PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
Your project is using a hybrid approach. During a sprint, the team realizes that a critical dependency from another project will not be ready on time, impacting the critical path. The dependency was not identified in the risk register. What is the BEST action?
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
✓
Add the dependency to the issue log, assess the impact on the schedule, and engage the other project manager.
The best action is to first document the unexpected dependency as an issue in the issue log, assess its impact on the schedule, and then engage the other project manager to coordinate a resolution. This follows the proper issue management process of identifying, analyzing, and responding. Option A (crashing) is premature without impact analysis; Option B (escalation) bypasses direct communication; Option C (workaround) assumes a solution 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.
- ✗
Crash the schedule by adding resources to the dependent task.
Why it's wrong here
Crashing the schedule by merely adding resources to your dependent task is generally ineffective for resolving external or cross-project dependencies. This technique primarily addresses resource-constrained tasks within your project, not a logical or external constraint originating from another project's progress. Such an approach can increase costs and risks without addressing the root cause of the inter-project dependency.
- ✗
Escalate to the project management office for resource reallocation.
Why it's wrong here
Escalating immediately to the Project Management Office (PMO) for resource reallocation is a premature action. Project managers are expected to first attempt to resolve issues and dependencies at their own level through direct communication and negotiation with relevant stakeholders, such as the other project manager. Escalation should be reserved for situations where direct resolution attempts have failed or when the issue's scope clearly exceeds the project manager's authority.
- ✗
Ask the team to find a workaround to bypass the dependency.
Why it's wrong here
Immediately asking the team to find a workaround to bypass a dependency is generally not the optimal first step. Dependencies often exist for critical technical, logical, or regulatory reasons, and bypassing them without thorough analysis can introduce significant risks, technical debt, or quality defects. A proper assessment of the dependency's nature and impact, followed by collaboration, should precede any consideration of a workaround.
- ✓
Add the dependency to the issue log, assess the impact on the schedule, and engage the other project manager.
Why this is correct
This option represents the most appropriate and structured approach to managing a cross-project dependency. Documenting the dependency in the issue log ensures formal tracking and visibility, while assessing its impact on the schedule quantifies the problem. Engaging the other project manager directly facilitates collaborative problem-solving and negotiation, which is crucial for resolving inter-project constraints effectively.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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