PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
A key vendor informs you that they cannot deliver a critical component on time due to a raw material shortage. This component is on the critical path. The risk was identified and documented in the risk register. What should you do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse 'first action' with 'immediate problem-solving' (like negotiating or finding a new vendor) instead of recognizing that the documented contingency plan is the prescribed first step per PMI's risk response 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
✓
Implement the contingency plan defined in the risk register
Since the risk was already identified and documented in the risk register, the project team should have prepared a contingency plan for this specific scenario. The PMBOK Guide states that when a risk occurs, the first action is to implement the pre-defined contingency plan to minimize impact. This is a proactive, planned response rather than a reactive scramble, and it aligns with the 'Plan Risk Responses' and 'Implement Risk Responses' processes.
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 project sponsor
Why it's wrong here
Escalating the issue directly to the project sponsor is premature and bypasses the established risk management process. Project managers are empowered to manage identified risks using predefined response plans documented in the risk register. Escalation is typically reserved for situations where the risk response plan has been exhausted, the risk impact exceeds the project manager's authority or budget, or the risk requires a strategic decision from higher management.
- ✓
Implement the contingency plan defined in the risk register
Why this is correct
Implementing the contingency plan defined in the risk register is the most appropriate and professional action. A well-managed project proactively identifies potential risks and develops specific response strategies, including contingency plans, to be executed when a risk event occurs. This approach ensures that the project team follows a predefined, agreed-upon course of action, minimizing disruption and maintaining control over project objectives.
- ✗
Contact the vendor to negotiate a new delivery date
Why it's wrong here
While contacting the vendor to negotiate a new delivery date might be a component of a broader risk response, it should not be the initial, standalone action. The project manager's primary responsibility upon a risk event occurring is to consult and execute the pre-approved risk response plan documented in the risk register. This plan may include negotiation, but it ensures a structured approach rather than an immediate, potentially uncoordinated, reactive measure.
- ✗
Immediately look for an alternative vendor
Why it's wrong here
Immediately seeking an alternative vendor bypasses the established risk management process and the specific response plan developed for this scenario. Such an action could be costly, time-consuming, and potentially unnecessary if the existing contingency plan offers a more efficient or less disruptive solution. The project manager must first adhere to the predefined risk response strategy before exploring unplanned, ad-hoc alternatives.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 800 original PMP practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.