GCP Communication & Stakeholder Relations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A stakeholder engagement assessment matrix is PRIMARILY used to:
- Track budget allocations per stakeholder
- Compare current vs. desired stakeholder engagement levels (Correct answer)
- Document stakeholder contact information
- Assign tasks to stakeholders
Correct answer: Compare current vs. desired stakeholder engagement levels
The matrix maps each stakeholder's current engagement level against the desired level to identify gaps.
Question 2: Which situation would MOST warrant an unplanned communication to stakeholders?
- Completion of a planned milestone
- A critical risk that has materialized affecting project delivery (Correct answer)
- Routine weekly progress update
- Addition of a new team member
Correct answer: A critical risk that has materialized affecting project delivery
Materialized critical risks require immediate stakeholder notification outside the regular communication schedule.
Question 3: The communication management plan should include which of the following?
- Employee performance reviews
- Stakeholder information needs, frequency, and communication methods (Correct answer)
- Project budget breakdown by category
- Risk register with probability ratings
Correct answer: Stakeholder information needs, frequency, and communication methods
The communication management plan defines who needs what information, when, and through which channels.
Question 4: A project sponsor asks for weekly progress reports, but the PM believes bi-weekly is sufficient. What should the PM do?
- Send reports bi-weekly without discussing with the sponsor
- Discuss the preference with the sponsor and document the agreed cadence (Correct answer)
- Send daily reports to exceed the sponsor's expectations
- Ignore the sponsor's request and follow standard practice
Correct answer: Discuss the preference with the sponsor and document the agreed cadence
Aligning on reporting cadence with the sponsor and documenting it ensures clear expectations and avoids conflict.
Question 5: What is the PRIMARY purpose of a RACI chart in stakeholder communication?
- Define project budget responsibilities
- Clarify roles and responsibilities for project activities (Correct answer)
- Track issue resolution timelines
- Schedule stakeholder review meetings
Correct answer: Clarify roles and responsibilities for project activities
A RACI chart identifies who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task, reducing ambiguity.
Question 6: During project execution, a new regulatory stakeholder is identified. The FIRST action the project manager should take is:
- Add them to all existing distribution lists immediately
- Assess their influence, interests, and communication needs (Correct answer)
- Request the sponsor handle all communications with them
- Wait until the next planning phase to engage them
Correct answer: Assess their influence, interests, and communication needs
Assessing a new stakeholder's influence and needs allows the PM to tailor an appropriate engagement strategy.
Question 7: Which technique BEST helps resolve a communication breakdown between the project team and a business stakeholder?
- Issue a formal complaint to the stakeholder's manager
- Increase the frequency of written status reports
- Hold a facilitated meeting to surface and address misunderstandings (Correct answer)
- Reduce the stakeholder's involvement in project decisions
Correct answer: Hold a facilitated meeting to surface and address misunderstandings
A facilitated meeting creates a safe space to surface misunderstandings and rebuild shared understanding.
GCP Communication & Stakeholder Relations 3
A stakeholder engagement assessment matrix is PRIMARILY used to: