CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
You are a project manager working on a large infrastructure project under a strong matrix organization. The project charter has been signed, and you have been given authority to manage the project. However, the functional manager of the engineering department is refusing to assign the promised resources, claiming that another project has higher priority. You have already held a meeting with the sponsor and functional manager, but the functional manager remains uncooperative. The sponsor is concerned about the project's viability. What is the most effective course of action?
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
✓
Request the sponsor to reaffirm the project's priority and enforce resource allocation per the charter
In a strong matrix, the project manager has significant authority, but functional managers still control resources. The best action is to refer to the project charter and sponsor to enforce resource commitments. Option A is too adversarial. Option B is premature rescheduling. Option D undermines the project manager's authority.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Contact the other project's manager to negotiate resource sharing directly
Why it's wrong here
This bypasses the functional manager and may create conflict; should involve the sponsor.
- ✗
Formally document the issue and escalate to the PMO for resolution
Why it's wrong here
While documentation is good, the PMO may not have authority over resource allocation; sponsor involvement is more direct.
- ✓
Request the sponsor to reaffirm the project's priority and enforce resource allocation per the charter
Why this is correct
The sponsor has authority to prioritize projects and ensure resource commitments are honored.
- ✗
Proceed with the project using available resources and adjust the schedule
Why it's wrong here
This accepts the functional manager's decision without challenge, potentially jeopardizing the project.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.