PMP · Question #767
A project manager is managing the development of a dental wire bending machine. The machine is compatible with the three most popular dental wires in the market which covers 90% of the market. The pro
The correct answer is A. Investigate the impact of this issue with the team and survey the market for alternative wires with. When a critical market change threatens significant loss of product market coverage, the project manager must first investigate the full impact with the team and explore alternative solutions like new compatible wires.
Question
A project manager is managing the development of a dental wire bending machine. The machine is compatible with the three most popular dental wires in the market which covers 90% of the market. The prototype is now under testing for certification. The manufacturer of one of the three wires announced they will be producing a different wire mat will be incompatible with the machine. This will result in a 25% loss of market coverage from the initially predicted 90% coverage. What should the project manager do?
Options
- AInvestigate the impact of this issue with the team and survey the market for alternative wires with
- BStop the project and kick off another project to apply alternative wires for the machine
- CMeet with the sales and marketing representatives and ask them to convince the manufacturer to
- DMeet with the wire manufacturer to secure enough of the existing stock for the machine
How the community answered
(33 responses)- A85% (28)
- B3% (1)
- C9% (3)
- D3% (1)
Why each option
When a critical market change threatens significant loss of product market coverage, the project manager must first investigate the full impact with the team and explore alternative solutions like new compatible wires.
A significant loss of market coverage due to an incompatible new wire is a major risk or issue that requires immediate assessment. The project manager's first step should be to investigate the full impact with the project team to understand the technical feasibility and cost of adaptation, and simultaneously survey the market for alternative compatible wires to mitigate the potential loss. This comprehensive analysis allows for informed decision-making.
Stopping the current project and starting a new one is an extreme measure without a prior thorough investigation of alternatives and impacts.
Convincing a manufacturer to reverse a strategic product decision is highly unlikely and not a practical first step for a project manager.
Securing existing stock is a short-term workaround that doesn't solve the long-term issue of compatibility with future market trends and might lead to future supply chain problems.
Concept tested: Risk management and impact analysis
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok
Topics
Community Discussion
3
Fatima Z.Jul 5, 2026A is correct, and here is why. When a supplier throws a wrench in your plans, you do not panic and halt the whole project, you assess the damage first. Picture the acronym AIM: Assess the Impact, then Meet with the team to brainstorm. The PM must Investigate the impact with the team and survey the market for alternatives before making any drastic changes to the project scope. Options B, C, and D all jump the gun by acting before actually analyzing the real effect on the project baseline.
Wesley A.Jun 24, 2026Failed this one on my first attempt because I jumped straight to stopping the project, which is exactly what B wants you to do. A is correct because you always assess the full impact with the team and explore alternatives before making any drastic move, especially when the prototype is already in certification testing.
Hiroshi T.Jul 5, 2026A is correct per PMI's emphasis on impact analysis before action. D is the tempting distractor because hoarding existing stock sounds pragmatic, but it does not address the long-term viability of the product and skips the assess-then-act sequence the exam expects.