PMP Question #1186: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

Question

An intern is replacing a critical resource midway through a sprint. To help the intern get up to speed, the project manager assigns a senior engineer in the team as the intern's mentor. Two months later, the project goes into critical status, delaying the release milestone by a month. What should the project manager have done to avoid this scenario?

Options

• ARequested an experienced resource as a replacement
• BNegotiated additional time to complete the project
• CAllocated additional time for mentoring
• DConvinced the critical resource to remain on the project

Explanation

To avoid project delays when a critical resource departs, the project manager should proactively request an experienced replacement capable of quickly assuming the role and responsibilities.

Common mistakes.

• B. Negotiating additional time is a reactive measure after a problem has occurred, rather than a proactive step to prevent the initial delay caused by an inexperienced replacement.
• C. While mentoring is beneficial, allocating additional time for mentoring an intern in a critical role during a critical phase only prolongs the impact and doesn't solve the immediate skill gap for critical tasks.
• D. Convincing a critical resource to remain is often not within a project manager's direct control, especially if the resource has already made a decision to leave.

Concept tested. Resource management and critical role replacement

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