PMP · Question #235
A project manager is leading a project that is in the execution phase. Due to a company reorganization, some key project team members are likely to leave the project. What should the project manager d
The correct answer is D. Determine the impact to the project and implement mitigations per the project management plan.. Upon learning of impending key team member departures, the project manager's immediate next step is to determine the impact on the project and implement appropriate mitigation strategies per the project management plan.
Question
Options
- ADiscuss this issue with the affected team members and support them during the transition.
- BStart looking for replacements as soon as possible to help prevent any schedule slippage.
- CEngage with the project sponsor to ensure that this change does not affect the project execution.
- DDetermine the impact to the project and implement mitigations per the project management plan.
How the community answered
(42 responses)- A12% (5)
- B5% (2)
- C26% (11)
- D57% (24)
Why each option
Upon learning of impending key team member departures, the project manager's immediate next step is to determine the impact on the project and implement appropriate mitigation strategies per the project management plan.
While supporting team members is good for morale, it does not directly address the project risk of their departure or ensure project continuity.
Starting to look for replacements might be a mitigation strategy, but it should occur after determining the actual impact and consulting the plan, as not all departures require immediate one-for-one replacement.
Engaging with the project sponsor is important, but it comes after the PM has done their due diligence in understanding the impact and potential solutions, rather than asking the sponsor to ensure execution is unaffected without prior analysis.
When key team members are likely to leave, the most crucial next step for the project manager is to assess the specific impact this will have on the project's schedule, budget, quality, and risks. Following this assessment, the project manager should then refer to the project management plan (e.g., resource management plan, risk management plan) to implement predefined or new mitigation strategies, which could include finding replacements, cross-training, or re-scoping.
Concept tested: Resource risk management and mitigation
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok
Topics
Community Discussion
9
Lena V.May 11, 2026D is the correct answer. The exam always wants you to assess impact and check the project management plan before taking action, especially during execution. B is a premature knee-jerk reaction and A focuses on empathy over project delivery, while C skips your own authority as the PM. Follow the process: determine the impact first, then apply the documented mitigation strategy.
Yuki V.May 11, 2026Agreed on D, and the way I remembered it during my exam was the simple hook assess before you act, which basically maps to the Monitoring and Controlling process group where you evaluate impact and consult the plan before doing anything.
Yuki V.Apr 21, 2026Confirmed D on my exam last month. Execution phase surprises go through Monitor and Control, so you assess impact first and follow the plan already in place rather than jumping straight to fixes.
Fatima Z.Apr 14, 2026Going with A. When the reorg rollercoaster hits your team, your first move is the human element: talk to the folks affected and support them through the transition. Remember the PMP heart acronym: H-E-A-R-T, Help Empathize And Rally Teammates, because people before process always comes first in execution.
Yuki V.Apr 16, 2026D is correct here Fatima because the question is asking about an organizational change scenario where you follow the change management plan, not just jump straight to conversations. Your heart acronym is great for the people side, but the structured approach comes first and then the empathy follows.
Carlos M.May 3, 2026Going with C. Reorganization is an organizational constraint that is outside the PM's control, so escalating to the sponsor is the right move to protect the project and get leadership to weigh in before execution takes a hit.
Lena V.May 3, 2026Actually D is the correct answer here. A reorganization creates a resourcing change that directly impacts your project, so updating the resource management plan is the required action rather than escalating something you should be adapting to first.
Dervla O.May 23, 2026A is the right call here because the stem says team members are likely to leave, not that they have left yet, so your first move is the human one: talk to the affected people and support them through the transition before you start scrambling for replacements or escalating.
Lena V.May 25, 2026D is correct here because the question is testing what the PM does operationally when turnover is imminent, not the interpersonal response. You secure knowledge transfer and document critical role functions before people walk, so the team is not left scrambling.