International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not part of product-scope?

1. Cost

2. Functionality

3. Features

4. Characteristics

The correct answer is: Cost

In the context of project management, particularly when discussing product scope, it is crucial to understand the elements that define the product's attributes. Product scope refers to the specific characteristics and functionalities that a product must deliver. Functionality, features, and characteristics are all integral elements of product scope. Functionality defines what the product can do, features describe specific attributes or functions that the product has, and characteristics encompass the qualities of the product that meet stakeholder requirements or expectations. On the other hand, cost is not considered a component of product scope. Cost refers to the financial resources required to produce the product or complete the project, which falls under project scope management, specifically concerning budgeting and financial planning. Cost considerations are essential for project management but do not define what the product itself is or what it delivers. Thus, identifying cost as not part of the product scope is correct, as it pertains more to project execution and resource management rather than the product's actual characteristics and functionalities.