International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of project support services?

1. They are specific to individual projects

2. They are functions provided by permanent organizations

3. They aim to simplify project execution

4. They are often routine and repetitive

The correct answer is: They are often routine and repetitive

The reasoning behind identifying the option regarding routine and repetitive nature as not a characteristic of project support services is important for understanding the role these services play in project management. Project support services are designed to provide assistance tailored to the unique requirements of individual projects. They focus on simplifying and facilitating specific project processes, which often involve dynamic and varied tasks rather than routine operations. The support services provided are integral to project execution and are customized based on the needs of the project, which contrasts with the idea of being routine or repetitive. This custom nature serves to address the fluctuating challenges and requirements that arise during a project’s lifecycle, thereby ensuring that project teams can effectively manage resources and timelines. Additionally, project support services emerge from functions within permanent organizations, meaning that they are established roles rather than temporary solutions. Their primary objective is to promote efficiency and effectiveness in project execution, distinguishing their support from routine tasks that do not change from project to project. All of these factors affirm that project support services are inherently specific and adaptive to the context of individual projects.