PMP Practice Exam Question

During the execution phase of a project, you discover that the coding team is significantly behind schedule. Upon investigating, you find that several of the team members were not adequately trained on the new software development environment adopted for the project. As the project manager, what is the most appropriate initial step to address this issue?

A) Reprimand the team members for not learning the new software quickly enough.

B) Update the risk management plan to include potential delays due to training issues.

C) Arrange for immediate and intensive training sessions for the coding team.

D) Extend the project schedule to allow for more time for the coding phase.

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Correct Answer: C) Arrange for immediate and intensive training sessions for the coding team.

Explanation

The scenario provided in the question points to a common project execution issue where a team lacks the necessary skills or training to perform their tasks effectively. This leads to delays and impacts the project schedule negatively. The situation occurs during the execution phase, which means that the project plan is already in action and any delays can affect the overall timeline and costs.

Option Analysis:

• A) Reprimand the team members: This approach does not solve the underlying issue of lack of training and can negatively affect morale and productivity. It is generally not considered a proactive or effective problem-solving strategy in project management.
• B) Update the risk management plan: While updating the risk management plan is important when new risks are identified, it does not address the immediate problem of the team not being able to perform their tasks due to inadequate training. This action is more about documentation and less about resolution.
• C) Arrange for immediate and intensive training sessions for the coding team: This option directly addresses the root cause of the problem—lack of adequate training on the new software development environment. By arranging immediate training, the project manager can mitigate the delay and enhance the team's performance. It is a proactive measure that focuses on equipping the team with the necessary skills to meet project demands.
• D) Extend the project schedule to allow for more time for the coding phase: Extending the project schedule could be a potential response if additional time cannot be recovered through other means. However, this is often seen as a last resort because it can lead to increased costs and resource usage. Additionally, without addressing the root cause (training), the extended time may still not result in the desired productivity gains.

Why Option C is the Best Answer: Choosing to arrange for immediate and intensive training tackles the problem at its core. This approach is in line with several key project management principles:

• Skill Enhancement: Ensuring that all team members are skilled enough to handle the project requirements is essential. This training not only helps in catching up with the schedule but also improves the quality of work and reduces the likelihood of future delays caused by similar issues.
• Proactive Management: By taking immediate action to correct deficiencies in team capabilities, the project manager demonstrates proactive management, which is crucial for maintaining project momentum and stakeholder confidence.
• Resource Optimization: Effective training maximizes the productivity of existing resources rather than requiring additional staffing or extending project timelines, which would likely increase project costs.

In conclusion, option C is the most effective immediate response to the situation described, aligning with best practices in project management that focus on problem-solving, team capability enhancement, and proactive project execution. This response not only addresses the immediate issue but also sets a precedent for handling similar challenges efficiently in the future.