Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineBusiness EnvironmentMedium
A project manager is overseeing a research and development project for a new medical device. The project's primary benefit is to improve patient outcomes, leading to increased market share. Midway through the project, a new scientific discovery emerges that could offer a significantly more effective, albeit more complex, approach to the device's core functionality. Pursuing this discovery would require substantial changes to the project plan. What is the project manager's primary responsibility in this situation?
- AImmediately incorporate the new discovery into the project, regardless of the impact.
- BIgnore the new discovery to maintain project schedule and budget.
- CEvaluate the potential for enhanced benefits and value against the impact on project constraints.
- DAdhere strictly to the original project plan to avoid scope creep.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Evaluate the potential for enhanced benefits and value against the impact on project constraints.
The project manager's primary responsibility is to ensure the project delivers maximum value and benefits. A new discovery that offers significantly enhanced benefits warrants a thorough evaluation of its potential value compared to the impact it would have on the project's scope, schedule, and budget, before making a decision.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Immediately incorporating significant changes without proper evaluation is reckless and can lead to uncontrolled scope creep, budget overruns, and schedule delays.
- B. Ignoring a potentially game-changing discovery would neglect the project's overarching goal of improving patient outcomes and increasing market share.
- D. Strict adherence to an outdated plan can prevent the project from delivering optimal value, especially in R&D.
Value Optimization
The continuous process of maximizing the benefits and value delivered by a project, often involving trade-offs between scope, cost, schedule, and quality.
- Requires flexibility and adaptability.
- Focuses on strategic outcomes.
- Involves evaluating new opportunities and risks.
Memory trick: Value means vigilant evaluation.