- A
Crash the schedule by adding more resources to both tasks.
Why wrong: Crashing adds cost and may not resolve the conflict if resources are specialized.
- B
Hire additional contractors to perform one of the tasks.
Why wrong: While possible, this may not be the first action and is not always feasible.
- C
Remove one task from the schedule to prioritize the other.
Why wrong: Removing tasks is a drastic measure; other options should be explored first.
- D
Adjust task dependencies to sequence the tasks if possible.
If the tasks can be performed sequentially, adjusting dependencies can resolve the conflict.
- E
Apply resource leveling to smooth the resource demand.
Resource leveling can shift tasks to resolve conflicts without adding resources.
Question 556 of 892
PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
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. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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 managing a project that is experiencing resource constraints. Two critical tasks are scheduled concurrently but require the same specialized resource. Which TWO actions should the project manager consider to resolve this conflict?
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
✓
Adjust task dependencies to sequence the tasks if possible.
Option D is correct because adjusting task dependencies to sequence the tasks (e.g., making one task a predecessor of the other) eliminates the concurrent demand for the same specialized resource, resolving the conflict without requiring additional resources or removing scope. This approach respects the resource constraint by aligning the schedule with resource availability, a core technique in resource optimization.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Crash the schedule by adding more resources to both tasks.
Why it's wrong here
Crashing adds cost and may not resolve the conflict if resources are specialized.
- ✗
Hire additional contractors to perform one of the tasks.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, this may not be the first action and is not always feasible.
- ✗
Remove one task from the schedule to prioritize the other.
Why it's wrong here
Removing tasks is a drastic measure; other options should be explored first.
- ✓
Adjust task dependencies to sequence the tasks if possible.
Why this is correct
If the tasks can be performed sequentially, adjusting dependencies can resolve the conflict.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Apply resource leveling to smooth the resource demand.
Why this is correct
Resource leveling can shift tasks to resolve conflicts without adding resources.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse resource leveling with resource smoothing, but leveling can change the critical path and extend duration, while smoothing only adjusts within float; the PMP exam expects you to recognize that leveling is appropriate when resource constraints are absolute and cannot be resolved by adding resources or resequencing.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Resource leveling (Option E) adjusts the start and finish dates of tasks based on resource availability, often using algorithms that delay tasks until the required resource is free, which can extend the project duration but avoids over-allocation. In practice, project management software like Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 applies resource leveling by analyzing the resource calendar and task dependencies, automatically inserting splits or delays to resolve conflicts. A subtle behavior is that leveling can create new critical paths if the delayed task becomes a bottleneck, so the project manager must review the leveled schedule for feasibility.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Adjust task dependencies to sequence the tasks if possible. — Option D is correct because adjusting task dependencies to sequence the tasks (e.g., making one task a predecessor of the other) eliminates the concurrent demand for the same specialized resource, resolving the conflict without requiring additional resources or removing scope. This approach respects the resource constraint by aligning the schedule with resource availability, a core technique in resource optimization.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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