Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleMedium
A project manager is overseeing a complex regulatory compliance project. A key stakeholder, the Head of Legal, consistently provides vague requirements and delays approvals, impacting the project schedule. The project manager has tried formal requests and direct conversations, but the issue persists. What is the MOST appropriate next action for the project manager?
- ADocument all delays and vague requirements, then proceed with the best interpretation to maintain the schedule.
- BAdjust the project schedule to accommodate the stakeholder's delays and inform the team.
- CEscalate the issue to the project sponsor for intervention.
- DSchedule a meeting with the Head of Legal to jointly develop a clear communication and approval process.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Schedule a meeting with the Head of Legal to jointly develop a clear communication and approval process.
Before escalating, a proactive approach to collaborate with the stakeholder to define and agree upon a clear process is often more effective. This builds shared understanding and a commitment to a solution.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Proceeding with interpretations without clear approval carries significant risk, especially in a regulatory compliance project, and does not resolve the underlying stakeholder engagement issue.
- B. Adjusting the schedule without addressing the root cause is a reactive measure that allows the problem to persist and potentially worsen, impacting future project phases.
- C. Escalation should be a last resort after attempts to resolve the issue directly and collaboratively have failed.
Collaborate with Stakeholders
Actively working with stakeholders to understand their needs, manage expectations, resolve issues, and integrate their input to ensure project success.
- Involves ongoing communication and engagement.
- Aims to build strong working relationships.
- Focuses on mutual problem-solving and decision-making.
Memory trick: When stakeholders stall, collaborate to clear the path.