PMP Practice Question: Business Environment: strategy and project benefits
During a project kickoff, the project manager discovers that the project's business case has not been updated to reflect a recent change in organizational strategy. What should the PM do?
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
✓
Request a meeting with the sponsor to review and update the business case
The business case must align with organizational strategy; the PM should collaborate with the sponsor to review and update the business case to reflect the strategy change. Option A is incorrect because the PM should not unilaterally direct the team without sponsor approval. Option B is incorrect because proceeding with an outdated business case risks misalignment. Option D is premature without first discussing with the sponsor.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Inform the team of the strategy change and ask them to adjust the project scope
Why it's wrong here
This action is inappropriate because the Project Manager (PM) does not possess the authority to unilaterally direct scope changes based on a strategic shift. Project scope is derived from the approved business case and requirements, which must first be re-evaluated and formally updated to reflect the new organizational strategy. Involving the team in scope adjustments without a revised, approved business case and sponsor directive is premature and bypasses established governance processes, potentially leading to rework or misaligned deliverables.
- ✗
Proceed with the existing business case since the project was already approved
Why it's wrong here
Proceeding with an outdated business case, despite prior approval, is a significant governance failure that risks severe project misalignment and value erosion. The business case serves as the project's foundational justification, directly linking it to organizational strategic objectives and expected benefits. Ignoring a known discrepancy between the project's current justification and the organization's updated strategy means the project may no longer deliver the intended value, potentially wasting resources on initiatives that are no longer relevant or beneficial.
- ✓
Request a meeting with the sponsor to review and update the business case
Why this is correct
This is the most appropriate action as it demonstrates proactive project governance and stakeholder engagement. The project sponsor is ultimately accountable for the project's business case and its alignment with organizational strategy. By requesting a meeting, the Project Manager (PM) ensures the project's foundational justification is re-evaluated against the new strategic direction, allowing for necessary adjustments to maintain relevance and ensure the project continues to deliver intended benefits in line with current organizational goals.
- ✗
Halt the project until the business case is approved again
Why it's wrong here
Halting the project immediately is an overly drastic and potentially costly measure without first assessing the full impact of the strategy change. While the business case's alignment is critical, the Project Manager's (PM) initial responsibility is to engage with the sponsor to understand the implications and determine the appropriate course of action. Unilaterally stopping the project could lead to unnecessary delays, resource idleness, and financial penalties, when a review and potential adjustment might be sufficient to re-align the project without a full halt.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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