PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are managing a data center migration project using a predictive approach. The project is in the execution phase. A key supplier has just informed you that a critical network switch will be delayed by three weeks due to a global chip shortage. This switch is on the critical path. You have already identified this risk in your risk register with a response strategy of 'mitigate' by pre-ordering a backup switch from a secondary supplier. However, the backup switch is not compatible with the current rack configuration. What should you do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that because a risk response was planned, it should be executed immediately, even if it is no longer viable.
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
✓
Update the risk register with the new information and reassess the risk's probability and impact.
The risk has materialized, and the planned mitigation is no longer effective. The project manager must first update the risk register to reflect the new information, then reassess the risk and determine an appropriate response. This aligns with the Monitor Risks process and ensures that any changes are properly evaluated and approved. Escalating or implementing a flawed plan without analysis is premature.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Immediately escalate the issue to the project sponsor and request additional funding to expedite the original switch.
Why it's wrong here
Escalating to the sponsor may be necessary eventually, but it is not the first step. The project manager should first assess the situation and update the risk register. Requesting additional funding without evaluating alternatives could be premature and may not be the most effective solution. The PM should analyze the impact and explore options before seeking sponsor intervention.
- ✓
Update the risk register with the new information and reassess the risk's probability and impact.
Why this is correct
Updating the risk register is the first step because the risk has occurred, and the planned mitigation is no longer viable due to incompatibility. This action ensures the risk response is re-evaluated and the project team can decide on a new strategy, such as finding an alternative switch or adjusting the schedule. It is part of the Perform Integrated Change Control and Monitor Risks processes.
- ✗
Fast-track the migration by overlapping tasks that do not depend on the switch, and continue with the original schedule.
Why it's wrong here
Fast-tracking non-dependent tasks does not address the critical path delay caused by the switch. While it might save time elsewhere, the switch is on the critical path, so the project will still be delayed. This option fails to address the root cause and does not update the risk response. The PM should focus on resolving the switch issue first.
- ✗
Implement the contingency plan of using the backup switch despite the incompatibility and proceed with the migration.
Why it's wrong here
Proceeding with an incompatible switch would likely cause technical failures and further delays. The backup switch was part of a mitigation strategy, but its incompatibility makes it unsuitable. The project manager must not implement a flawed contingency plan; instead, they should reassess and develop a new response. This option ignores the technical risk and could worsen the situation.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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.