PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
Your construction project is 40% complete, and you have just learned that a key supplier will be unable to deliver critical steel beams for another six weeks due to a factory fire. The beams are on the critical path, and the project has zero float. The risk register had identified a potential supplier delay, with a planned response to use an alternative supplier. What should you do NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse implementing a contingency plan with initiating a change request, but the contingency plan was already approved in the risk management plan, so no change request is needed unless the plan proves insufficient.
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
✓
Implement the contingency plan to use the alternative supplier
The risk register already identified the supplier delay and planned a contingency response (use an alternative supplier). Since the risk has occurred, you must implement the contingency plan per the risk management plan. This is the immediate next step to mitigate the impact on the critical path with zero float.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Initiate a change request to adjust the schedule baseline
Why it's wrong here
Initiating a change request to adjust the schedule baseline is generally not the immediate first step when a contingency plan is in place. Contingency plans are pre-approved responses designed to address specific risks using pre-allocated contingency reserves (time or budget). Executing such a plan typically falls within the approved project management plan and does not automatically necessitate a formal change request unless the impact exceeds the planned contingency or the plan itself proves insufficient, which would be assessed after implementation.
- ✗
Update the risk register and close the risk
Why it's wrong here
While updating the risk register is a critical component of the Monitor Risks process, it is a documentation and administrative task that follows, rather than precedes, the actual implementation of a risk response. The immediate priority when a risk event occurs and a contingency plan is available is to execute that plan to mitigate the impact and protect project objectives. Closing the risk would only occur after the response has been fully implemented and the risk's impact has been effectively managed.
- ✓
Implement the contingency plan to use the alternative supplier
Why this is correct
When an identified risk materializes, and a specific contingency plan has been developed and approved as part of the Plan Risk Responses process, the immediate and most appropriate action is to execute that pre-defined plan. This proactive implementation leverages prior planning efforts to mitigate the risk's impact efficiently, such as switching to an alternative supplier to maintain project progress without undue delay. This is the essence of effective risk management and ensures a controlled response.
- ✗
Escalate the issue to the project sponsor and request additional budget
Why it's wrong here
Escalating the issue to the project sponsor and requesting additional budget is premature and often unnecessary if an approved contingency plan exists. The purpose of a contingency plan is to address the risk using pre-approved resources and strategies within the project manager's authority. Escalation is typically reserved for risks or issues that exceed the project manager's authority, the scope of existing contingency plans, or threaten project objectives even after planned responses have been implemented. The first step is always to utilize existing approved plans.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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