PMP · Question #57
A project manager is starting a new project, and the project team is located in different countries. The team was going to use a specific tool to hold virtual meetings. However, that tool is not avail
The correct answer is C. Investigate alternative tools for virtual meetings that are available to all team members. When a selected communication tool is unavailable to a distributed team member, the project manager must find an alternative tool accessible to everyone to ensure inclusive collaboration.
Question
A project manager is starting a new project, and the project team is located in different countries. The team was going to use a specific tool to hold virtual meetings. However, that tool is not available in one team member's country. How should the project manager deal with this situation?
Options
- AContact the project sponsor to have the team member removed from the project
- BAsk the team member to move to another location where the tool is available
- CInvestigate alternative tools for virtual meetings that are available to all team members
- DStart the project and use email to communicate with the team member until the tool is available
How the community answered
(52 responses)- A4% (2)
- B8% (4)
- C73% (38)
- D15% (8)
Why each option
When a selected communication tool is unavailable to a distributed team member, the project manager must find an alternative tool accessible to everyone to ensure inclusive collaboration.
Removing a team member due to a tool incompatibility is an extreme measure that avoids problem-solving and could harm team morale and project resources.
Asking a team member to relocate is an unreasonable and impractical demand for a tool issue.
Effective communication and collaboration are crucial for distributed teams, and the project manager is responsible for ensuring the team has the necessary resources. Investigating and adopting an alternative virtual meeting tool that is accessible to all team members ensures equal participation and facilitates seamless communication across different locations, directly supporting team cohesion and project progress.
Starting the project with unequal communication channels (email for one, virtual meetings for others) would isolate the team member and hinder effective team collaboration and real-time decision-making.
Concept tested: Distributed team communication planning
Source: https://www.pmi.org/disciplined-agile/agile-glossary/glossary-c#communication-methods
Topics
Community Discussion
4
Samuel O.Jun 23, 2026C is the right call. I ran into this exact situation with a contractor in a region where our usual platform was blocked, and the only real fix is finding a tool everyone can access, not sidelining people or duct-taping the problem with email.
Orla P.Jun 23, 2026C holds up in practice but flag for the exam that the wording usually wants you to distinguish between replacing the collaboration tool entirely versus just adding a fallback channel, so read the stem carefully before locking in.
Orla P.Jul 5, 2026Leaned toward D at first since email seemed like a quick enough workaround, but stalling one team member on the side like that for who knows how long is not realistic. C is the right call because you need everyone on the same platform day one, and there are plenty of virtual meeting tools out there that work globally.
Carlos M.Jun 12, 2026C is the obvious pick. PMI wants you to adapt, not exclude people.