Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineBusiness EnvironmentMedium
A project manager is leading a project to implement a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The project is nearing completion, and the organization's leadership has recently announced a major strategic shift towards cloud-only solutions. This shift impacts the long-term support and integration strategy for the on-premise ERP system being delivered. What should the project manager do first?
- AInitiate a change request to immediately stop the project and reassess the solution.
- BInform the project team to halt all remaining activities until further notice from management.
- CFacilitate a meeting with key stakeholders to evaluate the impact of the strategic shift on the project's value and future.
- DProceed with the planned go-live, as the project is almost complete.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Facilitate a meeting with key stakeholders to evaluate the impact of the strategic shift on the project's value and future.
A major strategic shift is an external business environment change that directly impacts the project's value and future. The project manager's first step should be to facilitate a discussion with key stakeholders to understand this impact and determine the best path forward, ensuring the project still aligns with organizational goals.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Immediately stopping the project without a proper evaluation could be premature and lead to unnecessary delays or loss of value already created.
- B. Halting activities without a clear plan or stakeholder input can cause panic, demotivation, and loss of momentum.
- D. Proceeding without addressing the strategic shift risks delivering a solution that is misaligned or obsolete, wasting resources.
Strategic Alignment Evaluation
The process of assessing whether a project's objectives, scope, and deliverables remain consistent with the organization's evolving strategic goals and external environment.
- Critical for ensuring project value.
- Triggered by significant internal or external changes.
- Requires stakeholder collaboration for re-evaluation.
Memory trick: Strategy shifts? Stakeholders must share thoughts.