Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineProcessMedium
A project manager is overseeing a project to develop a new cloud-based data analytics platform. During the project execution, the team identifies a critical technical dependency on a third-party API that has recently announced a significant delay in its release schedule. This delay impacts the project's critical path. What is the BEST immediate action for the project manager to take?
- AUpdate the project schedule to reflect the new dependency and assess the overall impact on project completion.
- BNotify the client immediately about the delay and its potential impact on the project timeline.
- CHold a meeting with the development team to brainstorm alternative solutions to bypass the dependency.
- DInitiate a change request to formally document the delay and its implications.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Update the project schedule to reflect the new dependency and assess the overall impact on project completion.
The immediate best action is to update the project schedule to understand the full impact of the delay. This allows for informed decision-making regarding communication, change requests, and alternative solutions.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While client notification is important, it should ideally be done after understanding the full impact, which requires updating the schedule first.
- C. Brainstorming solutions is a good next step, but understanding the impact on the schedule is primary to determine the urgency and scope of such solutions.
- D. A change request is a formal process that should follow the assessment of the impact, not precede it as the immediate first step.
Schedule Management
The process of developing, monitoring, and controlling the project schedule. It includes defining activities, sequencing them, estimating durations, and developing the schedule.
- Involves identifying and documenting project activities and their dependencies.
- Includes estimating resources and durations for activities.
- Requires continuous monitoring and control to manage changes and deviations.
Memory trick: When the clock stops, first understand how much time is lost before telling everyone else.