CMA Stakeholder Management and Communication 2

Question 1

A community group opposes a new transit-oriented development project citing concerns about displacement of longtime residents. What is the architect's MOST effective first step?

Accepted Answer

Hold a listening session to understand specific displacement concerns before revising the design

Answer

Proceed with the approved design since zoning is already compliant

Answer

Refer all community concerns to the client's legal team

Answer

Present the economic benefits of the project to counter community objections

Question 2

When preparing a project status report for a non-technical municipal client board, which communication approach is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Use visual diagrams, plain language summaries, and milestone-based progress indicators

Answer

Include full technical specifications and structural calculations for transparency

Answer

Limit the report to budget figures since boards primarily care about finances

Answer

Delegate report preparation entirely to the project engineer

Question 3

A developer client wants to cut acoustic insulation from a mixed-use building to reduce costs, but future tenants have been promised a quiet residential environment. How should the architect respond?

Accepted Answer

Document the developer's request, explain the impact on promised conditions, and propose cost-neutral alternatives

Answer

Implement the cut because the developer controls the budget

Answer

Inform future tenants directly without notifying the developer

Answer

File a code complaint to force the developer to retain the insulation

Question 4

During value engineering, the structural engineer recommends eliminating a feature the historic preservation board requires. Who should the architect notify first?

Accepted Answer

The client, while simultaneously alerting the preservation board of the potential issue

Answer

The contractor, since they will execute the change

Answer

The local building department to request a variance

Answer

No one, until a final decision is made internally

Question 5

An architect discovers mid-construction that a subcontractor's work does not meet specified material standards. Which communication action is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Issue a written non-conformance notice to the contractor, copy the client, and document corrective action required

Answer

Verbally instruct the subcontractor to redo the work and monitor compliance

Answer

Contact the material manufacturer to obtain a substitution approval retroactively

Answer

Delay notification until the next scheduled site meeting to avoid alarming the client

Question 6

A public agency client requests weekly progress meetings, but the contractor argues bi-weekly is sufficient. How should the architect manage this conflict?

Accepted Answer

Implement the client's requested schedule, since the client is the architect's primary contractual obligation

Answer

Side with the contractor to reduce administrative burden

Answer

Let the contractor decide since they control site operations

Answer

Cancel all meetings and shift to email-only updates

Question 7

Which technique is MOST effective for identifying hidden stakeholder concerns that may not surface during formal public hearings?

Accepted Answer

Conducting small-group workshops and one-on-one interviews with diverse community members

Answer

Relying solely on written public comment periods

Answer

Reviewing prior planning commission minutes for the area

Answer

Hiring a public relations firm to manage community perception