PMP Practice Questions #159
During the monthly review, your governance group raised a concern about the delay in the end-user training delivery activity. The delay was due to the non-availability of end-users, leading you to postpone the activity by one month. The governance group expressed dissatisfaction with your decision, stating that they could have managed the time for end-user training if they had been informed. They requested that such changes be communicated to them promptly. What is the best step to prevent such events in the future?
A. Establish a protocol to escalate all issues related to transition and other stakeholders promptly.
B. Increase the frequency of governance reviews to a weekly basis to identify and address issues more quickly.
C. Ensure the governance group is included in all communication related to project issues.
D. Revisit and update the governance plan and escalation thresholds to provide clarity on escalation events and processes.
Analysis
In this question, the governance group raised concerns about a delay in end-user training delivery during the monthly review. The delay occurred due to the non-availability of end-users, leading the project manager to postpone the activity by one month. The governance group expressed dissatisfaction, stating that they could have managed the time for end-user training if they had been informed. They requested that such changes be communicated promptly in the future. The project manager needs to decide on the best step to prevent similar issues.
Analysis of Options
Option A: Establish a protocol to escalate all issues related to transition and other stakeholders promptly. While establishing a protocol for escalation is a good idea, the word “all” is problematic. Not every issue related to transitioning requires escalation. Escalating every minor issue could overwhelm the governance group and create unnecessary noise. Therefore, this option is too broad and not practical for effective management.
Option B: Increase the frequency of governance reviews to a weekly basis to identify and address issues more quickly. Increasing the frequency of governance reviews might help in identifying issues more quickly, but it is a reactive approach. This option focuses on catching problems after they occur rather than preventing them. Additionally, weekly meetings might not be feasible due to stakeholders’ availability. While it could be beneficial, it is not the best preventive measure.
Option C: Ensure the governance group is included in all communication related to project issues. Including the governance group in all communications related to project issues might ensure they are always informed, but it can also lead to information overload. Not all issues require the governance group’s attention. The focus should be on significant issues that impact the project, not every minor problem. This option lacks a clear mechanism for determining which issues are important enough to escalate.
Option D: Revisit and update the governance plan and escalation thresholds to provide clarity on escalation events and processes. This option is the most appropriate as it addresses the root cause of the issue: unclear escalation thresholds and communication expectations. By revisiting and updating the governance plan and escalation thresholds, the project manager and governance group can clarify which issues need to be escalated and communicated promptly. This proactive approach ensures a shared understanding of the processes, preventing similar issues in the future.
Conclusion: The best step to prevent similar events in the future is to revisit and update the governance plan and escalation thresholds to provide clarity on escalation events and processes. This ensures that significant issues are communicated promptly and that there is a shared understanding of when and how to escalate issues.
Correct Answer: Option D: “Revisit and update the governance plan and escalation thresholds to provide clarity on escalation events and processes.”
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Business | Task 4: Support organizational change |
| Process | Task 14: Establish project governance structure |
Topics Covered
- Project Governance
