PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
Your project is running 15% over budget at the midpoint. The sponsor asks you to skip the testing phase in the next sprint to save costs. The project follows a hybrid approach with both predictive and agile elements. What should you do?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers choose Option B (absolute refusal) because they believe testing is non-negotiable, but the PMP exam expects you to engage the sponsor with data-driven alternatives rather than a flat 'no'.
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
✓
Perform a cost-benefit analysis and present alternative cost-saving measures to the sponsor
As a project manager, you must balance cost constraints with quality and risk. Skipping testing entirely introduces unacceptable technical debt and quality risks, especially in a hybrid project where testing is a critical control point. Performing a cost-benefit analysis allows you to objectively evaluate the impact of skipping testing and present data-driven alternatives, such as reducing test coverage in low-risk areas or deferring non-critical tests, while maintaining the integrity of the deliverable.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reduce the scope of testing but not eliminate it entirely
Why it's wrong here
While seemingly a compromise, unilaterally reducing the scope of testing without a formal change request and stakeholder approval is inappropriate. This action could still significantly compromise product quality, increase project risks related to defects, and potentially lead to costly rework or reputational damage later. Any alteration to the validated scope baseline, especially concerning quality assurance, requires a structured change management process.
- ✗
Inform the sponsor that testing cannot be skipped under any circumstances
Why it's wrong here
Directly refusing the sponsor's implicit request without exploring viable alternatives or understanding the underlying urgency demonstrates poor stakeholder management and a lack of proactive problem-solving. A project manager's role involves collaborating to find solutions that balance competing constraints, not simply stating what cannot be done. This approach can damage the PM-sponsor relationship and hinder effective decision-making.
- ✓
Perform a cost-benefit analysis and present alternative cost-saving measures to the sponsor
Why this is correct
This is the most appropriate action as it demonstrates proactive problem-solving and strategic thinking. By conducting a cost-benefit analysis, the project manager can quantify the financial implications of various options, including the risks of reducing testing versus the benefits of other cost-saving measures. Presenting data-driven alternatives empowers the sponsor to make an informed decision while ensuring quality standards and project objectives are carefully considered, aligning with PMI's ethical and professional conduct.
- ✗
Agree to skip testing to meet the sponsor's request
Why it's wrong here
Agreeing to skip testing entirely is a severe breach of professional responsibility and project quality standards. This action significantly increases the risk of delivering a defective product, leading to extensive rework, warranty claims, reputational damage, and potentially higher long-term costs than the initial savings. A project manager must uphold quality and protect the organization's interests, even when faced with pressure to cut corners.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.