PMP Practice Questions #69
As a project manager leading a software development project, you discover that the technology currently being used is nearing obsolescence and future support will soon be unavailable. This realization poses a significant risk to the project’s long-term viability. However, transitioning to a newer technology would require additional training and reskilling for your team, an expense not included in the initial project budget. How should you approach this challenge?
A. Continue using the current technology for the duration of the project and deal with the lack of support as a post-project issue, to avoid altering the current budget.
B. Transition to the new technology immediately and expect the team to adapt on the fly, minimizing the need for additional budget allocation for training.
C. Perform a risk assessment of continuing with the obsolete technology versus the costs and timeline impacts of adopting new technology, including training expenses, and present a revised budget proposal.
D. Request additional funds for training and transitioning to the new technology , based on the assumption that stakeholders will understand the urgency.
Analysis:
In this software development project, the project manager faces a significant challenge due to the impending obsolescence of the technology being used. This presents a risk to the project’s long-term viability, and transitioning to new technology would require additional training and reskilling, which was not accounted for in the initial budget. The question is asking about how to deal with the challenge.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Continue using the current technology for the duration of the project and deal with the lack of support as a post-project issue, to avoid altering the current budget. This option involves continuing with the current technology for the duration of the project and addressing the lack of support as a post-project issue. While this avoids altering the current budget, it does not proactively address the significant risk posed by the technology becoming obsolete. This approach might lead to greater issues in the future, compromising the project’s long-term viability.
Option B: Transition to the new technology immediately and expect the team to adapt on the fly, minimizing the need for additional budget allocation for training. Transitioning to new technology immediately and expecting the team to adapt on the fly is an approach that minimizes the need for additional budget allocation for training. However, this could put undue pressure on the team and impact the quality of the project output. It also assumes that the team can quickly adapt without the necessary training, which may not be realistic.
Option C: Perform a risk assessment of continuing with the obsolete technology versus the costs and timeline impacts of adopting new technology, including training expenses, and present a revised budget proposal. Performing a risk assessment to weigh the pros and cons of continuing with the obsolete technology versus adopting new technology (including training costs) is a balanced approach. This option involves analyzing the costs, timeline impacts, and presenting a revised budget proposal if needed. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate risk and the long-term viability of the project.
Option D: Request additional funds for training and transitioning to the new technology , based on the assumption that stakeholders will understand the urgency. Requesting additional funds for training and transitioning to the new technology is a direct approach to addressing the challenge. This option assumes stakeholders will understand the urgency of the situation. However, it might be seen as reactive and does not include a thorough analysis of the situation or exploration of alternative solutions.
Conclusion: Option C stands out as the most suitable approach, closely adhering to the idea of “acknowledge, analyze, and act.” This method begins with acknowledging the challenge presented by the obsolescence of the current technology. It then moves into a detailed analysis phase, assessing the risks and implications associated with both continuing to use the current technology and the potential transition to a new one. This analysis covers the financial aspects, timeline impacts, and the necessity of additional training.
By carefully considering these factors, the project manager can make an informed decision. This approach ensures that actions taken are not only reactive to the immediate problem but are also based on a comprehensive understanding of the broader project implications. Following this thorough evaluation, a revised budget proposal can be developed if required, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and commitment to the project’s long-term success.
In contrast, the other options either lack this level of detailed analysis or propose actions without fully assessing the situation’s complexities. Option C’s structured approach of acknowledging the issue, analyzing the options, and then acting ensures a balanced, informed, and strategic response to the challenge.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Process | Task 5: Plan and manage budget and resources |
| Process | Task 3: Assess and manage risks |
| Business | Task 3 Evaluate and address external business environment changes for impact on scope |
Topics Covered
- Iterative Risk Assessment
- Budget Forecast
- Evaluate Environmental Changes
