Project Management Professional (PMP) — Question 436

In analyzing a project for monthly status reporting, the project manager notices that the schedule performance index (SPI) is 0,75 and the cost performance index
(CPI) is 1,25. The project manager must provide the first project status review soon and wants to emphasize that the project is under control.
How should the project manager report the project status to key stakeholders?

Answer options

• A. Prepare a detailed presentation for stakeholders on earned value including how it is calculated and the project's current earned value results
• B. Report that the project is behind schedule but that an additional experienced resource can be added to stay within schedule and maintain the budget
• C. Perform a detailed root cause analysis utilizing a pareto chart and fishbone diagrams to demonstrate that the project is under control
• D. Report that the project is not tracking as expected, but is still under control since the next project milestone is over a month away

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B because it acknowledges the schedule delay while also providing a solution to mitigate it, which reassures stakeholders. Option A may overwhelm stakeholders with details rather than focusing on the solution. Option C, while thorough, does not directly address the immediate need to reassure stakeholders about the project status. Option D downplays the issue without offering a proactive approach to bring the project back on track.