PMP Referenced Question 9: Building Project Plans Collaboratively When Artifacts Are Missing
This PMP-style scenario explores how project managers should respond when planning artifacts are missing. PMI emphasizes collaborative development of management plans with the project team to foster ownership and deliver better outcomes.
π Scenario
A project manager has recently been assigned to a new project. When the project manager first meets the project team, the team tells the project manager that all of the management plans and documents for the project are missing.
β Question
What should the project manager do?
A. Continue working on scheduled tasks to avoid delaying the project and leave the development of project artifacts for later.
B. Ask the stakeholders to develop all of the project artifacts so the project team can continue their scheduled activities.
C. Adapt the project management plans and documents from previous executed projects in order to save time.
D. Create the project management plans with the project team and share the documents with the stakeholders.
β οΈ Disclaimer: This PMP-style question is presented for educational and commentary purposes only. It is not sourced from any official PMI exam and is not intended to violate any copyright. This content reflects interpretations based on the PMI mindset and principles, and is designed to help learners prepare for the PMP exam. If this question resembles real PMP exam content, it is coincidental and used solely under the doctrine of fair use for academic discussion. No claim of affiliation with or endorsement by PMI is made.
β Correct Answer: D. Create the project management plans with the project team and share the documents with the stakeholders
π€ PMI emphasizes **collaboration** with the team when developing management plans.
π This ensures **buy-in**, **realism**, and **clarity** in how work will be done.
π’ Sharing with stakeholders promotes transparency and sets aligned expectations.
β Why Option D is Correct
Developing plans collaboratively improves team understanding and ownership. PMI considers plans like the scope baseline, schedule, and risk register to be **living documents** that evolve with team input.
β Why Other Options Are Incorrect
A. Starting execution without plans contradicts PMI’s standard of planning before doing.
B. Stakeholders provide input but should not create project artifacts β thatβs the PMβs responsibility.
C. Adapting past documents is helpful for reference, but not a substitute for tailored planning with the current team.
π Key Takeaway
PMI encourages project managers to engage the team early in planning. Plans created collaboratively are more realistic, better understood, and more likely to lead to successful execution.
PMP candidates must know how to handle gaps in project planning. PMI expects project managers to build core plans with their team, not defer, delegate, or borrow without proper customization.
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