Project Management Processes

Correct Answer: Revisit the project schedule and determine the cause of delay.

In this scenario, the first thing a project manager should do is to 'Revisit the project schedule and determine the cause of delay.' This is because understanding the reason for the delay will provide valuable information on how to adjust the project schedule and react appropriately. It's crucial to analyze what's causing the delay before making any decisions or informing stakeholders. The other answer 'No response needed since delays are normal in construction projects.' is incorrect as it neglects the responsibility of a project manager to maintain control over the project timeline. The idea of 'Begin working on weekends to catch up.' could potentially lead to overworked staff, declining quality of work, and is generally not a viable long-term solution. The answer 'Notify stakeholders about the delay and adjust the project deadline.' is a potential step, but it should only be taken after the cause of delay has been investigated and a new realistic timeline has been established.

Correct Answer: Evaluate the impact of the change on the project's scope, time, and cost.

The best course of action when receiving a change request from a stakeholder, is to evaluate the impact of the change on the project's scope, time, and cost. It is important to assess and analyse the potential consequences of implementing the change before approving or rejecting it to ensure that it won't negatively impact the project or the project's objectives. The option to 'Implement the change immediately' is incorrect as immediate action without analysis might lead to numerous implications, including scope creep, over-budget, delays, and lack of resources. Ignoring the change request or responding to the stakeholder that change requests are not allowed are non-professional responses and are contrary to the principles of effective stakeholder management. In a real-world project management scenario, the stakeholders have a vested interest in the project, their inputs should not be disregarded, and all change requests should at least be evaluated.

Correct Answer: Reassess resource allocation and create a plan to maintain sustainable workloads.

The best choice a project manager can make in a situation where team members are often reporting working overtime is to reassess resource allocation and formulate a plan to maintain sustainable workloads. Excessive overtime can lead to burnout, lower productivity and higher employee turnover, so it's necessary to create a balanced work schedule. The other options are incorrect: Ignoring the issue doesn't solve it - it's crucial to address team concerns to foster a supportive work environment. Financial incentives for overtime can contribute to a burnout problem rather than solve it, as overtime doesn't guarantee productivity and can lead to decreased motivation. Lastly, organizing a team party without addressing the main issues doesn't foster a genuine solution and can potentially lead to even greater dissatisfaction among employees due to the visible disregard for their concerns.