📘 Section 33: Directing and Managing Project Work

The Direct and Manage Project Work process involves executing the work defined in the Project Management Plan to achieve the project objectives. It ensures that resources are effectively used, deliverables are produced, and performance is monitored to identify any potential issues.

Key Elements of Directing and Managing Project Work

1. Inputs

2. Tools and Techniques

3. Outputs

Scenario Example

Scenario:

You are managing a software development project. The team is tasked with creating a new mobile app. During execution, the following occurs:

• A team member identifies a bug that will delay delivery by two weeks.
• The client requests an additional feature that was not included in the initial scope.

Actions:

1. Bug Delay

   • Update the Issue Log to document the delay.
   • Analyze the impact on the project timeline and cost.
   • If changes are required, submit a Change Request.

2. Feature Request

   • Evaluate the feature’s feasibility and impact.
   • Present the request to the Change Control Board for approval.
   • If approved, update the Project Management Plan and communicate the changes.

Common Questions

1. Deliverable Progress

During project execution, how can you ensure deliverables meet quality standards?
A. Rely on informal team feedback.
B. Perform regular quality audits.
C. Avoid inspections until the final deliverable is complete.
D. Ignore quality standards to save time.

Correct Answer:
B. Perform regular quality audits.

2. Change Control Process

If a team member proposes a significant process improvement during project execution, what should you do first?
A. Implement the change immediately.
B. Evaluate the impact and submit a change request if necessary.
C. Reject the proposal to avoid delays.
D. Notify the sponsor without further action.

Correct Answer:
B. Evaluate the impact and submit a change request if necessary.

3. Resolving Issues

A vendor fails to deliver critical materials on time. What is your first step?
A. Escalate the issue to the project sponsor immediately.
B. Document the issue in the Issue Log and identify mitigation strategies.
C. Replace the vendor without informing stakeholders.
D. Pause the project until the materials arrive.

Correct Answer:
B. Document the issue in the Issue Log and identify mitigation strategies.

Scenario 1: Unexpected Delay in Deliverables

Scenario:
A construction project is delayed because one of the suppliers failed to deliver materials on time. This delay affects the project’s timeline and increases costs.

Question:
What steps should the Project Manager take to address this issue?

Options:
A. Escalate the issue to the project sponsor without further analysis.
B. Document the delay in the Issue Log and evaluate its impact on the schedule and budget.
C. Cancel the contract with the supplier and find another vendor immediately.
D. Ignore the delay and continue with other project tasks.

Correct Answer:
B. Document the delay in the Issue Log and evaluate its impact on the schedule and budget.

Scenario 2: Scope Change Request

Scenario:
During the execution phase of a mobile app project, the client requests a new feature for personalized notifications. Adding this feature requires extra time and resources.

Question:
How should the Project Manager handle this situation?

Options:
A. Implement the feature immediately to maintain client satisfaction.
B. Submit a Change Request to the Change Control Board and assess the impact on scope, schedule, and budget.
C. Decline the request since it wasn’t part of the initial project plan.
D. Modify the project schedule and cost baselines without formal approval.

Correct Answer:
B. Submit a Change Request to the Change Control Board and assess the impact on scope, schedule, and budget.

Scenario 3: Performance Issues

Scenario:
The team reports that they are falling behind on deliverables due to a lack of clear instructions and resource constraints.

Question:
What is the most appropriate step for the Project Manager to resolve this issue?

Options:
A. Hold a meeting to provide clarification and redistribute resources.
B. Blame the team for inefficiency and demand faster performance.
C. Continue the work without addressing the underlying issue.
D. Escalate the matter to senior management immediately.

Correct Answer:
A. Hold a meeting to provide clarification and redistribute resources.

Additional Scenario-Based Questions

Scenario 4: Conflict Between Team Members

Scenario:
Two key team members disagree on the approach to complete a critical task, which is causing delays in execution.

Question:
What should the Project Manager do?

Options:
A. Let the team members resolve the conflict independently.
B. Mediate the discussion and ensure a resolution aligns with the project objectives.
C. Reassign the task to another team member.
D. Escalate the issue to senior management.

Correct Answer:
B. Mediate the discussion and ensure a resolution aligns with the project objectives.

Scenario 5: Quality Concerns in Deliverables

Scenario:
The client identifies that the first deliverable does not meet the quality standards defined in the Project Management Plan.

Question:
How should the Project Manager address this?

Options:
A. Ignore the feedback and proceed with the project.
B. Document the feedback, review quality standards, and take corrective actions.
C. Blame the team for poor performance.
D. Request additional funds to redo the deliverable.

Correct Answer:
B. Document the feedback, review quality standards, and take corrective actions.

Scenario 6: Unplanned Risk Event

Scenario:
An unanticipated risk occurs during execution, causing a budget overrun. The risk was not identified in the Risk Management Plan.

Question:
What should the Project Manager do?

Options:
A. Adjust the budget without informing stakeholders.
B. Add the risk to the Risk Register and update the Risk Management Plan.
C. Cancel the affected activities and proceed with others.
D. Escalate the issue to the sponsor without making adjustments.

Correct Answer:
B. Add the risk to the Risk Register and update the Risk Management Plan.