PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

A control chart is a statistical tool used to monitor and control a process over time. Its primary purpose is to determine whether a process is in a state of control, meaning it is stable and predictable. The chart displays data points in time order and includes control limits, which represent the expected variation in the process. If the data points fall within these control limits, the process is considered stable; if they fall outside, it indicates potential issues that need to be addressed.

This characteristic of indicating process stability is crucial for quality management and process improvement. By analyzing patterns and trends over time, practitioners can identify variations that may signify a shift in the process, allowing for timely interventions to maintain quality standards.

Other options like highlighting cost overruns, focusing on resource utilization, or presenting project milestones do not accurately reflect the overarching purpose of a control chart. These aspects pertain to different areas of project management and process analysis that are not the primary focus of this particular tool.