The correct answer is C. Highlight to the stakeholders the agreed predetermined frequency of risk reports.
The problem in this scenario is excessive and disruptive stakeholder requests for information. The major investor is bypassing the normal reporting structure, causing the team to spend a large portion of its time preparing repeated reports. In sound stakeholder and risk communication management, reporting expectations should be defined in advance, including what will be reported, how often, in what format, and to whom . The risk manager should reinforce the agreed reporting cadence and communication approach so that stakeholder information needs are met without creating unnecessary disruption to project execution.
Option C is the best answer because it directly addresses the root issue: the reporting process is either not being followed or not being reinforced. By reminding stakeholders of the agreed frequency and structure of risk reports, the risk manager helps restore efficient communication and protect team productivity.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Talk to the project team and ensure they avoid direct communication with this stakeholder. This is too extreme and could damage stakeholder relationships. Stakeholders should not be blocked from communication; communication should be managed appropriately.
B. Engage with the team to enhance the project risk reports sent to the stakeholders. Improving reports may help somewhat, but it does not directly solve the issue of repeated ad hoc requests consuming team time. The more important action is to enforce the agreed communication process.
D. Work with the project sponsor to ensure stakeholders avoid directly influencing the project team. Sponsor support may be helpful in some cases, but this option is broader and more confrontational than necessary. The first and most appropriate step is to use the agreed reporting framework.
Best-practice reasoning:
Stakeholder engagement requires balancing transparency with controlled communication channels. A predefined reporting frequency helps ensure that stakeholders receive needed information while preventing reporting overload and operational inefficiency.
Reference-aligned basis:
This answer is consistent with standard risk and stakeholder management guidance that emphasizes:
planned communication and reporting frequencies,
managing stakeholder expectations through agreed information channels,
reducing disruption by using structured communication plans.
[References:, PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Communications Management and Stakeholder Engagement, PMI, Practice Standard for Project Risk Management, ISO 31000, communication and consultation principles, ============]
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