Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineProcessEasy
A project manager is leading a software development project using a hybrid approach. During a daily stand-up, a team member reports that a critical third-party API, which was expected to be available, has been delayed by two weeks. This delay directly impacts the integration testing phase. What should the project manager do FIRST?
- AAnalyze the impact of the delay on project scope, schedule, and cost.
- BEscalate the issue to senior management for immediate resolution.
- CAssign another team member to develop a workaround for the API.
- DUpdate the project schedule and inform stakeholders of the delay.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Analyze the impact of the delay on project scope, schedule, and cost.
When an issue arises, the first step is to understand its full implications. Analyzing the impact on scope, schedule, and cost provides the necessary data to make informed decisions and develop appropriate responses. Without this analysis, any subsequent action would be premature or potentially ineffective.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Escalation should occur after understanding the impact and attempting to resolve it within the team's capacity, unless it's a critical, immediate threat.
- C. Developing a workaround might be a solution, but it should be considered after assessing the full impact and determining if it's the best approach.
- D. Updating the schedule and informing stakeholders prematurely, without a full understanding of the impact, could lead to further changes and confusion.
Issue Analysis
The process of investigating a problem or unexpected event to understand its root causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
- Identifies the magnitude and ripple effects of an issue.
- Informs decision-making for corrective actions.
- Often involves assessing impact on scope, schedule, cost, and quality.
Memory trick: First, spot the issue, then dig deep to see its shadow, then light up a solution.