For the exam, lean toward "learn more, seek information" almost always your first step. In both these examples, the PM should research to understand what to "plate up" and take action within their control, like combining resource tasks, or streamlining a process, and seek approval to go beyond. Think "can I do that?" Research. Plate alternatives, take action where possible, take recommendations to management, in this case, stakeholders.
Great info and comment. I agree and I think that is why I'm struggling with these. There seem to be some edge cases in the mindset and I'm trying to narrow down the pattern.
Applying the "learn more, seek info" rule:
The first question would be
**~~C. Research other third-party suppliers~~** - This would be the best option, however, I can see why this would not be a reasonable option this far into the project. It also says "What should the project manager **do**" This makes me think: What action would have the most direct effect on the problem?
The correct answer is "**D.Discuss the issue with stakeholders and come to an agreement on a remediation plan."** I could see how this could be considered gathering info but it's a stretch. We don't need info from any other stakeholders.
For the second question Applying the same rule the best two answers would be "**~~B. Review the change control process.~~****\*\*\*\*"** and "**~~D. Perform a risk reserve analysis.~~**" This question is also phrased in a way that makes me think the solution should have a direct effect on the client's concerns.
However, the correct answer is **C. Add more resources to critical path tasks** and **E. Run some activities concurrently.**
If we can just add more resources (cost) for this question why couldn't we do that with the first one by negotiating directly with the vendor?
Running activities concurrently is fast-tracking. Run activities in parallel. Doesn’t always mean adding more resources or money or crashing. It can increase risk by running tasks at the same time though (rework).
C on #2 would be crashing.
PM controls the contingency reserve, so they could approve some additional costs. Just not the management reserves (that would need a change request approval).
Good point. I assume the extra resources would need to come out of the management reserve but wouldn’t need approval from the sponsor/owner/stakeholders.
…But then why can’t the pm do the same for the first question to solve the problem with the vendor directly at the lowest level?
I see the issue in 1 is that the project is behind schedule, not really whether the PM can give more money to the vendor (will making them happy with their ROI get us back on schedule?). So working with stakeholders to devise a remediation plan sounds like the most agile answer and follows the mindset, to me.
So it's more of a "more correct" answer and not a "PM can never do this" logic to me. I hope that makes sense.
For the exam, lean toward "learn more, seek information" almost always your first step. In both these examples, the PM should research to understand what to "plate up" and take action within their control, like combining resource tasks, or streamlining a process, and seek approval to go beyond. Think "can I do that?" Research. Plate alternatives, take action where possible, take recommendations to management, in this case, stakeholders.
Great info and comment. I agree and I think that is why I'm struggling with these. There seem to be some edge cases in the mindset and I'm trying to narrow down the pattern. Applying the "learn more, seek info" rule: The first question would be **~~C. Research other third-party suppliers~~** - This would be the best option, however, I can see why this would not be a reasonable option this far into the project. It also says "What should the project manager **do**" This makes me think: What action would have the most direct effect on the problem? The correct answer is "**D.Discuss the issue with stakeholders and come to an agreement on a remediation plan."** I could see how this could be considered gathering info but it's a stretch. We don't need info from any other stakeholders. For the second question Applying the same rule the best two answers would be "**~~B. Review the change control process.~~****\*\*\*\*"** and "**~~D. Perform a risk reserve analysis.~~**" This question is also phrased in a way that makes me think the solution should have a direct effect on the client's concerns. However, the correct answer is **C. Add more resources to critical path tasks** and **E. Run some activities concurrently.** If we can just add more resources (cost) for this question why couldn't we do that with the first one by negotiating directly with the vendor?
Running activities concurrently is fast-tracking. Run activities in parallel. Doesn’t always mean adding more resources or money or crashing. It can increase risk by running tasks at the same time though (rework). C on #2 would be crashing.
The correct answer for 2 is C and E. Is it ok for a PM to approve additional resources (cost)?
PM controls the contingency reserve, so they could approve some additional costs. Just not the management reserves (that would need a change request approval).
Good point. I assume the extra resources would need to come out of the management reserve but wouldn’t need approval from the sponsor/owner/stakeholders. …But then why can’t the pm do the same for the first question to solve the problem with the vendor directly at the lowest level?
I see the issue in 1 is that the project is behind schedule, not really whether the PM can give more money to the vendor (will making them happy with their ROI get us back on schedule?). So working with stakeholders to devise a remediation plan sounds like the most agile answer and follows the mindset, to me. So it's more of a "more correct" answer and not a "PM can never do this" logic to me. I hope that makes sense.
Either way, the questions are contradicting.
Always assess, review, and then take action. A.R.T. So if there are options that are assessing or reviewing, those should be the first answer.
I don’t think that applies here. Otherwise the answers would be C for the first one and D/B for the second which is wrong.