PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

How does a scatter diagram function in project management?

1. It helps visualize project timelines

2. It illustrates costs associated with project activities

3. It depicts the correlation between two variables

4. It summarizes resource allocation

The correct answer is: It depicts the correlation between two variables

A scatter diagram, often used in project management for data analysis, effectively illustrates the correlation between two variables. By plotting data points on a two-dimensional graph, where one variable is represented along the x-axis and the other along the y-axis, project managers can visually assess relationships and trends between these variables. This can be valuable for identifying potential patterns, such as how changes in one factor may influence another. For instance, a scatter diagram could reveal the relationship between the number of hours worked on a project and the resultant quality of the output, helping project managers make informed decisions based on observed correlations. Understanding these relationships can guide resource allocation, scheduling, and risk management efforts, ultimately leading to a more efficient project execution. The other choices, while relevant to project management, do not accurately describe the primary function of a scatter diagram. Visualizing project timelines relates more to Gantt charts or network diagrams. Illustrating costs is associated with cost management tools, while summarizing resource allocation corresponds to resource histograms or similar reporting methods. Thus, the unique capability of the scatter diagram to depict correlations makes it a critical tool in the analysis and management of project variables.