Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineBusiness EnvironmentMedium
A project manager is overseeing the development of a new mobile application. The organization's strategic goal for this project is to increase customer engagement by 25% within the first year of launch. During project execution, market research indicates that a competitor has launched a similar app with advanced features, potentially jeopardizing the project's ability to meet the engagement goal. What is the most appropriate action for the project manager to take?
- AInitiate a change request to incorporate additional features to remain competitive and meet the benefit goal.
- BReduce the target customer engagement goal to reflect the new market reality.
- CContinue developing the app as planned, assuming the original features are sufficient.
- DReport the market development to the sponsor and recommend canceling the project.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Initiate a change request to incorporate additional features to remain competitive and meet the benefit goal.
The project manager is responsible for evaluating and delivering project benefits and value. When an external factor threatens the achievement of these benefits, the project manager should proactively seek ways to adapt the project, such as by initiating a change request to enhance the product and remain competitive.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Reducing the strategic goal without first exploring options to meet it undermines the project's purpose and value proposition.
- C. Ignoring market changes jeopardizes the project's ability to deliver the intended value and benefits.
- D. Canceling the project should be a last resort after exploring viable alternatives to achieve the strategic benefits.
Benefit Realization Management
The process of identifying, executing, and sustaining project benefits, ensuring the project delivers its intended value to the organization.
- Focuses on outcomes, not just outputs.
- Requires continuous monitoring of external factors.
- May necessitate project adaptation to achieve benefits.
Memory trick: Benefits are the business's backbone.