PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineCommunication and Stakeholder ManagementMedium
A project manager is halfway through a critical software integration project. The project team has identified a potential technical dependency that could cause a major delay if not addressed immediately. However, the project sponsor is currently on vacation and unreachable. The project manager needs to decide on the next course of action to communicate this urgent issue and get a decision. What should the project manager do FIRST?
- AConsult the communication management plan for escalation procedures.
- BEmail the sponsor's direct manager explaining the situation and asking for a decision.
- CImplement a temporary workaround and notify the sponsor upon their return.
- DWait for the project sponsor to return from vacation before communicating the issue.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Consult the communication management plan for escalation procedures.
The communication management plan includes escalation procedures, which define the path for urgent issues when primary contacts are unavailable. Consulting this plan ensures adherence to established protocols and timely resolution, preventing unauthorized actions or missed communication channels.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While a plausible next step, the *first* action should be to consult the established project documentation (communication management plan) to ensure the correct escalation path is followed.
- C. Implementing a workaround without proper authorization, especially for a major delay, could be risky and outside the project manager's authority.
- D. Waiting for the sponsor to return is unacceptable for a critical, urgent issue that could cause major delays.
Escalation Procedures
Defined steps within the communication management plan that outline how to raise unresolved issues, risks, or decisions to higher levels of authority when initial attempts fail or are unavailable.
- Ensures timely resolution of critical issues.
- Prevents project delays due to lack of decision.
- A component of the communication management plan.
Memory trick: Urgent issue, missing leader? Check the plan for the right path up.