Question

A key subject-matter expert (SME) is shared across your project and two other initiatives. The SME's functional manager verbally agreed to allocate her 50% to your project, but lately she has been pulled into the other initiatives, causing your critical activities to slip. The other project managers claim they also have priority. What should you do FIRST to secure the SME's availability?

Accepted Answer

Meet with the functional manager and the other project managers to negotiate and document a clear resource allocation agreement based on project priorities and interdependencies

Answer

Escalate immediately to the sponsor to demand the SME be assigned full-time to your project

Answer

Adjust your schedule by adding buffer to absorb the SME's inconsistent availability going forward

Answer

File a formal issue and record the resource shortfall in the risk register while continuing with the current arrangement