PRINCE2F People: organizations, teams, and leadership Practice Question
A Project Board has approved the project initiation. The Project Manager is now assembling the team. The Senior User insists that a particular subject matter expert (SME) from their department be included, but the SME is already fully allocated to another project. The Project Manager needs to resolve this resource conflict. Which action should the Project Manager take FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that any resource conflict must be escalated immediately, or that the Project Manager can simply override stakeholder requests without discussion.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Discuss the requirement with the Senior User and the other project manager to find a mutually agreeable solution.
The Project Manager should first engage with the Senior User and the other project manager to explore options. This respects the Senior User's role and the constraints of the organization. Escalation or unilateral action is premature without attempting resolution at the project level. Collaboration is key to managing resource conflicts in PRINCE2.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Discuss the requirement with the Senior User and the other project manager to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Why this is correct
The Project Manager should first engage with the stakeholders involved to understand the need and explore options, such as part-time allocation, knowledge transfer, or an alternative SME. This collaborative approach respects the Senior User's concerns while considering the broader organizational context. It is the first step before escalation or unilateral action.
- ✗
Accept the Senior User's demand and adjust the project plan to accommodate the SME's availability.
Why it's wrong here
Accepting the demand without analysis could lead to unrealistic plans and resource overallocation. The Project Manager must balance stakeholder needs with project constraints. Blindly adjusting the plan might cause delays or quality issues. The first step is to assess the impact and explore alternatives, not to immediately comply.
- ✗
Replace the SME with another resource without consulting the Senior User.
Why it's wrong here
Unilaterally replacing the SME ignores the Senior User's input and could lead to dissatisfaction or missed requirements. The Senior User is accountable for ensuring the project meets user needs, so their concerns must be addressed. The Project Manager should involve them in finding a solution, not bypass them.
- ✗
Escalate the issue to the Project Board as an exception.
Why it's wrong here
Escalating as an exception is premature. The Project Manager should first try to resolve the conflict within their authority, such as negotiating with the other project manager or proposing alternatives. Escalation is appropriate only if the issue threatens project tolerances and cannot be resolved at the project level. This scenario does not yet indicate a breach of tolerances.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PeopleCert exam blueprint
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