Program Management Professional (PgMP) — Question 396

An organization requests that a junior project manager, with no previous experience or training in the industry, take over a complex program component. The program component involves senior subject matter experts and has dependencies with other large projects to deliver key benefits to the organization.
How should the junior project manager respond to this request?

Answer options

• A. Accept the assignment, identify the skill gaps, and request training.
• B. Reject the assignment, because of the ethical requirement not to accept work for which the project manager is not qualified.
• C. Accept the assignment as a challenge and an opportunity to acquire new skills and seek advice from a senior project manager.
• D. Reject the assignment because of fear of failure and resulting negative career impact.

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B because it emphasizes the ethical responsibility of the project manager to only take on work they are qualified for, ensuring that the project's success is not jeopardized. Options A and C suggest accepting the assignment despite a lack of qualifications, which could lead to project failure, while option D is rooted in fear rather than ethical considerations.