PMP · Question #1124
A project manager has just been assigned to a team that is developing a new design product. The work breakdown structure (WBS) has been created and the activities have been assigned to the team member
The correct answer is B. Review the work allocation and reassign some tasks to shorten the critical path. The project manager should review current task allocations and reassign tasks to more suitable team members to shorten the critical path and prevent project delays.
Question
A project manager has just been assigned to a team that is developing a new design product. The work breakdown structure (WBS) has been created and the activities have been assigned to the team members. The project manager finds that there are activities that could be completed sooner by other team members. If the current assignments are left as is, the project could be delayed 2 weeks. What should the project manager do in this situation?
Options
- AAsk the team members to work overtime to finish the tasks on time according to the schedule
- BReview the work allocation and reassign some tasks to shorten the critical path
- CMaintain the task assignments as planned and compress the other tasks to keep the project on
- DKeep the task assignments unchanged since the project management plan has been approved
How the community answered
(31 responses)- A26% (8)
- B55% (17)
- C6% (2)
- D13% (4)
Why each option
The project manager should review current task allocations and reassign tasks to more suitable team members to shorten the critical path and prevent project delays.
Asking team members to work overtime should be a last resort, as it can lead to burnout, decreased quality, and does not address the underlying inefficiency in task allocation.
Identifying that tasks could be completed sooner by other team members indicates a potential for schedule optimization. Reallocating tasks to those with more capacity or relevant skills can shorten the critical path and prevent the identified two-week delay.
Maintaining inefficient task assignments and attempting to compress other tasks might introduce new risks or quality issues elsewhere in the project without addressing the direct cause of the potential delay.
A project management plan is a living document; if a potential delay is identified due to inefficient task assignments, the plan should be reviewed and updated to address the issue, rather than rigidly adhering to it.
Concept tested: Resource optimization; Schedule management; Critical path management
Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/manage-project-schedules/5-manage-schedule
Topics
Community Discussion
4
Samuel O.Jun 25, 2026B is correct. I have seen this exact scenario play out on design builds where the original assignments looked fine on paper but the critical path was at risk, and the right move is always to review the allocation and reassign tasks to protect that path rather than throwing overtime at the problem or pretending the approved plan is untouchable.
Olusegun A.Jul 5, 2026B is correct. Reassigning work to available team members to shorten the critical path is straight schedule optimization, and the PM has the authority to do that without burning out the team or waiting for a formal change request.
Samuel O.Jul 7, 2026B is right but in my experience reassigning people to crash the critical path only works if those available members actually have the skills for the work, otherwise you create rework that makes the schedule worse.
Mateus R.Jun 17, 2026B is the answer here. Think of it like rearranging who chops vegetables versus who sets the table in a busy kitchen, you shuffle the work to the folks who can get it done fastest so the whole meal lands on time, which the PMBOK calls resource optimization, specifically leveling your team against that critical path.