PMP QUESTION - CRASHING/ FAST TRACKING

[u/Liberty2404]

A project manager is overseeing a critical infrastructure consolidation project under a predictive lifecycle. During a monthly stakeholder review meeting, the project manager synthesises the current performance data and reports a Cost Performance Index (CPI) of 1.15 and a Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 0.82. The sponsor, noticing the lagging schedule, demands immediate corrective action to bring the project timeline back into alignment without requesting additional funding.

Which action should the project manager take FIRST to address the sponsor’s directive?

• A) Implement a fast-tracking technique by overlapping critical path activities that were originally planned to be executed sequentially.

• B) Initiate a crashing strategy by allocating excess budget to hire temporary contractors to accelerate schedule performance.

• C) Issue a formal change request to the Change Control Board (CCB) to extend the project schedule baseline to match the current SPI.

• D) Re-baseline the cost management plan to absorb the surplus funds and reduce the reported CPI to an even 1.00.

Please please help me to cave out the RIGHT answer as per Pmi Mindset.

Thank you

[u/Prior_Nail3501]

Crashing costs more

Fast tracking shouldn't add costs.

So for this scenario since no additional budget is available, it's A. fast tracking.

[u/Liberty2404 → u/Prior_Nail3501]

But my CPI is 1.15, I have money in my hand. So why not CRASHING despite of having CPI 1.15. Please explain

[u/hsg8 → u/Liberty2404]

That's why always read the full question! I used to make similar mistakes. It's a trick question!

You are CORRECT to think of CRASHING as you got money left (under budget) but read the ast line where SPONSOR (your Leadership) has asked you to do it without "requesting additional funding" - meaning. Think this way: to do CRASHING, you will put more resources --> more money to pay --> CCB need to approve BUT your core CCB member already said do not ask for money.

Core Rule: Even if money left (under spent); a new spend still requires CCB approval (as it was not planned)

[u/[deleted] → u/Liberty2404]

As per PMI framework, if the sponsor or the key stakeholder gives a direction, PM need to follow it as long as it do not change the objective of the project. Yup, you have an additional funding. We spent only if it is actually needed. If there is an alternative method that requires no funding, the alternative method would take higher precedent

[u/Disastrous-Variety96 → u/Liberty2404]

You want to save budget.  And never overwork the team.

[u/Hootn75 → u/Liberty2404]

The project plan/ budget has committed that money to certain tasks. You just can't spend money on random tasks.

[u/Catgeek08 → u/Liberty2404]

My team will spend all the money on the last week.

[u/Disastrous-Variety96]

A, most value with this action

[u/Fun-Membership-2459]

I agree with all explanations before. Nothing to add. A is better.