Explanation
The comprehensive and detailed explanation is as follows:
The project manager should work with the team and others in the network to assess and prioritize the obstacles, because this is part of the monitor and control project work process, which involves tracking, reviewing, and reporting the progress and performance of the project, and identifying and initiating change requests as necessary. The project manager should also use the perform integrated change control process to review and approve change requests, and update the project documents and plans accordingly.
The other options are not correct because:
A: Determine a change response to identify and resolve the obstacles to move the project forward. This is not the next step, because the project manager should first assess and prioritize the obstacles before determining a change response. Moreover, the change response should be approved by the change control board before implementation.
B: Escalate the obstacles to the project sponsor for assistance with resolution. This is not the best option, because the project manager should try to resolve the obstacles within the project team and network first, before escalating them to the project sponsor or other senior management. Escalating the obstacles too soon may indicate a lack of leadership and problem-solving skills on the part of the project manager.
C: Engage with the external stakeholders and the other division of the organization to resolve the issues.
This is not the next step, because the project manager should first assess and prioritize the obstacles with the project team and network, and then determine the appropriate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies to resolve the issues. Engaging with the external stakeholders and the other division of the organization without a clear plan may lead to confusion and conflict.
The references are:
1: PMP Examination Content Outline - June 2019 - Project Management Institute 2: 180 PMP Practice Questions (2021 Edition) - Academia.edu : A Guide to the ProjectManagement Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) - Sixth Edition, Chapter 4: Project Integration Management : A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) - Sixth Edition, Chapter 3: The Role of the Project Manager : A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) - Sixth Edition, Chapter 13: Project Stakeholder Management