PMBOK Stakeholder Engagement Strategies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which tool or technique used in Plan Stakeholder Engagement helps visualize the relationships and dependencies between stakeholders?
- RACI chart
- Mind mapping
- Stakeholder mapping and representation (Correct answer)
- Conflict resolution matrix
Correct answer: Stakeholder mapping and representation
Stakeholder mapping and representation tools such as power/interest grids and influence/impact grids help visualize stakeholder attributes and relationships.
Question 2: A project manager notices that a previously supportive stakeholder has become resistant after a scope change. What should the PM do FIRST?
- Update the risk register and do nothing else
- Immediately revert the scope change
- Meet with the stakeholder to understand their concerns and adjust the engagement plan (Correct answer)
- Escalate directly to the sponsor
Correct answer: Meet with the stakeholder to understand their concerns and adjust the engagement plan
When engagement levels shift, the PM should understand the root cause through direct dialogue before taking corrective action.
Question 3: What is the primary output of the Identify Stakeholders process?
- Communications management plan
- Stakeholder register (Correct answer)
- Stakeholder engagement plan
- Issue log
Correct answer: Stakeholder register
The stakeholder register is the primary output, documenting information about identified stakeholders including their interests, involvement, and impact.
Question 4: Which of the following BEST describes a 'leading' stakeholder engagement level?
- The stakeholder is aware of the project but takes no action
- The stakeholder actively works to ensure project success (Correct answer)
- The stakeholder supports the project goals but does not advocate for them
- The stakeholder opposes changes resulting from the project
Correct answer: The stakeholder actively works to ensure project success
A 'leading' stakeholder is fully engaged and actively works to ensure the project succeeds, going beyond passive support.
Question 5: An interpersonal skill that is MOST critical when managing stakeholder expectations during a project crisis is:
- Scheduling proficiency
- Active listening (Correct answer)
- Resource leveling
- Variance analysis
Correct answer: Active listening
Active listening helps the project manager understand stakeholder concerns fully, which is essential for managing expectations during high-tension situations.
Question 6: Which document serves as the PRIMARY input when executing the Manage Stakeholder Engagement process?
- Project charter
- Stakeholder engagement plan (Correct answer)
- Risk register
- Quality management plan
Correct answer: Stakeholder engagement plan
The stakeholder engagement plan defines strategies and actions for engaging stakeholders and serves as the key guide during execution.
Question 7: A project sponsor pushes back on the project manager's stakeholder engagement plan, saying it is too resource-intensive. The PM should:
- Abandon the engagement plan to please the sponsor
- Present the business case showing how poor stakeholder engagement increases project risk (Correct answer)
- Reduce engagement activities without further analysis
- Immediately escalate to the PMO
Correct answer: Present the business case showing how poor stakeholder engagement increases project risk
Demonstrating the risk-reduction value of stakeholder engagement helps the sponsor understand the cost of insufficient engagement.
PMBOK Stakeholder Engagement Strategies 3
Which tool or technique used in Plan Stakeholder Engagement helps visualize the relationships and dependencies between stakeholders?