Six Sigma Global Institute (SSGI) Project Management Professional Certification Practice Exam

What is the difference between needs and wants in project management?

1. Needs are temporary; wants are permanent

2. Needs refer to what is essential, while wants are desires

3. Needs can be ignored; wants must be fulfilled

4. Needs are external; wants are internal

The correct answer is: Needs refer to what is essential, while wants are desires

In project management, the distinction between needs and wants is fundamental to understanding stakeholder requirements and project objectives. Needs are the essential criteria required for a project to be deemed successful. They represent the mandatory elements that must be addressed to achieve project goals and satisfy stakeholders. For instance, in a software development project, a need might be the functionality that allows users to login securely, as this is critical for the application’s success and user trust. Wants, on the other hand, represent desires or preferences that stakeholders might have, but are not critical for the project's success. These could include aesthetic enhancements or additional features that can enhance user experience but are not necessary for the core project deliverables. For example, stakeholders might want a visually appealing user interface that incorporates certain design trends, which can enhance the product but are not essential to its core functionality. Recognizing the difference between these two concepts helps project managers prioritize their efforts, ensuring that essential needs are met first before addressing wants, which can sometimes be deprioritized if resource constraints arise. This understanding contributes to effective project scope management and keeps projects aligned with overall objectives while managing stakeholder expectations.