PMI Risk Management Professional Practice Exam

Which factors are considered to be true and can significantly influence project planning?

1. Constraints

2. Assumptions

3. Deliverables

4. Milestones

The correct answer is: Assumptions

The factors that can significantly influence project planning are assumptions. Assumptions are statements that are accepted as true for the purpose of planning, even though they may not be verified. They form the foundation upon which project plans are built. When project managers identify and document assumptions, they help in assessing risks and in making informed decisions regarding resource allocation, scheduling, and budgeting. For instance, if a project assumes that certain resources will be available, this impacts planning related to timelines and costs. When those assumptions are validated, they can provide a clearer picture of project feasibility. However, if assumptions turn out to be inaccurate during execution, they can lead to significant risks and potential project failure, underscoring their critical role in the planning phase. Constraints, while also important, refer to limitations or restrictions that can impact project execution, such as budget constraints or resource availability. Deliverables are the tangible or intangible products that must be produced to complete a project, and milestones are significant points in time that mark the completion of major phases. Though these elements are essential for project management, they do not serve as foundational influences on planning in the same way that assumptions do.