Final answer:
To address the sponsor's request for an accelerated project timeline, the project manager should re-evaluate the schedule for potential compression, negotiate with stakeholders considering resource availability and constraints, and agree on a realistic and feasible plan that prioritizes project objectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a project sponsor requests a shorter project timeline, the project manager should first analyze the problem to understand the reason behind the urgency. Given that the critical path is made up of mandatory dependencies, the project manager needs to review the schedule to identify any possible areas for compression, a process known as crash the schedule. This might involve adding resources to critical path tasks, to effectively reduce the task durations while maintaining the integrity of the dependencies. It is also essential to communicate with the team members about the revised expectations and understand their capacity and potential to meet the new timeline.
If the project manager encounters difficulties in compressing tasks due to literal physical constraints or the risk of compromising project deliverables, it is important to communicate these concerns clearly and professionally to the sponsor. The project manager could present alternative solutions, such as adjusting the scope or quality, to accommodate the accelerated schedule—always carefully considering the impacts on the project outcome and resource availability.
The last step is to negotiate and come to an agreement with the project sponsor, ensuring that the new deadline is realistic and agreeing on a plan that is feasible while achieving the project's objectives. Balancing the sponsor's expectations with the realities of project constraints is a demonstration of both resource-smoothed and informed project management.