Generally, people tend to score higher when they self-critique themselves. Four steps were
taken to collect more accurate data. First, there was a thorough pre-screening process to
choose participating companies. Companies were carefully recruited and selected that are
willing to share their current PM knowledge and performance data.
Second, we stressed to each company’s respondent how important is was to be candid. A
major point of persuasion was that it was in their own best interests to respond honestly
because that was how they could best learn about their practices vis a vis other firms.
Third, any unclear questions or concepts were discussed with the researchers at the
organization’s request. Effort has been made to understand all 148 questions in the (PM)2
Assessment Questionnaire easily. Also, a Glossary section was provided to explain and to
clarify any unfamiliar concepts or terminology used in the questionnaire.
Lastly, the Berkeley researchers reviewed the completed questionnaires with a number of the
companies, typically with in-depth telephone interviews. Though these four actions cannot
guarantee perfection, the research team does believe that reasonably accurate information was
collected.
Another issue was that there were questions that required several project managers’ knowledge
to answer. For example, suggestions were made in the (PM)2
Assessment Questionnaire to
encourage asking several people in the organization to respond jointly, if possible. This enabled
collection of collaborative and self-critiquing information, which the firms generally found to be a
valuable exercise. Typically, 6-8 person-hours were required from each company to compile
the information requested.