Explanation
this question is related to the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam, which is a credential that validates the knowledge and skills of project managers. The PMP exam is based on the PMBOK Guide,
7th edition, which is a standard that provides a framework and best practices for managing projects. The question describes a situation where a senior project manager is assigned to lead a team of project managers to run a large initiative. One of the key stakeholders often bypasses the senior project manager and gives instructions to the other project managers directly. The question asks what the senior project manager should do.
Based on this information, the best answer is option B, which is to evaluate the stakeholder analysis to identify the stakeholder's influence. This is because evaluating the stakeholder analysis is a stakeholder management practice that can help the senior project manager to understand and address the stakeholder's behavior and expectations. Stakeholder analysis is a technique that helps to identify the stakeholders, their needs, expectations, interests, influence, and impact on the project. Stakeholder analysis can help to develop appropriate strategies and actions to effectively involve and satisfy the stakeholders throughout the project life cycle. Evaluating the stakeholder analysis can help the senior project manager to identify the stakeholder's influence, which is the degree of power or authority that the stakeholder has over the project decisions and outcomes. Evaluating the stakeholder analysis can also help the senior project manager to determine the appropriate level of engagement and communication with the stakeholder, as well as to manage the stakeholder's expectations and instructions.
Option A, which is to tell the project managers to document the stakeholder's instructions, is not a good answer. This is because telling the project managers to document the stakeholder's instructions may not be enough or effective to deal with the stakeholder's behavior and expectations. Documenting the stakeholder's instructions is a process that involves recording and organizing the information and guidance that the stakeholder provides to the project managers. Documenting the stakeholder's instructions can help the project managers to keep track of the stakeholder's requests and feedback, as well as to avoid or resolve any conflicts or misunderstandings. However, documenting the stakeholder's instructions may not help the senior project manager to understand and address the stakeholder's influence and impact on the project, as well as to align the stakeholder's instructions with the project objectives and scope.
Option C, which is to review the benefits realization plan with the sponsor and the stakeholder, is not a good answer. This is because reviewing the benefits realization plan may not be relevant or sufficient to deal with the stakeholder's behavior and expectations. The benefits realization plan is a document that describes how thebenefits of the project will be delivered, measured, and sustained. The benefits realization plan may include the benefits identification, analysis, ownership, delivery, and transition processes. Reviewing the benefits realization plan can help the senior project manager to ensure that the project delivers the expected value and benefits to the organization and the customer. However, reviewing the benefits realization plan may not help the senior project manager to deal with the stakeholder's influence and impact on the project, as well as to manage the stakeholder's expectations and instructions.
Option D, which is to escalate to the project sponsors and the manager of this stakeholder, is not a good answer. This is because escalating to the project sponsors and the manager of this stakeholder may not be appropriate or beneficial to deal with the stakeholder's behavior and expectations. Escalating to the project sponsors and the manager of this stakeholder is a process that involves reporting and requesting assistance from the higher authorities to resolve the issue or conflict with the stakeholder. Escalating to the project sponsors and the manager of this stakeholder can help the senior project manager to obtain support and intervention from the people who have more power or influence over the stakeholder. However, escalating to the project sponsors and the manager of this stakeholder may not help the senior project manager to deal with the stakeholder's influence and impact on the project, as well as to maintain a positive and productive relationship with the stakeholder. References: PMBOK Guide, 7th edition; PMP Exam Content Outline; PMP Sample Test Questions.