PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
During a risk review meeting, a risk that was identified and registered occurs. The risk response plan is implemented, but it does not fully mitigate the impact, and the project is now behind schedule. What should the project manager do NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse 'update the risk register' (Option C) as the immediate next step, but the PM must first address the schedule impact with a workaround before updating documentation, as the project is already behind schedule and requires action, not just record-keeping.
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
✓
Analyze the situation, implement a workaround, and communicate the impact to stakeholders.
When a risk response plan fails to fully mitigate the impact, the project manager must immediately analyze the situation to understand the residual effect, implement a workaround (an unplanned response to an emerging issue), and communicate the impact to stakeholders. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's guidance on managing risks and issues: after a risk occurs and the planned response is insufficient, the PM must take corrective action and keep stakeholders informed to maintain transparency and support decision-making.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Analyze the situation, implement a workaround, and communicate the impact to stakeholders.
Why this is correct
This sequence represents the most appropriate and proactive response when a risk event materializes, aligning with PMP principles of issue management. First, analyzing the situation is crucial to understand the actual impact and scope of the problem. Implementing a workaround provides an immediate, temporary solution to mitigate damage and maintain project progress. Finally, communicating the impact to stakeholders ensures transparency, manages expectations, and keeps all relevant parties informed of the project's status and any necessary adjustments.
- ✗
Blame the risk owner for inadequate response planning.
Why it's wrong here
Blaming the risk owner is an unprofessional and counterproductive response that undermines team morale and trust. A PMP-certified project manager focuses on collaborative problem-solving, root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions rather than assigning fault. Such an approach detracts from resolving the actual issue and can discourage team members from identifying or owning risks in the future, hindering effective risk management processes.
- ✗
Update the risk register and continue with the project as planned.
Why it's wrong here
Merely updating the risk register and continuing as planned is an insufficient response when a risk has materialized into an actual issue. While updating documentation is necessary, the primary responsibility is to actively manage and mitigate the immediate consequences of the event. Ignoring the residual impact and failing to implement corrective or preventive actions can lead to further project deviations, increased costs, or missed deadlines, demonstrating a lack of effective issue resolution.
- ✗
Escalate the issue to the project sponsor for guidance.
Why it's wrong here
Immediately escalating an issue to the project sponsor without first attempting to analyze the situation and implement a workaround is premature and demonstrates a lack of proactive problem-solving. Project managers are expected to leverage their skills, resources, and team to manage issues within their authority and scope. Escalation is a critical tool, but it should be reserved for situations where the issue's impact, required resources, or strategic implications genuinely exceed the project manager's mandate or the project team's capacity.
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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.