PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
A project is in execution phase, and a team member consistently misses deadlines, impacting the critical path. The project manager has had informal conversations, but the behavior continues. What should the project manager do next?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose Option A (reassign to a less critical task) thinking it is a quick fix to protect the critical path, but the PMP exam expects the project manager to follow the organizational policy for performance issues before considering reassignment or replacement.
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
✓
Initiate the formal performance management process as per organizational policy
Once informal coaching has failed to correct a performance issue that impacts the critical path, the project manager must escalate to the formal performance management process as defined in the organizational policy. This ensures due process, documentation, and alignment with HR and legal requirements, protecting both the project and the organization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reassign the team member to a less critical task
Why it's wrong here
This avoids the problem and may not be feasible.
- ✓
Initiate the formal performance management process as per organizational policy
Why this is correct
Formal steps ensure documentation and provide a clear path for improvement or consequences.
- ✗
Ignore the issue and hope it resolves on its own
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring underperformance harms the project and team morale.
- ✗
Replace the team member with a new resource
Why it's wrong here
Replacement should be a last resort after formal performance management.
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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.