Project Management Institute (PMI) Professional in Business Analysis Practice Exam

What is the main function of an Affinity Diagram in a project?

1. To measure project timelines

2. To classify large numbers of ideas into groups

3. To evaluate project costs

4. To determine team roles and responsibilities

The correct answer is: To classify large numbers of ideas into groups

The primary function of an Affinity Diagram is to classify large numbers of ideas into groups based on their natural relationships. This tool is particularly useful in the early stages of a project when brainstorming sessions generate a vast array of ideas or issues. By organizing these thoughts into categories, team members can better visualize connections, prioritize topics, and identify underlying themes. This process encourages collaboration and creativity, allowing for a more thorough exploration of concepts, which ultimately contributes to clearer understanding and improved decision-making. The relevance of the other options lies in their distinct applications. Measuring project timelines pertains more to scheduling tools and techniques, evaluating project costs focuses on financial assessments, and determining team roles and responsibilities involves resource management and organizational structures. While each of these plays a critical role in project management, none encapsulate the specific purpose of an Affinity Diagram as effectively as the classification of ideas into coherent groups.