PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a configuration management system?

1. To track project financials

2. To monitor and control changes to project artifacts

3. To evaluate project performance

4. To manage stakeholder communication

The correct answer is: To monitor and control changes to project artifacts

The purpose of a configuration management system is to monitor and control changes to project artifacts. This involves systematically managing the various elements of a project, including documents, deliverables, and any changes that occur throughout the project lifecycle. By effectively tracking these changes, the configuration management system enables project managers and teams to maintain an accurate picture of the project's status, ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page, and prevent unauthorized changes that could affect the project's integrity. Tracking changes to project artifacts is essential for maintaining cohesion and coherence within project management. It helps in identifying what changes were made, why they were made, and when they were implemented, thus allowing for better decision-making and impact assessment. As a result, it serves as a crucial tool for project teams in managing potential risks and ensuring that the project meets its objectives. In contrast, tracking project financials, evaluating performance, and managing stakeholder communication are all critical aspects of project management but do not directly relate to the specific function of a configuration management system. These elements serve different objectives within the overall framework of project management, thus distinguishing their roles from that of a configuration management system.