Back to Resource Allocation

Resource Prioritization

5 minutes 5 Questions

Resource prioritization is a critical aspect of project management that involves determining the relative significance and urgency of project tasks to allocate resources accordingly. By identifying high-priority tasks and allocating essential resources to these tasks, project managers can focus on …

Test mode:
Start practice test
PMP - Resource Prioritization Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Resource Prioritization

Question 1

A project manager is leading a complex project with limited resources. During the execution phase, a critical issue arises that requires immediate attention. However, addressing this issue would mean diverting resources from other important tasks. What should the project manager do to prioritize resources effectively in this situation?

Correct Answer: Implement a risk assessment to evaluate the severity and impact of the critical issue compared to other ongoing tasks, then reallocate resources based on a prioritized action plan that aligns with the project's strategic goals.

The correct answer involves a strategic approach to resource management by assessing the risks and impacts of diverting resources. It balances the immediate need to address the critical issue with the importance of achieving the overall project objectives. The wrong answers, while related to project management techniques, either do not directly address the problem of resource allocation under constraints (wrong_answer_1), prematurely suggest an increase in resources without proper assessment (wrong_answer_2), or propose a time-consuming analysis that might not be suitable for the urgent nature of the situation (wrong_answer_3).

Question 2

As a program manager, you are overseeing a complex program with multiple interdependent projects. During the execution phase, a critical resource, who possesses unique expertise, becomes unavailable due to an unexpected medical emergency. This resource was allocated to a high-priority project, and their absence puts the project's timeline at risk. What is the most effective approach to prioritize resources in this situation?

Correct Answer: Reassess the program's priorities, identify tasks that can be temporarily put on hold, and reallocate resources from lower-priority projects to the high-priority project, while considering the impact on the overall program objectives.

This approach is the most effective for several reasons. First, it acknowledges the unique expertise of the unavailable resource and the difficulty in finding an immediate replacement. By reassessing program priorities, the manager can identify which tasks are most critical and require immediate attention. Reallocating resources from lower-priority projects allows the high-priority project to continue with minimal disruption. This strategy also considers the broader impact on the program objectives, ensuring that the overall goals are still met while addressing the immediate crisis. It's a flexible and strategic approach that balances the needs of the high-priority project with the constraints of the situation, maintaining progress on critical tasks while minimizing negative impacts on the program as a whole.

Question 3

In a software development project, a project manager is faced with a challenging situation where the project is significantly behind schedule. The project manager has identified several critical tasks that require specialized skills and expertise. However, the resources with the necessary skills are already allocated to other high-priority projects within the organization. The project manager must decide how to prioritize and allocate the limited skilled resources to ensure the project's successful completion. According to the PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition, which approach should the project manager adopt to effectively prioritize and allocate the skilled resources?

Correct Answer: Collaborate with senior management and other project managers to negotiate and secure the allocation of the required skilled resources based on the relative priority and criticality of the projects.

The correct approach as per the PMBOK Guide involves collaborating with key stakeholders—including senior management and other project managers—to ensure the most effective allocation of skilled resources. This strategy balances the needs of the current project with the broader organizational priorities. The wrong answers, while plausible, fail to comprehensively address the complexity of resource allocation in a manner that aligns with PMI's recommendations. Using external experts without considering confidentiality and budget, optimizing based on urgency without weighing strategic value, and a first-come, first-served policy all lack the strategic negotiation and holistic project consideration advised by the PMBOK.

More Resource Prioritization questions
43 questions (total)
Start 43 question test