent uncontrolled changes and manage scope creep.
📖 Source: CIPS L5M8 Study Guide – Governance and control (pp. 60–65).

✅ Correct Answer: Mendelow’s Matrix

Explanation:
Mendelow’s Matrix maps stakeholders based on power (influence) and interest, helping managers decide how to communicate and involve them.

Why the other options are wrong:
❌ RACI chart – defines roles and responsibilities.
❌ SWOT – analyses strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats.
❌ Porter’s Five Forces – examines industry competition, not stakeholder power.

🧠 Summary: Mendelow’s Matrix ensures stakeholder engagement is prioritised strategically.
📖 Source: CIPS L5M8 Study Guide – Stakeholder analysis (pp. 42–46).