- A
Terminate the contract with the supplier and find a new one
Why wrong: Terminating the contract is an extreme and premature action. The first step should be to assess the impact and explore other options before considering termination.
- B
Ask the team to work overtime to compress the schedule
Why wrong: Asking the team to work overtime is a type of crashing, but it should be evaluated after conducting a schedule impact analysis to determine if it is necessary and feasible.
- C
Notify the sponsor and stakeholders that the project will be delayed by 6 weeks
Why wrong: Notifying stakeholders about a 6-week delay without first analyzing alternatives or developing a recovery plan is premature and unprofessional.
- D
Conduct a schedule impact analysis and evaluate options such as fast-tracking or crashing
Conducting a schedule impact analysis to evaluate options like fast-tracking or crashing is the correct first step according to project management best practices, especially when the delayed item is on the critical path with zero float.
Critical Path Delay: Conduct Impact Analysis First
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of process — managing technical aspects. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: critical Path. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You are the project manager for a large construction project. Midway through, a key supplier informs you that a critical component will be delayed by 6 weeks due to raw material shortages. The component is on the critical path and has zero float. What should you do FIRST?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
Conduct a schedule impact analysis and evaluate options such as fast-tracking or crashing
The correct first step when faced with a delay on the critical path is to assess the impact and explore options before taking action or communicating. Option D is correct because conducting a schedule impact analysis allows you to evaluate techniques like fast-tracking or crashing to mitigate the delay. Option A is premature without understanding the full impact or alternatives. Option B (working overtime) is a form of crashing, but it should only be considered after analysis to determine if it's feasible. Option C is incorrect because stakeholders should be informed after analysis and with a proposed recovery plan.
Key principle: Critical Path
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Terminate the contract with the supplier and find a new one
Why it's wrong here
Terminating the contract is an extreme and premature action. The first step should be to assess the impact and explore other options before considering termination.
- ✗
Ask the team to work overtime to compress the schedule
Why it's wrong here
Asking the team to work overtime is a type of crashing, but it should be evaluated after conducting a schedule impact analysis to determine if it is necessary and feasible.
- ✗
Notify the sponsor and stakeholders that the project will be delayed by 6 weeks
Why it's wrong here
Notifying stakeholders about a 6-week delay without first analyzing alternatives or developing a recovery plan is premature and unprofessional.
- ✓
Conduct a schedule impact analysis and evaluate options such as fast-tracking or crashing
Why this is correct
Conducting a schedule impact analysis to evaluate options like fast-tracking or crashing is the correct first step according to project management best practices, especially when the delayed item is on the critical path with zero float.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Critical Path
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Critical Path
- Float
- Schedule Compression Techniques
- Schedule Impact Analysis
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Critical Path
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PMP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Critical Path Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review critical Path, then practise related PMP questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Process — Managing Technical Aspects — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PMP question test?
Process — Managing Technical Aspects — This question tests Process — Managing Technical Aspects — Critical Path.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Conduct a schedule impact analysis and evaluate options such as fast-tracking or crashing — The correct first step when faced with a delay on the critical path is to assess the impact and explore options before taking action or communicating. Option D is correct because conducting a schedule impact analysis allows you to evaluate techniques like fast-tracking or crashing to mitigate the delay. Option A is premature without understanding the full impact or alternatives. Option B (working overtime) is a form of crashing, but it should only be considered after analysis to determine if it's feasible. Option C is incorrect because stakeholders should be informed after analysis and with a proposed recovery plan.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Review critical Path, then practise related PMP questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Critical Path
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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