International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

In identifying possible solutions to problems, which action should be avoided?

1. Involve only those team members with relevant expertise

2. Stimulate as many ideas as possible

3. Define metrics to evaluate the merits of ideas

4. Rely as much on intuition as on logic

The correct answer is: Involve only those team members with relevant expertise

The reasoning behind avoiding the involvement of only those team members with relevant expertise is that it can limit the diversity of perspectives and ideas. In project management, problems often require innovative solutions that can benefit from a wide range of viewpoints, experiences, and creativity. By incorporating only those with specific expertise, the team may miss out on valuable insights from other members who may contribute different yet relevant angles to the problem at hand. Encouraging the participation of a broader set of individuals promotes a more collaborative environment that can lead to more comprehensive and creative solutions. This diversity can also foster a culture of inclusivity and team cohesion, essential for successful project outcomes. In contrast, generating a multitude of ideas and defining clear metrics for evaluating them are both crucial for effective problem-solving. Relying on intuition alongside logical reasoning can also be beneficial, as it allows decision-makers to balance analytical thinking with instinctual insights that might arise from experience or creativity. Thus, focusing solely on a narrow subset of expertise is counterproductive in a dynamic and complex project environment.