Final answer:
The key to coping with uncertainty in project management is flexibility, which allows project managers to adapt to unpredictable changes and outcomes. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the authors, the key to coping with the uncertainty that happens at the end of a project, an obstacle that the project manager must overcome is flexibility. Flexibility is crucial in managing the unpredictable nature of projects. In the face of uncertainty, being rigid can lead to failure as it prevents adaptation to changing circumstances. Instead, embracing ambiguity and using it as a guide for flexible responses can ensure the project manager is prepared for any outcome. Cognitive dissonance causes discomfort due to a disruption in consistency which reinforces the importance of flexibility in managing projects.
The obstacle that the project manager must overcome to cope with uncertainty at the end of a project is ambiguity. According to the authors, ambiguity refers to the lack of clarity or the presence of multiple interpretations in a situation. In project management, ambiguity can arise when there are unclear goals, ambiguous requirements, or uncertain outcomes. Project managers need to be able to navigate through ambiguity by seeking clarity, communicating effectively, and adapting their plans as necessary.