Vendor Delay on Critical Path: First Step for PMP
A key vendor has informed you that they cannot deliver a critical component for another two weeks, which will delay your project. The component is on the critical path. What should you do first?
Quick Answer
The correct first action is to update the risk register and review the response plan for this risk. When a known risk, such as a vendor delay on the critical path, materializes, the PMBOK Guide directs you to implement the pre-defined risk response rather than jumping to schedule compression or vendor escalation. This structured approach ensures you leverage prior analysis and documented contingency plans, preventing reactive decisions that could introduce new issues. On the PMP exam, this tests your understanding of the "Implement Risk Responses" process and the importance of following the risk management plan before taking corrective action. A common trap is choosing to immediately crash or fast-track the schedule, but the first step is always to consult the risk register for the agreed-upon response. Memory tip: "Risk hits? Check the list first."
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often jump to escalation (Option C) or punitive action (Option B) without first consulting the risk register, which is the foundational step in managing identified risks according to PMI's risk management framework.
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
✓
Update the risk register and review the response plan for this risk
The first action when a known risk materializes is to consult the risk register and execute the pre-defined response plan. Since the vendor delay is a risk that was likely identified and documented, updating the register and reviewing the planned response ensures a structured, data-driven approach rather than a reactive one. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's guidance on implementing risk responses as the immediate next step after risk occurrence.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ask the team to work overtime to make up for the delay
Why it's wrong here
Overtime may not be effective if the component is missing. Address the root cause first.
- ✗
Penalize the vendor as per the contract
Why it's wrong here
Penalties may be appropriate later, but first focus on mitigating the delay.
- ✗
Immediately notify the sponsor and request a schedule extension
Why it's wrong here
The PM should first assess alternatives to mitigate the delay before requesting an extension.
- ✓
Update the risk register and review the response plan for this risk
Why this is correct
The risk register should contain a response plan. The PM should implement the planned response.
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Related to this question
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on PMP
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A key vendor informs you that they cannot deliver a critical component on time, which will delay the project. You need to decide on next steps. Which THREE actions are most appropriate?
hard- ✓ A.Update the project management plan with the new delivery date
- B.Ask the team to work overtime to compensate for the delay
- ✓ C.Notify the project sponsor and other key stakeholders of the delay and potential impacts
- D.Immediately terminate the vendor contract
- ✓ E.Evaluate the impact on the project schedule and critical path
Why A: Updating the project management plan with the new delivery date is correct because it formally documents the revised schedule baseline, which is a key output of the integrated change control process. This ensures all project artifacts reflect the current reality, enabling accurate tracking and communication. Without this update, the plan becomes obsolete and misaligns with actual project execution.
Variation 2. A key vendor informs you that they cannot deliver a critical component on time due to a supply chain disruption. This risk was identified and included in the risk register. What should you do first?
easy- A.Escalate the issue to the steering committee for guidance
- ✓ B.Implement the contingency plan that was defined for this risk
- C.Brainstorm new solutions with the team since the risk was not anticipated
- D.Wait to see if the vendor can resolve the issue before taking action
Why B: Since the risk was identified and included in the risk register, a contingency plan should have been defined. The correct first action is to implement that pre-planned contingency plan to address the supply chain disruption, as it is the most efficient and proactive response to a known risk.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PMP 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 PMP exam.