Vendor Delay on Critical Path: Implement Pre-Planned Risk Response

• A.Escalate to the project sponsor for decision
• ✓ B.Evaluate the current situation and determine if the accept response is still appropriate or if a different response is needed; submit a change request if necessary
• C.Immediately crash the schedule by adding resources to the critical path
• D.Inform stakeholders that the project will be delayed by the duration of the component shortage

Why B: Option B is correct because the first step when a risk materializes is to reassess the situation against the existing risk response. Since the planned response was 'accept,' you must evaluate whether acceptance is still viable given the new reality. If not, you need to select a different response (e.g., mitigate or avoid) and submit a change request to formally adjust the project plan. This aligns with the PMBOK® Guide's iterative risk management process, where risk responses are revisited when triggers occur.

• A.Invoke the penalty clause in the vendor contract for late delivery
• B.Accept the vendor's suggestion to use the substitute material to avoid delay
• ✓ C.Submit a change request to evaluate the substitute material, including cost and schedule impacts
• D.Look for alternative vendors who can deliver the original component on time

Why C: Option C is correct because any change to the procurement approach (substitute material) requires a change request to assess cost and schedule impacts before approval.

• ✓ A.Inform the sponsor about the cost increase and request a budget adjustment
• B.Add the vendor's failure to the risk register as a new risk
• C.Authorize the team to source alternative materials locally
• ✓ D.Execute the contingency plan and engage the backup supplier
• E.Update the project management plan to use a different construction method

Why A: Option A is correct because when the identified risk materializes, the contingency plan (backup supplier) should be executed, but the associated cost increase must be communicated to the sponsor and a budget adjustment should be requested. Option D is correct because the previously planned contingency plan is to engage the backup supplier, which is the appropriate immediate action. Option B is incorrect because the vendor's failure is not a new risk—it is the occurrence of an already identified risk. Option C is incorrect because sourcing alternative materials locally would bypass the established contingency plan and could introduce new risks without proper evaluation. Option E is incorrect because changing the construction method would require a formal change request and is not the immediate response to the risk occurrence.

• ✓ A.Implement the risk response defined in the risk register
• B.Accept the delay and update the project schedule
• C.Escalate to the project sponsor and request additional time
• D.Immediately terminate the vendor contract and find a new supplier

Why A: Option A is correct because 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.