PMP Question #246: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

Question

In a hybrid project, the customer has issued a contract that specifies the deliverables for each quarter. The customer wants to show their stakeholders a tangible outcome in the first quarter and wants to move the second milestone to the first quarter. The project manager explains to the customer that it is not feasible unless the requirements for the second milestone are changed. Which two actions should the project manager take? (Choose two.)

Options

• AAsk the customer for their priorities regarding the requirements for the second milestone.
• BEscalate the issue to upper management to resolve the problem, and suggest a plan.
• CConvince the customer to leave the second milestone in place and not change it.
• DTell the customer that moving the milestone has a very high impact on the cost of the project.
• EGo back to the development team and discuss which second milestone requirements can be

Explanation

A and E are correct because the PM has already identified that requirements must change - so the logical next steps are to understand which requirements the customer can flex (A) and to collaborate with the development team to identify which requirements are realistically moveable (E). Together, these two actions enable an informed negotiation and a feasible revised plan.

B is wrong because escalating to upper management is premature - the PM hasn't yet explored solutions with the customer and team, so there's nothing concrete to escalate yet. C is wrong because it ignores the customer's legitimate business need to demonstrate value to stakeholders in Q1; refusing to engage with their request is not collaborative. D is wrong because simply warning about cost impact doesn't solve the problem or move the conversation forward - it's a blocker statement, not a constructive action.

Memory tip: When a scope/timeline conflict arises in a hybrid project, always work outward then inward - first clarify customer priorities (A), then assess internal team feasibility (E) - before escalating or refusing. Think: "What can you live without? What can we actually do?"

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