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PMP lesson · Closing & Integration · Case studies (2026 exam format) · lesson 1 of 2 · about 12 minutes

Case study 1: the robot cell project (predictive / hybrid)

Predictive and hybridFree preview
Goal: After this case you can work through a multi-exhibit question set the way the 2026 exam presents it: read the questions, find the right exhibit, apply the concept.

1The situation

The situation

You are the project manager for an eight-month robot cell project for a packaging customer. The hardware follows a predictive plan with FAT and SAT milestones; the HMI software is developed in sprints.

It is month 6. You have four exhibits on your desk: the earned value report, an email from the customer, an extract from the risk register and this week's site update.

Answer the four exam questions below, using the exhibits. Each question depends mainly on one exhibit.

2How to work through a case study

Read the questions first, then the exhibits. You'll know what to look for.

One fact per question: each question usually depends on one exhibit. Find it; ignore the rest.

Watch the numbers: write the key values down (PV, EV, AC, dates).

Apply the PMI mindset: assess before acting, follow the process, collaborate, be honest.

In the 2026 exam, case studies combine several exhibits (emails, tables, charts) with several questions. Read the questions first.

3The exhibits

Exhibit A · Earned value report (month 6)

BAC$1,200,000
PV$600,000
EV$540,000
AC$630,000

Note: the overrun comes mainly from repeated rework on welded frames; the cause has not been removed.

Exhibit B · Email from the customer

From: Operations Director
Subject: One more thing

Given our long relationship, please add an automatic label-printing station to the cell as a goodwill gesture. It should be easy for your team. We need it at go-live.

Exhibit C · Risk register extract

R-08Certified welder shortage
TriggerMore than 2 welders unavailable in any week
ResponseContingent: engage pre-approved subcontractor WeldPro (sponsor-approved)
OwnerFabrication lead

Exhibit D · Site update (week 27)

Three of the five certified welders will be unavailable next week (two sick, one family emergency). Frame fabrication is on the critical path.

Use these four exhibits to answer the exam questions below.

4How it looks on the exam

Exam-style question 1. Using Exhibit A, which statement BEST describes the project's status at month 6?
A. Ahead of schedule and under budget
B. Behind schedule and over budget
C. On schedule and over budget
D. Behind schedule and under budget
Show the answer and the decode
Answer: B.
In simple English
Read PV, EV and AC from Exhibit A.
What is the question really asking?
Schedule and cost status.
Key words / trigger
“PV $600,000 · EV $540,000 · AC $630,000”
PMP logic
SPI = 540 ÷ 600 = 0.90 (behind). CPI = 540 ÷ 630 ≈ 0.86 (over budget).
Why the wrong answer looks attractive
Comparing PV and AC suggests only a small overrun; EV tells the real story.

5Remember this

Your memory card

  • Read the questions first, then find the exhibit for each
  • Write down key numbers; compare against EV
  • Use the exhibit's wording (“cause not removed”, “pre-approved”) to pick the concept
  • Apply the mindset: analyse, follow the process, act on plans
The full lesson in the PMCLEAR app also has:
  • a worked example
  • the common traps (wrong vs right)
  • 4 exam-style questions with the decode
  • a 3-question quick check
Open the full lesson → Create a free account
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