PMP · Question #859
A project is behind schedule and over budget, resulting in a problem for the next deliverable. The project manager informs the stakeholders, who are very concerned about the project. What should the p
The correct answer is B. Demonstrate the performance indexes and recommend corrective actions to the stakeholders.. To alleviate stakeholder concerns about a struggling project, the project manager should present objective performance indexes and propose concrete corrective actions.
Question
Options
- ASchedule a kick-off session to explain the problems of the project and gain approval and support.
- BDemonstrate the performance indexes and recommend corrective actions to the stakeholders.
- CSend communications for clarification so there is a full understanding about the situation.
- DSpeak with the sponsor and explain the situation so that the sponsor can explain it to the
How the community answered
(47 responses)- A6% (3)
- B81% (38)
- C2% (1)
- D11% (5)
Why each option
To alleviate stakeholder concerns about a struggling project, the project manager should present objective performance indexes and propose concrete corrective actions.
A kick-off session is for project initiation, not for explaining problems in the execution phase, and gaining approval and support should be an ongoing process, not a crisis response.
When stakeholders are concerned about project performance (behind schedule, over budget), they require objective data to understand the problem's magnitude and a clear path forward. Presenting performance indexes (like CPI and SPI) provides factual, quantifiable insight into the project's health, and simultaneously recommending specific corrective actions demonstrates control and a proactive approach to resolving issues, which builds confidence and alleviates concerns.
Sending communications for clarification is good, but it must include data and proposed solutions, as provided in option B, rather than just general 'clarification'.
Speaking with the sponsor to explain to stakeholders defers responsibility and might not be as effective as the project manager directly addressing concerns with factual data and concrete solutions.
Concept tested: Earned Value Management (EVM) and stakeholder communication
Topics
Community Discussion
5
Zlatan X.Jul 5, 2026B is correct because stakeholders need to see the actual performance data, not just hear that there is a problem. Demonstrating the SPI and CPI gives them a quantified view of where things stand, and recommending corrective actions shows you are already managing the component interdependencies to get back on track. Options A and C are just more talk, and D improperly delegates your governance responsibility upward to the sponsor. Confirmed B on exam last cycle.
Brenda K.Jun 5, 2026B confirmed. SPI and CPI plus corrective action shows you own the recovery, 30 seconds max.
Olusegun A.Jun 19, 2026B is correct but why not A since stakeholders are concerned and need reassurance?
Bao N.Jun 21, 2026Going with D here. When stakeholders are already panicking, you do not want to cycle through more meetings or comms that could spiral. The sponsor is your escalation point and has the clout to frame the situation in a way that calms people down. I have seen this exact wording in three practice sets now and D is the move every time because PMI wants you to lean on the sponsor when stakeholder concerns get out of hand.
Brenda K.Jun 24, 2026B is correct here because when stakeholder concerns escalate, PMI wants you to engage those stakeholders directly and assess their concerns before looping in the sponsor. D is a trap that burns your clock because the sponsor escalation sounds plausible, but jumping straight there skips the stakeholder engagement step PMI tests for.