PMP · Question #397
During project execution, the project manager notices that the work performance reports have deteriorated drastically in less than two weeks. The project team in country A is complaining about delays
The correct answer is D. Review the risk management plan to evaluate the probability and impact of these delays. When unexpected delays due to international holidays impact project performance, the project manager should review the risk management plan to assess the probability and impact of these delays and determine appropriate responses.
Question
During project execution, the project manager notices that the work performance reports have deteriorated drastically in less than two weeks. The project team in country A is complaining about delays resulting from holidays occurring in country B that have impacted their project team. How should the project manager handle this situation?
Options
- AImplement crashing to compress the schedule and improve the schedule performance index
- BImplement fast-tracking to compress the schedule and improve the SPI
- CPerform conflict management using the project's resource management plan.
- DReview the risk management plan to evaluate the probability and impact of these delays
How the community answered
(47 responses)- A11% (5)
- B2% (1)
- C4% (2)
- D83% (39)
Why each option
When unexpected delays due to international holidays impact project performance, the project manager should review the risk management plan to assess the probability and impact of these delays and determine appropriate responses.
Crashing is a schedule compression technique, which is a response tactic, not the first step to understand and address an unexpected delay from a known external factor.
Fast-tracking is a schedule compression technique, which is a response tactic, not the initial investigative step for this scenario.
While there are complaints, the core issue is the impact of holidays (a risk event) on the schedule and performance, not necessarily a personal conflict between team members that requires formal conflict management as the immediate first step.
Unexpected delays from factors like differing international holidays are typically identified and planned for as risks in a multinational project. Reviewing the risk management plan helps the project manager evaluate the known (or previously identified but perhaps overlooked) probability and impact of these delays and determine if a risk response strategy was already defined or if a new one is needed.
Concept tested: Risk management plan and unexpected delays
Source: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/risk-management-planning-monitoring-6078
Topics
Community Discussion
7
Wei W.Feb 27, 2026D is the right call here. Cross-border holidays causing delays is a known risk scenario, so the PM should go back to the risk management plan to see how this was assessed and what the planned response is rather than jumping straight into schedule compression techniques that assume you already understand the problem.
Brenda K.Mar 2, 2026Solid pick, but on the real exam this one is a 30-second read and move, do not overthink the risk plan angle or you will burn two minutes you need for the calc questions at the end.
Orla P.Mar 1, 2026Confirmed D. Holidays in country B should already be logged risks, so check the plan.
Brenda K.Feb 17, 2026First leaned toward C since it sounds like a team conflict, but the real issue is that the delay was caused by an unforeseeable calendar event so you need to evaluate probability and impact through the risk management plan. D is the right call. Flag this one for review if it takes more than 90 seconds because the conflict management angle is a tempting trap.
Carlos M.Feb 18, 2026Good call on D but the real giveaway is the word unforeseeable, which routes you straight to risk management before you even get tempted by the conflict angle.
Carlos M.Mar 5, 2026D is the right call here. The holidays in country B should have been identified as a risk during planning, so when the delays hit you go back to the risk management plan to assess probability and impact and figure out the response. Crashing and fast-tracking are premature because you have not even evaluated the actual impact yet, and conflict management does not fit since this is not really a dispute between team members. Quick question though, if the holiday was already on the calendar as an observed event in country B, would that change the answer since it would arguably be a known constraint rather than a risk?
Brenda K.Mar 8, 2026Good call on D, and to answer your question, if the holiday was already on the calendar it becomes a known constraint rather than a risk, which means the answer would shift toward schedule adjustment options like crashing or fast-tracking since the impact is already baked into your baseline.