Project Schedule Risk: Which Event is Most Likely to Cause Delays?

A. Delays in obtaining required approvals.

This question assesses your understanding of project risks that could disrupt the project schedule. Option A, 'Delays in obtaining required approvals,' is the most likely to cause direct delays in the project timeline. Here's why:

• Direct Impact: Approvals often represent critical milestones in a project's progress. Delays in securing them directly halt further work.
• Chain Reactions: Delays in approvals can cascade and affect subsequent tasks, creating a domino effect on the overall schedule.

While the other options can also pose risks, they are less likely to directly interfere with the schedule:

• B. Substantial increases in the cost of purchased materials: This primarily impacts the project budget, potentially leading to changes in scope or resource allocation.
• C. Contract disputes that generate claims for increased payments: Contract disputes can complicate project execution but usually don't directly stop work immediately.
• D. Slippage of the planned post-implementation review meeting: While important for project closure, the delay of a post-implementation review meeting doesn't directly impact the project's timeline during the active execution phase.

Therefore, the answer is A. Delays in obtaining required approvals.