ITIL 4 Foundation Practice Exam

Which factor is essential for achieving intended results in a project or process?

1. Team collaboration

2. Critical success factor (CSF)

3. Regular monitoring

4. Resource availability

The correct answer is: Critical success factor (CSF)

The essential factor for achieving intended results in a project or process is the Critical Success Factor (CSF). CSFs are specific conditions or elements that must be in place for a project to be successful. They align directly with the strategic goals of the organization and help in determining what needs to be focused on in order to achieve the desired outcomes. Identifying and managing these factors enables teams to prioritize their efforts on elements that will have the most significant impact on success. While team collaboration, regular monitoring, and resource availability are all important components of successful project management, they generally serve as means to support the broader goal defined by the CSFs. Without first establishing what the critical success factors are, the effectiveness of collaboration, monitoring, and resource allocation may be diminished, as they might not be aligned with the project's overall objectives. Thus, CSFs play a foundational role in ensuring that all activities are directed towards achieving the intended results.