Question

A project manager in a matrix organization needs three specialized engineers for an upcoming eight-week phase. Two functional managers, who control these engineers, have already committed the same resources to other initiatives and are each pushing back on releasing them. The project sponsor expects the phase to start on schedule. What should the project manager do FIRST to reach a workable resource agreement?

Accepted Answer

Meet with both functional managers to understand their competing priorities and jointly explore options that address everyone's needs

Answer

Escalate immediately to the sponsor and request that the sponsor order the functional managers to release the engineers

Answer

Adjust the project schedule to delay the phase until the engineers become naturally available

Answer

Hire external contractors to avoid depending on the functional managers' resources