Check: Collect Feedback from Stakeholders Through Interviews or Surveys

PMBOK v8 Definition

The "Check" activity involves collecting feedback from stakeholders through interviews or surveys, performing periodic alignment with stakeholders regarding project objectives, and checking indicators such as the Net Promoter ScoreSM (NPS®). This is a key outcome verification activity within the Stakeholder Performance Domain, specifically ensuring that stakeholder engagement is maintained and that risk responses are identified and successfully implemented.

Why It Matters for the Exam

This concept appears frequently in PMI exam questions about the Stakeholder Performance Domain and the "Check" phase of the continuous improvement cycle. Questions often test your understanding of how to verify stakeholder alignment and engagement effectiveness using specific feedback collection methods and quantitative indicators like NPS®.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Primary Methods: Collect feedback through interviews or surveys – these are the specified tools for stakeholder feedback collection
• Periodic Alignment: Perform periodic alignment with stakeholders regarding project objectives – this is an ongoing, not one-time, activity
• Key Indicator: Check Net Promoter ScoreSM (NPS®) – this is the specific metric mentioned in PMBOK v8 for measuring stakeholder satisfaction and engagement
• Outcome Verification: This "Check" activity confirms that stakeholder engagement is maintained – not just initiated
• Risk Connection: Verify that risk responses are identified and successfully implemented – this links stakeholder feedback to risk management
• Cross-Reference Documents: Review the issue log, risk register, and stakeholder register for assessment during this check
• Change Request Review: Check the number of change requests to requirements and collect feedback on increments to confirm stakeholder agreement with project objectives

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager is in the execution phase and needs to verify if stakeholders remain aligned with project objectives. The PM decides to distribute a survey measuring the Net Promoter ScoreSM and conducts individual interviews with key stakeholders. After collecting feedback, the PM reviews the issue log and risk register to confirm that identified risk responses have been implemented. What performance domain outcome is the PM verifying?

Answer: The PM is verifying that "stakeholder engagement is maintained" (Stakeholder Performance Domain, Check outcomes).

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Thinking stakeholder feedback collection is a one-time activity at project closure

• Reality: It is performed periodically throughout the project to maintain alignment

• Trap: Confusing interviews/surveys as the only communication method for stakeholders

• Reality: These are specifically for feedback collection and alignment checking, not for general project reporting

• Trap: Assuming NPS® is only for customer satisfaction in product development

• Reality: NPS® is used in PMBOK v8 as a stakeholder engagement indicator for any project type

• Trap: Separating stakeholder feedback from risk management activities

• Reality: The Check outcome explicitly links to verifying that risk responses are identified and successfully implemented

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. Which two methods are specified in PMBOK v8 for collecting stakeholder feedback during the Check activity?

2. What specific indicator is mentioned for measuring stakeholder engagement in the Stakeholder Performance Domain's Check outcomes?

3. What three project documents should be reviewed when assessing whether stakeholder engagement is maintained?

4. How does the Check activity link stakeholder feedback to risk management?

5. What outcome is confirmed when the project team reviews the number of change requests to requirements and collects feedback on increments?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 2.6 – Stakeholder Performance Domain (Check Outcomes – Table 2-9)