Final answer:
The answer to the question is False; a project's failure isn't certain even if a project manager fails in key management areas, due to the possibility of recovery strategies and the impact of external pressures like funding and staffing challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that if the project manager fails to plan, staff, organize, supervise, communicate, motivate, evaluate, direct, and control properly, then the project is certain to fail is not absolutely true, so the answer is False.
Though these are critical components for the successful completion of any project, failure in these areas does not guarantee the project's failure, as there might be recovery strategies and contingencies in place.
Moreover, projects may face a wide variety of external pressures, such as lack of dedicated staffing and funding threats, which also significantly impact the project's success, independent of the project manager's skills.
For instance, staff may struggle to balance their project responsibilities with other work due to lack of dedicated staff. This can be compounded by external factors like shifts in funding for projects, which can happen during shifts in administration, such as the transition to a more conservative government. These factors must be considered as they can have a substantial bearing on the project outcome.