PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
During project execution, a key vendor notifies you that they cannot deliver a critical component on time due to a raw material shortage. This component is on the critical path. The vendor suggests using a substitute material that is not yet approved by your quality team. 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
✓
Implement the risk response defined in the risk register
The risk (vendor delay) was previously identified and documented in the risk register, along with a planned response. The project manager should first implement that planned response rather than taking other actions. Option B is incorrect because accepting the delay without trying the planned response is premature and may not be the best course of action. Option C is incorrect because escalation is not necessary if a pre-planned risk response exists. Option D is incorrect because immediately terminating the contract is an extreme reaction that ignores the agreed-upon risk response.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Implement the risk response defined in the risk register
Why this is correct
This is the most appropriate and proactive action when a risk event occurs. During the Plan Risk Responses process, specific strategies (e.g., avoid, mitigate, transfer, escalate, accept) are developed for identified risks and documented in the risk register. When a risk event materializes, the project manager's primary responsibility is to execute the pre-defined response plan, which is designed to minimize the impact or likelihood of the risk. This demonstrates effective risk management and adherence to the project management plan, leveraging prior planning efforts.
- ✗
Accept the delay and update the project schedule
Why it's wrong here
Simply accepting the delay and updating the schedule without first attempting to implement a planned risk response is a reactive approach that bypasses proactive risk management. The project manager has a responsibility to execute the strategies developed to address identified risks, as documented in the risk register. Premature acceptance of a negative impact without exploring mitigation or other planned actions indicates a failure to leverage the risk planning efforts, potentially leading to unnecessary project deviations and a missed opportunity to control the outcome.
- ✗
Escalate to the project sponsor and request additional time
Why it's wrong here
Escalating to the project sponsor is a valid risk response strategy, but it is typically reserved for risks that are outside the project manager's authority or for which no effective response has been planned at the project level. If a specific risk response is already documented in the risk register, the project manager's immediate duty is to implement that plan. Bypassing the planned response for immediate escalation suggests a lack of confidence in the risk management plan or an abdication of responsibility, potentially burdening the sponsor unnecessarily.
- ✗
Immediately terminate the vendor contract and find a new supplier
Why it's wrong here
Immediately terminating a vendor contract is an extreme and highly reactive measure that should only be considered after exhausting all other planned risk responses and contractual remedies. Such an action could incur significant financial penalties, cause further delays due to the need to onboard a new supplier, and potentially damage project relationships. The existence of a defined risk response in the register mandates its implementation before resorting to such drastic and potentially disruptive actions, which could exacerbate the problem rather than solve it.
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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.