PMP Practice Questions #57
In a new software development project, the project manager, Alex, identifies a risk with high likelihood and probability to occur: the chosen technology stack, while being essential for the project’s unique requirements, is new to the team. This unfamiliarity could lead to considerable delays in the project timeline. Additionally, due to strict data security policies, outsourcing any part of the development work is not feasible. Which of the following is the most appropriate risk response strategy for Alex to implement?
A) Switch to a technology stack that the team is more familiar with
B) Arrange for expert-led training sessions on the new technology stack for the team
C) Outsource the development work related to the new technology stack
D) Proceed with the current plan without making any changes
Analysis
In this question, project manager Alex faces a significant risk due to the team’s unfamiliarity with a necessary new technology stack, which could delay the project timeline. Outsourcing is not an option due to strict data security policies. The question requires identifying the most appropriate risk response strategy from four given options.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Switch to a technology stack that the team is more familiar with. It proposes an avoidance strategy by suggesting a switch to a technology stack with which the team is more familiar. However, this strategy is at odds with the project’s specific requirements. The scenario highlights that the chosen technology stack, despite being unfamiliar, is critical for meeting the project’s unique needs. Opting for alternative technology for the sake of familiarity risks failing to meet these essential requirements, contradicting the importance of adhering to project objectives and fulfilling key project needs.
Option B: Arrange for expert-led training sessions on the new technology stack for the team. This presents a mitigation strategy, focusing on organizing expert-led training sessions for the new technology stack. This approach seeks to reduce the risk by enhancing the team’s proficiency with the unfamiliar technology. It addresses the root cause of the risk – the team’s lack of familiarity with the technology – and emphasizes developing team competencies. By equipping the team with the necessary skills, this option not only mitigates the risk but also adheres to the project’s requirements, demonstrating a balanced approach to risk management.
Option C: Outsource the development work related to the new technology stack. This suggests a transfer strategy, recommending the outsourcing of development work associated with the new technology stack. This approach aims to transfer the risk to an external entity. However, the scenario explicitly states that strict data security policies prohibit outsourcing any part of the development work. This condition renders it impractical and irrelevant to the given situation, highlighting the importance of considering project-specific constraints in risk response strategies.
Option D: Proceed with the current plan without making any changes. It advocates for a risk acceptance strategy, proposing to proceed with the current plan without any alterations. This approach entails accepting the risk as it is, without attempting to reduce its probability or impact. Given the scenario’s mention of significant potential delays, this strategy is unsuitable for the risk at hand. Risk acceptance is typically reserved for minor or unavoidable risks, which is not the case in this situation. This underscores the idea of appropriately assessing and responding to risks based on their magnitude and impact on project objectives.
Conclusion: Option B stands out as the most appropriate response. It proactively addresses the risk by enhancing the team’s skills, thereby mitigating the likelihood of project delays due to unfamiliarity with the technology. This option adheres to guidelines by focusing on risk mitigation through team development, making it the best suited for the given scenario.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Process | Task 3: Assess and manage risks |
Topics Covered
Negative Risk Response Strategies (Avoid, Mitigate, Transfer and Accept)
