CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
A construction project manager, Maria, is overseeing the building of a bridge. The project has a fixed budget and schedule. During the execution phase, the quality audit reveals that the concrete used does not meet the specified strength requirements. The concrete supplier insists that the concrete meets industry standards. However, the project specifications require a higher strength grade. Maria must decide on corrective action. What should she do?
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
✓
Stop work and request the supplier to provide concrete that meets the project specifications.
The project specifications are the authoritative requirements. Non-conforming material must be rejected to ensure safety and quality. Maria should stop work and require the supplier to provide concrete that meets the project specifications. Option D is correct. Option A (document and proceed) ignores the issue. Option B (revise specifications) is inappropriate as the specifications were established based on design requirements. Option C (accepting the concrete) violates specifications.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Document the situation in the issue log and proceed with construction.
Why it's wrong here
Proceeding despite non-conformance is unacceptable; corrective action is needed.
- ✗
Revise the project specifications to match the delivered concrete's strength.
Why it's wrong here
Changing specifications to fit the material could compromise safety and is a scope change that requires formal approval.
- ✗
Accept the concrete as is because it meets industry standards.
Why it's wrong here
Industry standards are lower than the project's specific requirements; acceptance would violate quality specifications.
- ✓
Stop work and request the supplier to provide concrete that meets the project specifications.
Why this is correct
Stopping work prevents further non-conformance and ensures the supplier corrects the issue.
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