TOPIC: Query on Flashcard

One of the flash cards (Flashcard # 30) says "When is a fallback plan developed for implementation?". The answer given is "When the selected strategy turns out to be ineffective or if any accepted risk occurs". I personally feel that this answer is not correct. The question specifically asks when the plan is developed, not when it is implemented. I think the right answer should be "In the Planning Process". Any comments from Cornelius or from anyone else??

Narayanan,

Please take a look at the PMBOK Guide 4th Edition, section 11.5.2 on page 303. This question comes straight from here:

A fallback plan can be developed for implementation if the selected strategy turns out not to be fully effective or if an accepted risk occurs.

A fallback plan is also part of the risk register:

Fallback plans for use as a reaction to a risk that has occurred and the primary response proves to be inadequate;

The important distinction to keep in mind here is that a fallback plan is not a workaround. A workaround is "A response to a negative risk that has occurred", while a fallback plan is developed and implemented if your primary risk response strategy turns out to be ineffective.

I guess there is a very fine line differentiating a workaround and a fallback plan. But as you have rightly said in the past, the PMBOK guide is always right. Thanks, Cornelius, for the clarification.