PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) — Question 163

The sponsor hires a program manager as a consultant to evaluate a change program currently underway. The leading program manager tells the consultant that the program, currently in the execution phase, is in good standing, and detailed plans are available for review. The consultant reviews the project documentation and talks to the stakeholders, finding the opposite to be true. The project must be in recovery mode to get it back on track, and it is still in the planning phase.
There is low morale among the team members, the meetings are poorly managed, the detailed schedule has gaps, the risk register has not been updated for months, communications and detailed resource plans do not exist, and contract negotiations with a key vendor are behind schedule for critical deliverables.
What is the first course of action the program manager should take based on the current state?

Answer options

• A. Cancel or put the project on hold, and hire a new program manager.
• B. Assess the risk management plan and adjust it accordingly to accommodate the gaps.
• C. Continue the project and create the project documentation that is missing.
• D. Meet with the project sponsor to report current findings, review current risk management plan and develop a corrective course of action.

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct choice is D because meeting with the project sponsor allows for transparency regarding the project's issues and ensures that all stakeholders are informed. This step is crucial for developing a comprehensive corrective action plan. Options A, B, and C do not address the immediate need for communication with the sponsor and proper risk management, which are essential for project recovery.