PMP · Question #17
A project manager for a software technology project works in a matrixed organization with virtual teams. Unfortunately, the functional manager informs the project manager that there may not be any res
The correct answer is B. Engage with the functional manager to discuss details to obtain the required support. When a functional manager indicates potential unavailability of resources for a critical task like testing, the project manager should immediately engage directly with that functional manager to discuss details and secure the required support.
Question
A project manager for a software technology project works in a matrixed organization with virtual teams. Unfortunately, the functional manager informs the project manager that there may not be any resources available to test the software. What should the project manager do next?
Options
- ARequest a teleconference meeting with the sponsor to submit a change request to allow the
- BEngage with the functional manager to discuss details to obtain the required support
- CDiscuss testing requirements at the weekly project meeting to negotiate the best approach to test
- DSend an email to the procurement specialist to negotiate with a company that specializes in
How the community answered
(31 responses)- A13% (4)
- B77% (24)
- C3% (1)
- D6% (2)
Why each option
When a functional manager indicates potential unavailability of resources for a critical task like testing, the project manager should immediately engage directly with that functional manager to discuss details and secure the required support.
Requesting a teleconference with the sponsor to submit a change request is a premature escalation; the project manager should first attempt to resolve resource issues at the operational level with the functional manager who is responsible for those resources.
In a matrixed organization, functional managers control resource allocation; therefore, the project manager's immediate next step upon learning of potential resource unavailability is to engage directly with the functional manager to understand the situation, discuss priorities, and collaboratively find a solution to secure the necessary testing resources.
Concept tested: Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement in Matrix Organizations
Topics
Community Discussion
6
Toby R.Jul 5, 2026Confirmed B on my exam last month. In a matrixed org the functional manager owns the resources, so you go straight to them to work out the resourcing issue before escalating or shopping for outside help.
Carlos M.Jul 5, 2026B is correct. Matrixed org means go to the functional manager first for resources.
Zlatan X.Jul 5, 2026B is correct because in a matrixed organization the functional manager owns the resource pool, so you engage them directly to negotiate the support your component needs. A jumps to a change request before you have even tried to resolve the constraint at the source, which undermines your governance chain. C dilutes accountability by pushing a resource negotiation into a team status meeting, and D assumes procurement is the answer before internal sourcing is exhausted. I had this exact scenario on my exam last year and almost talked myself into A because the sponsor language sounded authoritative, but the stem says there may not be resources available, which means you
Ingrid P.Jul 3, 2026I first leaned toward C because negotiating testing approach at the weekly meeting sounded collaborative. But re-reading the stem, the issue is resource availability, which is owned by the functional manager in a matrixed org. B is correct because you go straight to the person who controls the resources to work out the specifics. Skipping that conversation and jumping to the team or procurement is premature when the FM has not definitively said no, just flagged a risk.
Carlos M.Jul 6, 2026Agreed on B, and the key phrase to watch for is that the FM flagged a risk, not denied the request, which means the conversation is still open and going straight to the source is the only move that does not burn political capital you might need later.
Yusuf A.Jul 5, 2026B is right. My mentor always says go to the functional manager first in matrixed orgs.