Hi A very good answer for the first four, ten more like this and you will pass Always think about the impact on 1) Time 2) Cost 3) Quality 4) Team motivation 5) Safety generally you can build a question around these five elements for most of the questions like this.

Spot-on more is better. You are also right as describe is only 2 sentences, however your answer only has one sentence. I always recommend 2-3 sentences, including if at all possible an example, for both describe and explain. Seems to work as quite often we get 100% pass rates. Ping over another question and I will take a look.

Cost effective mean that a safe working environment is less likely to result in accidents and near misses. Accidents are expensive in terms of time lost, time spent investigating the causes not to mention the cost of prosecution. It is much better to set up a safe working environment from the start. There is a better answer to this question here http://www.parallelprojecttraining.com/community/study-groups/viewdiscussion/47-weekend-homework-for-those-preparing-the-the-apmp-exam-describe-five-health-and-safety-duties-of-a-project-manager?groupid=2

Paul, Thanks for that.

Mike Not bad but here are a few improvements to your answer. 1. One advantage of EVM is it allows the performance to be assesses against the baseline. This is done by converting the plan, progress and cost into a common currency. EVM gives an overall view of the project performance based on the value of useful work done at that point in time, relative to the baseline cost/programme. For example if the package is 10% complete, compared to a planed completion of 40% and spent 50% of the budget this is bad news – as we are likely to overspend. 2.One disadvantage of EVM is that the assessment of the useful work done is usually based on the percentage complete of an activity. This exercise is subjective and can lead to potential errors in the EVM analysis. For example the old adage in IT that the source code is 90% complete for 90% of the time. 3.One dis-advantage of EVM is the additional set-up work. To allow earned value analysis to be undertaken the baseline schedule needs to be constructed in an appropriate way to judgement of cost and budget against. This can often involve additional work to develop the project schedule to a point at which the information/detail is appropriate to be used by the process. 4.On major advantage of EVM is the ability to produce accurate forecasts. The Earned Value analysis generation of Schedule and Cost Performance Indices (SPI/CPI). These indices can be used to extrapolate the Estimate At Completion (EAC) and Planned Completion based on current project performance. Often these can give a good inform the assessments made by the project manager. 5.EVM can be useful when planning resources. The use of EVM outputs can allow the Project or Programme manager to identify projects or programmes that are underperforming or over-performing. As a result they can manage or re-allocate resources to help bring the project back on track. For example reassign resource on a project that is well ahead of programme to help manage project that is late and under spent.

The use of project planning software is widespread through the Project Management community. A number of the advantages and disadvantages are discussed below: 1.Flexibility. The functionality and flexibility provided by modern planning software means it is easy to use. This allows the planner/project manager to undertake ‘what-if’ or scenario based models and look at the effects on the critical path and activity float. 2.Reduced costs. The ease of use mean that less time is required to create the project plan. The software will run the forward and backward passes quickly and allow flagging of errors in the logic. 3.Ongoing update and monitoring. The approach to capture of the Gant Chart allows the project programme to be updated regularly and capture costs so that it can be used to track progress against baseline and calculate EVM. 4.Dumbing down. The ease of use and access provided to multiple users can dumb down the activity of planning. The risk is that it becomes a tick box exercise and does not generate the value for the Project Manager of physically examining the critical path and float in detail. 5.Authoritative appearance. The links of modern planning software into corporate databases and reporting can make the planning process appear authoritative and controlling. The risk is that this again drives a tick box process and is used to judge the project not manage it.

Health, Safety & Environment is a core duty of the project manager. Requirements are driven by corporate governance and legislation such as the Health & Safety at work act 1974 and CDM (Construction, Design and Management) regulations. This is governed by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) within the UK. Five Key duties of the project manager include: 1.Ensuring there is a Health, Safety & Environmental plan in place on the project. This will often form part of the Project Management Plan. This document will describe how the process will be managed, who is involved, training requirements, tool to be used and how it incidents/accidents (RIDDORs) will be reported. 2.Ensure appropriate Risk Assessments are undertaken on the project. Undertaking risk assessments allows those at work to be aware of risks to themselves and those in proximity to their works and hence to ensure proper control or mitigation actions are in place. Risk assessments may include Display Equipment/ Workstation assessment or part of construction site Method Statements. 3.Ensuring proper and appropriate training is in place and undertaken. This allows those at work to become aware of the hazards around them and what they should/need do to protect themselves and others. 4.Ensure appropriate Protective Equipment is provided. This is to protect individuals from hazards that may be present. For example construction site works will wear a hard hat, eye protection, gloves and high visibility clothing (Hi-Vi). 5.Ensure that Health, Safety and Environment reporting is open and honest. For example reporting near ‘misses’ and incidents from the ‘grass roots’ level. This allows behaviours and improvements to be put in place within the project.

Thanks for the feedback, I am glad you like the pod casts. They are quite good at covering the topic in more detail. I know we didn't do every topic, some are a bit difficult in this format. We also have been a bit busy recently. May be I can get John and me around the microphone soon. What topic would you like the most.