PRINCE2-PRACTITIONER practice question 11 of 35

Scenario Additional Information During the initiation stage the Project Manager met with the Marketing Director to find out more about the…

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Domain Apply and tailor the PRINCE2 processes in context

Scenario Additional Information During the initiation stage the Project Manager met with the Marketing Director to find out more about the requirements of the promotional calendar and recorded the following notes: There has been a reduction in the order numbers at the MNO Manufacturing due in part to the increased marketing activities of its competitors. 10% of customers have not re-ordered in this financial year and staff morale is poor. A number of skilled staff have left as a result and replacement staff have not been recruited due to the reduced operation. If the project is successful, a recruitment campaign will be required to fill the existing staff vacancies and there may be a requirement for additional staff. Operational costs are likely to increase because skilled staff are expensive and difficult to find. In financial terms, there were a total of 1,500 orders in the last financial year, each with an average profit of £2k. The Marketing department believes that sending a promotional calendar to our current and prospective customers would increase orders by at least 10% with a minimum of 10 further orders from the list of prospective customers within 12 months from the date of distribution. The Marketing Director will be funding the project from the business marketing budget. She believes that the effect of a good company image portrayed by a successful calendar would last into a second year. She has forecast the same increase in orders for a second year and predicts that the annual employee satisfaction survey will show a measurable improvement in staff morale. A number of alternatives were explored, including: 20% discount for all repeat customers - not cost-effective and very short term A promotional calendar as a free Christmas gift - would target current and prospective customers and the benefits would last into a second year A series of television and press advertisements was too expensive A direct mail shot to all customers - benefit would be short term Creation of an internet website - would not suit all customers The calendar is seen as the favored option, as long as the company's competitors do not increase their marketing activity. Whilst the Marketing department wants a very high quality, glossy product, the project management team must be aware of the cost this will incur. Using the Project Scenario and the additional Information provided for this question In the Scenario Booklet, answer the following question. Which 2 statements correctly define a Business Case risk which should be recorded under the Major risks heading?
Answer options
A: Operational costs will increase as a result of the recruitment campaign.
B: The prepared calendar pack is to be delivered to the printers by the first week in December.
C: If the calendar quality is poor customers will not use it, creating the reverse effect and reducing orders further. Correct answer
D: If any competitors launch a calendar at the same time this will reduce the impact of the MNO calendar and benefits will be reduced. Correct answer
E: Staff morale will improve as a result of the promotional calendar.
Correct Answer:
C. If the calendar quality is poor customers will not use it, creating the reverse effect and reducing orders further.; D. If any competitors launch a calendar at the same time this will reduce the impact of the MNO calendar and benefits will be reduced.
Explanation

A Business Case risk is an uncertain event that, if it occurs, would threaten the project's viability and the achievement of its benefits. The Business Case for this project is justified by the expected increase in customer orders.
Option C describes the risk that poor quality could lead to a reduction in orders, directly undermining the project's primary benefit and business justification.
Option D addresses a key assumption mentioned in the scenario. If competitors increase their marketing activity, the project's benefits will be reduced, which directly threatens the viability of the Business Case. Both are significant threats to the project's core objectives and would be classified as major risks.

Why Incorrect

A. This is a dis-benefit or a follow-on cost resulting from the project's success, not an uncertain event (risk). It should be factored into the Business Case calculations.
B. This is a project requirement or milestone. The associated risk would be the failure to meet this deadline, but the statement itself is not a risk.
E. This is a stated project benefit. The corresponding risk would be the failure to improve staff morale, but the statement as written is a positive outcome.

References

1. AXELOS

"Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® 2017 Edition"

The Stationery Office.

Section 10.1

p. 127: Defines a risk as "an uncertain event or set of events that

should it occur

will have an effect on the achievement of objectives." This supports why options B and E are incorrect as they are not framed as uncertain events.

Section 6.1

p. 31: The purpose of the Business Case theme is "to establish mechanisms to judge whether the project is (and remains) desirable

viable and achievable as a means to support decision-making". Risks C and D directly threaten the project's desirability and viability.

Section 6.2.1

p. 32: The Business Case must document the justifiable reasons for the project. It must also include the major risks. Options C and D are major risks to the justification.

Section 6.3.3

p. 35: Defines a dis-benefit as "an outcome that is perceived as negative by one or more stakeholders." The increased operational cost (Option A) is a dis-benefit

not a risk.

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