41. In the middle of the execution phase for a big project, a new stakeholder who was unfamiliar with the project joined the board of directors and is influencing the decisions made in the project. This change is impacting the project's progress.What should the project manager do first?
Answer: D
Present the project to the stakeholder.
To address the influence of a new stakeholder on the project's progress, the project manager should first present the project to the stakeholder. This step ensures that the new board member understands the project's goals, current status, and challenges, thereby aligning their expectations and facilitating informed decision-making.
A) Inform the client about the change.
While informing the client about the change in the board may seem relevant, it is not the immediate priority. The project manager needs to engage with the new stakeholder directly to address their influence on the project before communicating with the client, as the stakeholder's understanding will directly affect client relations.
B) Revise the project schedule.
Revising the project schedule is premature at this stage. The project manager needs to first assess the new stakeholder's perspectives and potential impacts on the project before making adjustments to the schedule, which should be based on informed insights rather than assumptions.
C) Update the risk register with a new risk.
Updating the risk register is important in project management, but it should occur after understanding the new stakeholder's influence. The project manager needs to gather information and assess whether the stakeholder's involvement truly introduces new risks before documenting them in the risk register.
D) Present the project to the stakeholder.
Presenting the project to the stakeholder is the most appropriate first step. This action enables the project manager to inform the stakeholder about the project's status, objectives, and critical issues, thereby facilitating better communication and decision-making going forward.
Conclusion
Presenting the project to the stakeholder is the definitive first action as it establishes a foundation for collaboration and understanding. The other options, while important, either assume too much without proper context or delay necessary engagement with the new board member. Addressing this change effectively is crucial for maintaining project momentum and stakeholder alignment.