Project Management Professional (PMP) — Question 1222

During project completion, a project manager receives a request from the customer for a reduced cost of goods. The customer's request will affect the sales department's budget and forecast.

In order to reach a consensus and have a successful project completion, what should the project manager do first?

Answer options

• A. Initiate a change request to accommodate the revised cost of goods.
• B. Identify and satisfy both parties’ underlying wants.
• C. Analyze the bounds of the negotiation for agreement with both parties.
• D. Comply with the customer's request to achieve the project mandate.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is C because analyzing the bounds of negotiation helps establish a framework for productive dialogue between the project manager and the customer. Options A and D are premature actions that don't consider the negotiation process, while B, while important, does not directly address the immediate need for a clear understanding of the negotiation parameters.