Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlinePeopleHard
A project manager is leading a high-stakes project where a key stakeholder, a senior executive, is consistently providing vague and shifting requirements, causing significant rework and frustration for the team. The project manager needs to address this issue effectively without damaging the relationship with the executive. What is the BEST course of action?
- ASchedule a meeting with the executive to clarify requirements, using structured elicitation techniques and documenting all decisions.
- BProceed with the most recent interpretation of the requirements and inform the executive of potential risks later.
- CDelegate the responsibility of requirement clarification to a business analyst, minimizing direct interaction with the executive.
- DEscalate the issue directly to the executive's superior to highlight the impact on the project.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Schedule a meeting with the executive to clarify requirements, using structured elicitation techniques and documenting all decisions.
Scheduling a direct meeting with the executive to clarify requirements using structured elicitation techniques and documenting decisions is the most effective way to collaborate with the stakeholder, address the vague requirements, and maintain a positive relationship. This approach actively involves the executive in finding a solution.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Proceeding with assumptions is risky and can lead to further rework and dissatisfaction when the executive inevitably changes their mind.
- C. Delegating removes the project manager from a critical stakeholder relationship and may not provide the necessary authority or context for effective clarification.
- D. Escalation can damage the relationship and may not solve the root cause of vague requirements.
Collaborate with Stakeholders
The process of engaging and working together with individuals or groups who have an interest in or influence on the project's outcome.
- Involves active communication and mutual problem-solving.
- Aims to align expectations and gain support.
- Requires understanding stakeholder needs and influences.
Memory trick: Engage directly, document clearly, to align and achieve.