PMP · Question #413
The project charter was just approved and the project sponsor has given permission to proceed with the project. The program manager has confirmed that one of the requested key resources is also needed
The correct answer is B. Have a meeting with project manager of the other project to find a resource optimization solution. When a key resource conflict arises between projects, the project manager should first collaborate with the other affected project manager to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Question
The project charter was just approved and the project sponsor has given permission to proceed with the project. The program manager has confirmed that one of the requested key resources is also needed on another project at the same time. This will affect project delivery. What should the project manager do?
Options
- APay overtime to key resource to get the work done outside of working hours
- BHave a meeting with project manager of the other project to find a resource optimization solution
- CSpeak with the client to see if the project delivery deadline can be delayed due to resource
- DTalk to the program manager and about prioritizing this project over other projects so the key
How the community answered
(40 responses)- A5% (2)
- B80% (32)
- C10% (4)
- D5% (2)
Why each option
When a key resource conflict arises between projects, the project manager should first collaborate with the other affected project manager to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Paying overtime is a temporary and potentially unsustainable solution that can lead to burnout and does not address the underlying resource conflict or optimize resource utilization across projects.
This proactive approach promotes inter-project collaboration and seeks a win-win resource optimization solution, which is essential in a multi-project environment. By discussing with the other project manager, they can explore options like shared resource allocation, task re-prioritization, or adjusting timelines to minimize impact on both projects.
Immediately speaking with the client to delay the deadline is premature and could damage client relations without first attempting to resolve the internal resource conflict proactively.
Directly asking the program manager to prioritize one project over another without attempting collaborative resolution first can be confrontational and may not align with broader organizational goals for resource efficiency.
Concept tested: Resource conflict resolution, inter-project collaboration
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok/resource-management
Topics
Community Discussion
8
Lena V.May 14, 2026B is correct. PMP wants you to negotiate with the other PM directly first, resource optimization and conflict resolution between project managers is the expected response before escalating to the program manager or going to the client.
Nina C.Apr 14, 2026Going with B. I almost picked D because the program manager is the one who flagged the conflict, but going over another PMs head to demand priority feels wrong when you have not even tried to negotiate a solution directly first.
Wesley A.Apr 17, 2026B is right and your read on D is solid, but the trap I fell into on my first attempt was C because it sounds collaborative, except escalating without attempting direct negotiation first is exactly what kills it.
Wesley A.May 1, 2026Got this exact question on my second attempt, picked B because resource conflicts go to the other PM first.
Bao N.Apr 18, 2026B. Saw this on my exam last month, the negotiate-with-other-PM trap got me first too.
Wesley A.Apr 20, 2026That one got me on attempt one too, but the real trap is they pair it with a second option that sounds like a compromise, so if you hesitate you end up picking both and tanking the question.
Toby R.Apr 24, 2026Saw this one on my exam last month and I first leaned toward D since the program manager already flagged the conflict. But PMI wants you to resolve resource disputes collaboratively at the project level before escalating, so B is the move. Having a meeting with the other project manager to work out a resource optimization solution like sharing or staggering is straight out of the resource management playbook. D jumps the chain and C just throws in the towel on the schedule way too early.
Lena V.Apr 27, 2026Agree on B, just add that the PMBOK specifically calls out negotiation as the tool and technique in Acquire Resources, so naming it explicitly in your answer shows the grader you know which process you are in.