Project Management Professional (PMP) — Question 88

During project initiation meetings, the project manager of a 9-month project states that a specific task would be out of schedule. At the project kick-off meeting, a key project stakeholder strongly objects, stating that this task is the key value of the project and should be completed on time.
What should the project manager do to reduce the chances of having a strong rejection from stakeholders during the project initiation stage?

Answer options

• A. Develop a stakeholder-by-stakeholder engagement assessment matrix.
• B. Send a letter to the stakeholders to inform them about the project scope and start date.
• C. Schedule meetings with key stakeholders in advance to gather feedback on the project scope.
• D. Identify stakeholder rejection as a risk in the project risk register.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct approach is to schedule meetings with key stakeholders in advance to gather feedback on the project scope, as this fosters collaboration and ensures that stakeholder concerns are addressed early on. The other options, while valuable, do not actively involve stakeholders in the planning process, which could lead to misunderstandings and heightened resistance later.