A project in the execution phase is over budget, and tasks on the critical path are on schedule.
Which of the following should the project manager do NEXT?
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A. B. C. D.D.
If a project is in the execution phase and is over budget, the project manager needs to take immediate action to get the project back on track. However, since the critical path tasks are on schedule, the project manager can focus on the non-critical path tasks to identify the reasons for the cost overrun.
Here are the options and their explanations:
A. Update the project management plan: This option may be necessary, but it is not the next step to take. Updating the project management plan can help to control the project cost, schedule, and scope, but it is not the most appropriate action to take when the project is already over budget.
B. Issue a change request: A change request may be necessary if the project manager identifies a need to change the project scope, schedule, or cost. However, it is not the next step to take if the critical path tasks are on schedule. The change request process can be used if the project manager identifies a way to reduce the cost of non-critical path tasks.
C. Revise the project charter: The project charter is a document that defines the project scope, objectives, stakeholders, and risks. If the project manager identifies a need to change any of these items, they should revise the project charter. However, it is not the next step to take if the critical path tasks are on schedule.
D. Evaluate the impact to the baseline: This is the most appropriate action to take when a project is over budget. Evaluating the impact to the baseline involves comparing the actual cost of the project with the planned cost, schedule, and scope. The project manager can use this information to identify the reasons for the cost overrun and take corrective action.
Therefore, the correct answer is D, Evaluate the impact to the baseline.