L6M5 Strategic Programme Leadership Questions and Answers

Improved performance, increased productivity, and higher retention are benefits of a positive work culture.

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Prince2 has a defined "Closing a Project" phase (p.136).

Monte Carlo (A) relates to risk analysis.

Critical Path (B) maps dependencies but does not specify closure.

MRP (C) is used for inventory planning. [P.136]

The team focuses on product quality and cost reduction, which defines Value Engineering (p.2.1).

Option A (CPA) is a scheduling tool.

Option C (Negotiation) focuses on contracts, not product quality.

Option D (SCM) is supply chain optimization, not product design. [P.2.1]

Negative Power (p.199) refers to individuals obstructing progress in an organization.

Dismissive (A) means ignoring opinions.

Contrary (B) and Pessimistic (C) do not refer to organizational influence. [P.199]

The structure is centred around the CEO’s authoritative style, which is indicative of a power-based structure.

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The next stage after a business justification is a Feasibility Study (p.18-19). This assesses financial viability and risks before moving forward. Concept design and project brief come after feasibility, and the construction manager is appointed much later in the process. [P.18-19]

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Project 1 - Full Turnkey & Top-down Pricing

The project is a full turnkey contract because XYZ is responsible for both design and construction, and ownership is transferred to the client upon completion.

The pricing mechanism is top-down, as it is determined based on past experience of similar projects.

Project 2 - Design and Operate & Rolling Pricing

This is a design and operate contract since XYZ is managing the facility for 6 years after construction.

The rolling pricing mechanism applies because the budget changes continuously over the years due to industry volatility.

Project 3 - Management Contracting & Zero Pricing

Management contracting applies because XYZ was involved early but does not carry design risk.

The pricing mechanism is zero, meaning the budget resets at the beginning of each new accounting period.

Project 4 - Partial Turnkey & Activity-Based Pricing

This is a partial turnkey contract because XYZ is responsible for only certain aspects of the design and build, while another contractor is also involved.

Activity-based pricing is used since XYZ is paid upon milestone completion.

Project 5 - Design Build Operate and Ownership & Bottom-up Pricing

This project follows a Design Build Operate and Ownership (DBOO) model because XYZ is responsible for construction and will operate the toll bridge for 6 years before transferring full control.

The pricing is bottom-up, as it includes raw materials, labor costs, and a profit margin.

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Project 1 - Parametric & Positional Power

Parametric estimation uses an algorithm based on existing data to estimate project costs.

Positional power applies because the leader is the founder of the organisation.

Project 2 - Analogous & Expert Power

Analogous estimation uses historical project data to estimate costs, aligning with the Head of R&D using past projects.

Expert power applies since the project lead is a PhD-qualified Data Scientist.

Project 3 - Bottom-up & Positional Power

Bottom-up estimation involves creating a Bill of Materials and summing up individual costs, which matches this project.

Positional power applies because the project leader is a key stakeholder.

Project 4 - 3-Point Estimate & Negative Power

3-Point Estimation calculates the best, worst, and most likely cost scenarios, matching the given description.

Negative power applies because the leader has the authority to cancel the project at any time.

Project 5 - Expert Judgement & Personal Power

Expert Judgement applies because the leader used his own research to determine the budget.

Personal power applies because the project leader is well-liked and selected a team he is comfortable with.

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Project 1 - NEC & Target Costing

NEC (New Engineering Contract) is used in public sector projects because of its flexibility and collaborative nature.

The Target Costing pricing mechanism is used, as cost savings are shared between the client and the contractor.

Project 2 - FIDIC & Fixed Lump Sum

FIDIC (Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils) is known as the "Rainbow Suite", which is rigid and does not allow changes.

The Fixed Lump Sum pricing mechanism applies since the price was set at contract signing.

Project 3 - Joint Venture Contract & Bill of Quantities

Joint Venture Contracts are commonly used in international construction projects, such as wind turbine projects.

Bill of Quantities pricing applies since the cost is calculated per unit (each wind turbine).

Project 4 - JCT & Cost Reimbursable

JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) is the most popular contract type in the construction industry, and it includes a Contract Administrator.

The Cost Reimbursable pricing mechanism is used because costs are shared plus a profit margin.

Project 5 - IMechE & Activity-Based Pricing

IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers) is used for ICT and engineering-related projects.

Activity-Based Pricing applies because payments are milestone-based.