PMP Practice Questions #157
Your project deliverables are ready, and you are working on supporting the transition of these deliverables to the end users. However, you observe that the end users are resistant to this change because they believe it will result in losing revenue. As a project manager, what should you do?
A. Engage with the end users to understand their concerns, provide information on the benefits of the change, and involve them in the transition planning.
B. Escalate the issue to senior management to force the transition through, emphasizing the project’s completion.
C. Make a clear entry criterion for transitioning activities, and postpone the transition indefinitely until the end users are ready and fully supportive.
D. Along with some key stakeholders, engage with the end users to understand their concerns, and take support from stakeholders to provide information on the benefits of the change.
Analysis
In this question, the goal is to determine the most appropriate action a project manager should take when encountering resistance to change from end users who believe the transition will result in losing revenue. The project manager needs to address the end users’ concerns effectively to facilitate a smooth transition of project deliverables.
Analysis of Options
Option A: Engage with the end users to understand their concerns, provide information on the benefits of the change, and involve them in the transition planning. This is a proactive and collaborative approach. By engaging with the end users, the project manager can understand their concerns, provide clear information about the benefits of the change, and involve them in planning the transition. This method addresses resistance directly and ensures that end users feel heard and involved, increasing the likelihood of a successful transition. It aligns well with best practices in change management and stakeholder engagement
Option B: Escalate the issue to senior management to force the transition through, emphasizing the project’s completion. Usually, escalation is not the best initial choice. The situation described does not provide clear reasons that would justify immediate escalation. Transition activities might require senior management’s involvement because end users may respond better to their management. The project manager might be concerned about project delays due to end-user resistance. However, the question does not indicate an immediate need for escalation. Therefore, escalation should be held off as it might not address the root cause of resistance effectively.
Option C: Make a clear entry criterion for transitioning activities, and postpone the transition indefinitely until the end users are ready and fully supportive. Postponing the transition indefinitely is not a practical solution. While setting clear entry criteria for transitioning can be part of a well-structured plan, indefinitely delaying the transition does not address the current concerns and may lead to project delays and additional costs. It also avoids the responsibility of the project manager to facilitate change.
Option D: Along with some key stakeholders, engage with the end users to understand their concerns, and take support from stakeholders to provide information on the benefits of the change. TThis option combines the engagement of end users with the involvement of key stakeholders. By bringing in stakeholders, the project manager can leverage additional support and credibility, making it easier to address the end users’ concerns. This collaborative approach ensures that the transition is supported by a broader organizational base, making it more robust and effective. This option aligns well with best practices in change management and stakeholder engagement.
Conclusion: Option D is the most appropriate action for the project manager to take. It emphasizes a collaborative approach by involving key stakeholders, which can help address the end users’ concerns more effectively and facilitate a smoother transition.
Correct Answer: Option D: “Along with some key stakeholders, engage with the end users to understand their concerns, and take support from stakeholders to provide information on the benefits of the change.”
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| People | Task 9: Collaborate with stakeholders |
| Business | Task 4: Support organizational change |
Topics Covered
- Transitioning Planning
- Support Change
