PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are managing a project using a hybrid approach. During the execution phase, one of your key team members, a senior engineer, resigns unexpectedly. This engineer was responsible for critical path tasks. What is the FIRST thing you should do?
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
✓
Assess the impact on the critical path and overall schedule
The PM should first evaluate the impact on the schedule and critical path before taking further action. Options A, B, and C are premature without understanding the impact.
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 request a replacement from HR
Why it's wrong here
Immediately requesting a replacement from HR is premature because it bypasses the essential step of thoroughly assessing the actual impact of the engineer's departure on project objectives. Without understanding the specific tasks affected, their criticality, and potential mitigation strategies, the project might incur unnecessary costs or delays by rushing to hire, or even hire the wrong skill set. A PMP prioritizes data-driven decisions over immediate, unanalyzed actions.
- ✗
Update the risk register and plan for a schedule delay
Why it's wrong here
Updating the risk register and proactively planning for a schedule delay without a preceding impact assessment is an incomplete and potentially inaccurate response. While the departure is a risk event, the *extent* of its impact on the critical path, resource availability, and overall project timeline must first be quantified. This assessment informs whether a delay is truly inevitable or if other mitigation strategies, such as task re-prioritization or temporary resource augmentation, are more appropriate.
- ✗
Reassign the engineer's tasks to other team members
Why it's wrong here
Reassigning the engineer's tasks directly to other team members without a comprehensive impact analysis is a reactive approach that could introduce new risks. This action fails to consider the remaining team members' current workload, their specific skill sets, and the potential for quality degradation or burnout. A proper assessment would determine which tasks are critical, who is best suited to take them on, and what additional support or training might be required to maintain project performance.
- ✓
Assess the impact on the critical path and overall schedule
Why this is correct
Assessing the impact on the critical path and overall schedule is the foundational first step in managing any significant project issue, such as the loss of a key resource. This systematic analysis allows the project manager to quantify the precise implications on project timelines, dependencies, and deliverables. By understanding the true scope of the problem, the project team can then develop targeted, effective mitigation strategies and make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, schedule adjustments, or scope modifications, aligning with the Integrated Change Control process.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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