HKSM
Corrective Action
A deliberate step taken to bring actual project results back into alignment with the approved project management plan.
Key Points
- Used after a variance is detected to restore performance to planned targets.
- May require an approved change request if it affects baselines or constraints.
- Different from preventive action (avoids future variances) and defect repair (fixes product defects).
- Guided by monitoring and controlling data such as EVM, trend analyses, and control charts.
Example
The project is behind schedule with an SPI of 0.85. The project manager requests to fast-track selected activities and add one tester to recover the schedule and match the schedule baseline. This is a corrective action.
PMP Example Question
During execution, the team identifies a cost overrun and submits a change request to re-sequence work and negotiate a discount with a vendor to realign with the cost baseline. What is this an example of?
- Preventive action
- Workaround
- Corrective action
- Defect repair
Correct Answer: C — Corrective action
Explanation: The action addresses an existing variance to bring performance back in line with the plan. Preventive action avoids potential issues, a workaround is an unplanned response to a realized risk, and defect repair fixes product defects.
