CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule

A consistent pattern of underestimation signals a systemic issue — perhaps the estimation method was flawed, risks were not accounted for, or scope was misunderstood. The project manager should investigate the root cause, update remaining estimates based on actual performance (to produce a more realistic forecast), and consider revising the estimation process for future projects.

**Why not A:** Applying a blanket 20% reduction to all future activities is an arbitrary adjustment that does not address the root cause. Different activities may have different causes for the estimation error, and a uniform correction factor could overcorrect some activities and undercorrect others.

**Why not C:** Reporting the variance and waiting for direction is too passive. The project manager is responsible for managing the schedule proactively. While the sponsor should be informed, the PM should also investigate the cause and propose corrective actions rather than simply waiting for instructions.

**Why not D:** Waiting to see if the pattern continues before acting wastes valuable time. A consistent 20% overrun pattern is already established and represents a systemic problem. Delaying action will only compound the schedule impact as more activities are affected.