Many PMP aspirants come across advice that suggests never escalating project issues outside the team or never closing a project prematurely. While this may seem like a logical approach, real-world project management and the PMP exam require tailored decision-making rather than rigid rules. This mindset can lead to incorrect PMP exam answers and ineffective project management strategies.
The Importance of Tailoring PMP Decisions
The ultimate goal of project management is to deliver value to stakeholders. Every decision—whether escalating an issue, closing a project, or adjusting scope—must be evaluated based on its contribution to value delivery. The PMP exam is designed to test situational judgment, meaning that the best answer depends on the context. While some issues can be resolved within the project team, extreme cases require escalation, project closure, or even removal of key resources.
When Closing a Project is the Right Decision
A common misconception in project management is that projects must always be seen through to completion, regardless of the challenges they face. However, certain situations demand closure rather than attempting to push forward with a failing initiative.
For instance, consider a project that was initially stopped several years ago and has now restarted with significant scope changes. Most of the budget has already been spent, and the project is severely lagging behind schedule. Performance indicators such as the Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Cost Performance Index (CPI) are far below acceptable levels, making recovery nearly impossible.
In such a scenario, forcing the project forward would not deliver meaningful value. The best course of action is to close the project and request a new one that aligns with the revised scope and expectations. Continuing with the old structure would likely result in further inefficiencies and wasted resources. Recognizing when a project has become nonviable is a key skill for project managers.
Recognizing When Escalation is Necessary
Escalation is often viewed negatively, as if it implies failure on the part of the project manager. However, in reality, escalating an issue can be a strategic decision that protects project outcomes and stakeholder interests.
A strong example is a high-security defence project where a team member is found to have falsified their security clearance. This is a critical breach that directly impacts the integrity of the project. In such a case, simply providing additional training or adjusting schedules would be an insufficient response. The correct approach is to immediately remove the team member from the project to mitigate security risks and ensure compliance with regulations.
Project managers must differentiate between problems that can be resolved internally and those that require escalation. In high-risk situations, taking immediate and decisive action is necessary.
Delivering Value Above Everything Else
Every project management decision should be made with the primary goal of delivering value. When a project is too far behind schedule, over budget, or has deviated significantly from its original objectives, it may no longer serve its intended purpose. Instead of blindly following processes, project managers must evaluate whether continuing the project aligns with business goals.
Likewise, team-related issues, especially those involving ethics, security, or compliance violations, should never be ignored. Escalating problems or removing team members when necessary helps maintain project integrity and ensures that resources are aligned with delivering high-value outcomes.
The Right Approach for PMP Success
The PMP exam is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to adapt to different project situations rather than follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Many exam questions present scenarios that require escalation, project closure, or decisive action, and recognizing when to take these steps is crucial for selecting the correct answers.
By understanding that extreme situations require extreme responses, PMP aspirants can develop a more refined approach to answering exam questions. Some project challenges require collaboration, training, and process improvements, while others demand escalation, termination, or resource reassignment.
Final Thoughts
Effective project management is not about rigid rules; it is about contextual decision-making and aligning actions with the overall goal of value delivery. The advice to “never escalate” or “never close” a project can be misleading and, in some cases, counterproductive. Recognizing when to escalate, when to close a project, and when to take decisive action is what differentiates a successful project manager from an ineffective one.
By applying these principles in the PMP exam and real-world scenarios, project managers can ensure that their decisions lead to successful outcomes and sustainable project success.
