PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse a contingency plan with a fallback plan or assume that all risks require escalation, leading them to choose escalation or unnecessary brainstorming instead of executing the pre-planned response.
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
✓
Implement the contingency plan that was defined for this risk
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Escalate the issue to the steering committee for guidance
Why it's wrong here
Escalating to the steering committee at this initial stage is premature and bypasses the project manager's primary responsibility for risk management. A project manager is expected to first utilize established risk response plans, such as a contingency plan, which falls within their authority and scope of action. Escalation is typically reserved for risks that exceed the project manager's authority, resources, or impact thresholds, or when planned responses have proven ineffective, not as a first resort.
- ✓
Implement the contingency plan that was defined for this risk
Why this is correct
Implementing the pre-defined contingency plan is the most appropriate and professional response when an identified risk event, like a critical vendor failure, materializes. This action demonstrates effective proactive risk management, leveraging the planning efforts undertaken during the Risk Response Planning process. A contingency plan outlines specific actions to be taken to mitigate the impact of a known risk, ensuring a structured and timely response to protect project objectives.
- ✗
Brainstorm new solutions with the team since the risk was not anticipated
Why it's wrong here
The question implies the risk of a critical vendor issue was anticipated, as evidenced by the existence of a "contingency plan" in the correct answer. Brainstorming new solutions, also known as developing a workaround, is typically reserved for unidentified risks that occur (unknown-unknowns) or when an existing risk response plan proves inadequate. Relying on ad-hoc brainstorming for an anticipated risk indicates a failure in prior risk planning.
- ✗
Wait to see if the vendor can resolve the issue before taking action
Why it's wrong here
Waiting for the vendor to resolve the issue without taking immediate action is a passive and irresponsible approach to risk management. This delay can significantly exacerbate the negative impact on the project's schedule, budget, and scope, potentially turning a manageable risk into a crisis. Effective project management requires proactive intervention and the prompt execution of planned responses to minimize adverse consequences, rather than hoping the problem resolves itself.
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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.