PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
Your project is using a predictive approach. A key vendor notifies you that they will be unable to deliver a critical component for another four weeks. This component is on the critical path, and you have no schedule reserve left. You have identified that a different vendor can deliver in two weeks at a 20% higher cost. What should you do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often jump to 'contract the alternative vendor' (Option A) because it seems like a quick fix, but the PMP exam requires following the formal change control process, which starts with analysis and a change request, not direct 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
✓
Perform a quantitative analysis comparing the cost of the alternative vendor versus the cost of delay, then submit a change request
In a predictive (waterfall) project with no schedule reserve and a critical path delay, the first step is to perform a quantitative analysis to compare the cost of the alternative vendor (20% higher) against the cost of schedule delay (e.g., liquidated damages, lost revenue, or penalties). This analysis provides objective data to support a change request, which is the formal process to alter the project baselines. Option B aligns with the PMBOK Guide's emphasis on data-driven decision-making before taking corrective action.
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 contract the alternative vendor to avoid further delay
Why it's wrong here
Immediately contracting an alternative vendor without proper analysis or formal approval constitutes an unauthorized commitment and bypasses established project change control and procurement management processes. This action could lead to unbudgeted costs, scope creep, or contractual disputes, violating the project management plan and organizational governance. Such a unilateral decision undermines the project manager's accountability and the project's integrity.
- ✓
Perform a quantitative analysis comparing the cost of the alternative vendor versus the cost of delay, then submit a change request
Why this is correct
This option demonstrates a proactive and structured approach by first conducting a quantitative analysis to compare the financial implications of engaging an alternative vendor against the projected costs associated with the four-week delay. This data-driven assessment provides a clear basis for decision-making. Subsequently, submitting a change request ensures that any proposed solution, including potential budget or schedule adjustments, undergoes formal review and approval by the appropriate stakeholders, adhering to the integrated change control process.
- ✗
Ask the original vendor to expedite delivery at no extra cost
Why it's wrong here
Asking the original vendor to expedite delivery at no extra cost is an unrealistic expectation, especially since the vendor has already communicated an inability to deliver as planned. This approach fails to acknowledge the vendor's constraints and is unlikely to resolve the core issue of the impending delay. It does not offer a viable mitigation strategy and could strain the vendor relationship without providing a practical solution to the project's critical path impact.
- ✗
Update the risk register and accept the four-week delay
Why it's wrong here
Simply updating the risk register and accepting a four-week delay without exploring any mitigation strategies is a passive approach to risk management, especially for a known issue impacting a key vendor. Project managers are expected to proactively identify and implement appropriate risk responses to minimize negative impacts on project objectives. This option fails to demonstrate due diligence in seeking solutions to prevent or reduce the delay.
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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.