APMG-International AgilePM-Practitioner Exam Questions

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

This question uses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) framework. The behavior described aligns most closely with the Judging preference, which is associated with organization, structure, and a desire for clear plans and deadlines.

1. Why the Answer is Judging (C):

The Legal Specialist is focused on establishing deadlines and ensuring their input is scheduled. These traits are characteristic of the Judging preference.

People with a Judging preference prefer:

Planning and structure.

Clarity in schedules and deadlines.

Order and predictability in tasks.

Pressing for specific deadlines and schedules reflects a strong inclination toward structured, organized work.

2. Analysis of Other Options:

Option A: Thinking

The Thinking preference is about decision-making based on logic and objectivity. While the Legal Specialist's assessment of contract impacts involves analysis, their behavior in this scenario focuses on planning and organization rather than logical evaluation.

Eliminate.

Option B: Feeling

The Feeling preference relates to decision-making based on empathy and values. This behavior is not motivated by emotional considerations or interpersonal dynamics but by a focus on task management and structure.

Eliminate.

Option D: Perceiving

The Perceiving preference is characterized by flexibility, adaptability, and a preference for keeping options open. The Legal Specialist's push for deadlines and structure contrasts with the more fluid, spontaneous approach associated with Perceiving.

Eliminate.

3. Practical Example of Judging Behavior:

A Judging individual might request a clear project timeline with milestone dates to ensure they can prioritize their work effectively. They value predictability and dislike ambiguity, which aligns with the described behavior of the Legal Specialist.

4. Reference to MBTI:

Judging (J):

Focuses on order, structure, and planned decision-making.

Prefers defined timelines and organized approaches to work.

Perceiving (P):

Prefers flexibility, spontaneity, and keeping options open.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation

The size and scope of a change agent network must be tailored to the needs of the specific workstream it is supporting. In the case of the Operational delivery processes workstream, the focus is on integrating systems and processes across both the UniCo and Selco locations.

1. Why C (Agents Covering Both Applications and IT Support) is Correct

Broad Coverage: Selecting change agents from both the Applications and IT Support areas ensures that the network addresses the full range of changes required, including technical systems, applications, and IT processes.

Dual Location Focus: The operational delivery workstream spans both the UniCo and Selco locations. Having representation from both locations ensures that changes are implemented effectively and address the unique challenges of each site.

Balance of Expertise: IT Support staff are critical for process-related changes, while Applications staff bring expertise in mobile application development, which aligns with UniCo's strategic goals.

2. Analysis of Incorrect Options

Option A (Assign Two Agents):

Assigning only two change agents is overly restrictive and would not provide sufficient coverage for a large-scale integration of operational processes across multiple departments and locations.

Eliminate.

Option B (Recruit Mainly IT Support Staff):

While IT Support staff are experiencing significant changes, focusing solely on this group excludes other important areas, such as Applications, which are critical to UniCo's strategy of integrating mobile applications.

Eliminate.

Option D (Involve Only Selco Staff):

Although Selco staff bring valuable expertise in mobile applications, relying exclusively on them could alienate UniCo staff and hinder buy-in for the change. A balanced network incorporating both UniCo and Selco staff is more effective.

Eliminate.

3. Practical Implications

Selecting change agents from both Applications and IT Support ensures that the network is comprehensive and aligned with the goals of the operational delivery processes workstream.

This approach also promotes collaboration between UniCo and Selco staff, which is essential for successful integration and cultural alignment.

A . Yes, because the new requirement needs to be understood, built and delivered in this Timebox.

Rationale:

Agile Project Management is adaptable to changes, even late in the development process. The introduction of a new Health and Safety requirement, such as wheelchair access, which is a legal and must-have requirement, needs to be incorporated into the project as soon as it is identified. Working with the Local Planning Authority Officer to define acceptance criteria ensures that the requirement is clearly understood and that the solution developed meets the necessary legal standards. This approach ensures that the team can immediately address the new requirement and integrate it into the current work cycle, aligning with Agile's principle of welcoming changing requirements, even late in development, for the customer's competitive advantage.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Analysis of the Scenario: The staff members are experiencing change fatigue due to the overwhelming number of adjustments in systems, processes, and technical knowledge. This fatigue often arises during significant organizational transformations like the one UniCo is undergoing, where staff members feel unprepared or unsupported to handle multiple changes.

Agile Project Management (AgilePM) emphasizes adaptive change management, where incremental changes are planned and staff are supported throughout transitions. The Agile approach also recommends prioritizing manageable changes to prevent burnout.

2. Option Evaluation:

Reference from AgilePM: Agile emphasizes incremental delivery and the need to protect stability where possible during change efforts. This is key to balancing innovation with operational continuity.

Why Correct: This approach reduces unnecessary change and helps staff focus on priority areas, reducing resistance and fatigue.

Why Incorrect: AgilePM advocates for team empowerment and reducing pressure during resistance phases. Adding personal targets does not address the root cause of change fatigue.

Why Incorrect: AgilePM encourages collaboration and engagement rather than sidelining staff during organizational changes.

Reference from AgilePM: The iterative and incremental approach in Agile ensures that teams manage workload effectively while focusing on high-priority changes.

Why Correct: Limiting and organizing changes into related areas ensures clarity, reduces cognitive load, and builds confidence among the sales staff.

Why Incorrect: Although AgilePM emphasizes transparency, this approach does not mitigate the resistance caused by change overload.

3. Final Recommendation:

Correct Actions: A and D effectively address the root causes of resistance (overwhelm and fatigue) by maintaining stability where possible and grouping related changes into iterations.

These solutions align with AgilePM's focus on iterative change, manageable workloads, and staff engagement.

Incorrect Actions (B, C, E): These options either fail to address the root problem or risk disengagement further.

AgilePM Practitioner Guide, Chapter on Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Change.

AgilePM Principles: Incremental Delivery and Focus on the Business Need.

Agile Change Management Strategies for Overcoming Resistance.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Context from the UniCo Scenario:

In a major organizational change like this, active staff involvement is critical to ensure alignment, engagement, and buy-in. Staff members' questions about skill development and project assignments indicate that they are invested in the success of the change but need direction and inclusion. Effective responses should empower leadership to address these concerns while fostering collaboration and clarity.

Analysis of Each Option: