Project Management Professional (PMP) — Question 676

A new project manager is working on a time-sensitive social media strategy for a software development company that is building a communications management plan for the stakeholders. This is the first major project since the company shifted to working remotely on a full-time basis. After reviewing all previous company artifacts, the project manager finds a standard operating procedure (SOP) document outlining how all communication should take place.

How should the project manager proceed?

Answer options

• A. Adhere to the SOP for the project, make a note of required changes, and escalate to the change management board.
• B. Use the SOP as a base plan and make updates during the control and monitoring phase of the project.
• C. Ignore the SOP and write a separate communications management plan for this project.
• D. Assess the SOP for relevancy, make updates, and circulate to the stakeholders for comment during project planning.

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is D because it ensures the SOP is relevant and up-to-date before being used, allowing for stakeholder input which increases buy-in and effectiveness. Options A, B, and C are less effective as they either ignore the need for stakeholder engagement (C) or fail to ensure the SOP's relevance before use (A and B).