PMzilla tough 30 (Question 2) and Lehman (question 152) Conflicting answers

Submitted by Nish on Tue, 07/09/2013 - 18:56

 There seems to be conflicting answers for the following question. PMzilla says the answer is A; Lehman says the answer is C.

What is the correct answer?

 

Your project team is on its way to finish work on the project, while you have the impression that a staff member is already negotiating the next assignment in another project. You are afraid that the person may come under pressure to start working on the other job before she has finished her work for your project. Her task is very complex, and it would be hard for someone else to take up the partial results and finish them.

What action is most likely to resolve the situation?152

A)Have a private meeting with the person and discuss your observations. Make the person aware of the contract and of the legal consequences of unfinished work.

B) Have a meeting with the entire team and discuss the person’s expected early leave. Use team dynamics to buy in the commitment from the person to finish work orderly.

C)Use your network of project managers to find another assignment for the person which allows for smooth transition and does not conflict with your needs.

D) Ignore your observations and let the team member do her job. It is quite uncommon that staff drops work for a project before it is completely finished.

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admin

Wed, 07/10/2013 - 03:44

 NIsh if you read the question the project is in finishing stages, first thing you must do is to try and retain the person, else you will slip the schedule since question says " it would be hard for someone else to take up the partial results and finish them"

I am not sure why Oliver would have picked that answer.

pmpnewster

Wed, 07/10/2013 - 06:06

 

Hi admin,

While I am not sure if I agree with Lehmann's answer choice, I also beg to differ with your reasoning.

When Lehmann says about finding another assignment for the person, he also refers to "and does not conflict with your needs". So clearly, he wants to retain the person till all of his/her responsibilities for the project are completed. No way is the manager trying to let the team member go any earlier than that.

 

My position is as follows:

IF the team member voluntarily approaches the PM and presents the situation, saying that he/she has another (better) offer lined up, then the PM should use networking and influence to find alternative assignments to make for a smooth transition and eliminate any risk. ==> Choice C.

 

In the present case, the PM seems to have got 'the impression' that the team member is planning on exiting. How did he/she get that impression? Maybe through indirect means, possibly office gossip.  It could even be a wrong impression. So best to engage the team member privately. ==> Choice A.

 

Regards.

 

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admin

Thu, 07/11/2013 - 04:57

 Good reasoning. Both can be the reasons to pick A. 

All I am saying is as PM you are commited to deliver the project. This is above any other commitment.  Even if the person approaches you , you have to align the decision with project needs. You can always ask the person to hang on till either project finishes or you find a suitable replacement.