PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
During a daily standup, a team member mentions that a task is taking longer than expected and will likely miss the deadline. The task is on the critical path. What should the project manager do FIRST?
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
✓
Discuss with the team member to understand the issue and explore options
The first step is to understand the situation by discussing with the team member to gather details about the delay and explore options. This aligns with PMI's approach of assessing the situation before taking corrective action. Only after understanding the issue can the project manager consider options such as fast-tracking or crashing.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Immediately escalate the issue to the sponsor
Why it's wrong here
The PM should first gather information before escalating.
- ✗
Assign additional team members to the task without further analysis
Why it's wrong here
Adding resources without assessing the situation may not be effective and could cause other issues.
- ✓
Discuss with the team member to understand the issue and explore options
Why this is correct
The PM should first understand the root cause and then decide on corrective actions.
- ✗
Reduce the quality of the task to save time
Why it's wrong here
Reducing quality without change control is not acceptable; it may affect the final product.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Daily Standup
A short, time-boxed daily meeting where team members share progress, plans, and blockers to stay aligned.
Key term
Project Management Plan
A formal, approved document that defines how a project is executed, monitored, controlled, and closed, serving as the single source of truth for the project team.
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