The correct first action is to update the risk register and review the response plan for this risk. When a known risk, such as a vendor delay on the critical path, materializes, the PMBOK Guide directs you to implement the pre-defined risk response rather than jumping to schedule compression or vendor escalation. This structured approach ensures you leverage prior analysis and documented contingency plans, preventing reactive decisions that could introduce new issues. On the PMP exam, this tests your understanding of the "Implement Risk Responses" process and the importance of following the risk management plan before taking corrective action. A common trap is choosing to immediately crash or fast-track the schedule, but the first step is always to consult the risk register for the agreed-upon response. Memory tip: "Risk hits? Check the list first."
PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of people — leading projects. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A key vendor has informed you that they cannot deliver a critical component for another two weeks, which will delay your project. The component is on the critical path. What should you do first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Update the risk register and review the response plan for this risk
Option D is correct because the first action when a known risk materializes is to consult the risk register and execute the pre-defined response plan. Since the vendor delay is a risk that was likely identified and documented, updating the register and reviewing the planned response ensures a structured, data-driven approach rather than a reactive one. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's guidance on implementing risk responses as the immediate next step after risk occurrence.
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.
✗
Ask the team to work overtime to make up for the delay
Why it's wrong here
Overtime may not be effective if the component is missing. Address the root cause first.
✗
Penalize the vendor as per the contract
Why it's wrong here
Penalties may be appropriate later, but first focus on mitigating the delay.
✗
Immediately notify the sponsor and request a schedule extension
Why it's wrong here
The PM should first assess alternatives to mitigate the delay before requesting an extension.
✓
Update the risk register and review the response plan for this risk
Why this is correct
The risk register should contain a response plan. The PM should implement the planned response.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
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 jump to escalation (Option C) or punitive action (Option B) without first consulting the risk register, which is the foundational step in managing identified risks according to PMI's risk management framework.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In the PMBOK Guide's risk management process, the 'Implement Risk Responses' process (7th edition) or 'Monitor Risks' process (6th edition) requires that when a risk occurs, the project manager first reviews the risk register for the pre-defined response strategy (e.g., mitigate, transfer, accept) and then executes that strategy. The critical path delay here triggers a schedule impact analysis, and the risk register should contain contingency reserves or schedule buffers that may absorb the two-week delay without needing sponsor approval. Real-world scenarios often involve vendor delays due to supply chain disruptions, where the risk response might include activating a secondary vendor or using expedited shipping, not immediate escalation.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PMP question in full detail.
People — Leading Projects — This question tests People — Leading Projects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Update the risk register and review the response plan for this risk — Option D is correct because the first action when a known risk materializes is to consult the risk register and execute the pre-defined response plan. Since the vendor delay is a risk that was likely identified and documented, updating the register and reviewing the planned response ensures a structured, data-driven approach rather than a reactive one. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's guidance on implementing risk responses as the immediate next step after risk occurrence.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A key vendor informs you that they cannot deliver a critical component on time, which will delay the project. You need to decide on next steps. Which THREE actions are most appropriate?
hard
✓ A.Update the project management plan with the new delivery date
B.Ask the team to work overtime to compensate for the delay
✓ C.Notify the project sponsor and other key stakeholders of the delay and potential impacts
D.Immediately terminate the vendor contract
✓ E.Evaluate the impact on the project schedule and critical path
Why A: Updating the project management plan with the new delivery date is correct because it formally documents the revised schedule baseline, which is a key output of the integrated change control process. This ensures all project artifacts reflect the current reality, enabling accurate tracking and communication. Without this update, the plan becomes obsolete and misaligns with actual project execution.
Variation 2. A key vendor informs you that they cannot deliver a critical component on time due to a supply chain disruption. This risk was identified and included in the risk register. What should you do first?
easy
A.Escalate the issue to the steering committee for guidance
✓ B.Implement the contingency plan that was defined for this risk
C.Brainstorm new solutions with the team since the risk was not anticipated
D.Wait to see if the vendor can resolve the issue before taking action
Why B: Since the risk was identified and included in the risk register, a contingency plan should have been defined. The correct first action is to implement that pre-planned contingency plan to address the supply chain disruption, as it is the most efficient and proactive response to a known risk.
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Question Discussion
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