Explanation
According to the PMBOK Guide, the project manager should manage the project procurement, including the planning, conducting, controlling, and closing of the procurement activities. The project manager should also manage the project stakeholder expectations, including the identification, analysis, planning, and engagement of the stakeholders throughout the project life cycle. In this scenario, the project manager is managing the construction of new corporate offices for a large company, and the project management plan states that it is necessary to contract a highly trained external resource to revise and validate an important project component.
However, the client has rejected hiring the external resource because of the high cost, even though it is within the project budget. This is a procurement and stakeholder issue that may affect the quality and delivery of the project. The best course of action is to evaluate the consequences and meet with the client to explain the possible scenarios. This can help the project manager to assess the impact and value of the external resource, to identify and communicate the risks and benefits of hiring or not hiring the external resource, and to seek and provide feedback and approval from the client. Evaluating the consequences and meeting with the client to explain the possible scenarios (option B) is the best solution to the issue, as it demonstrates proactive and effective project procurement and stakeholder management. Hiring the resource in order to achieve the project objectives (option A) may not be feasible or ethical, as it may violate the contract terms and conditions, and may damage the trust and relationship with the client. Asking the client for a meeting and explaining that the task will not be performed (option C) may also be counterproductive or unacceptable, as it may compromise the quality and scope of the project, and may create a conflict or dissatisfaction with the client. Trying to accomplish the task internally by leveling resources from other projects (option D) may also be unrealistic or inefficient, as it may require additional resources and time to acquire and train the internal resources, and may disrupt the existing project schedule and performance. References: : Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the ProjectManagement Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) (6th ed.). Newtown Square, PA:
Author1 : Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification | PMI 2 : How to Manage Project Procurement Effectively 3 : How to Manage Stakeholder Expectations 4