What has led to delays in project approvals at ABC?

• A. Excessive marketing research
• B. Misalignment of communication between scientists and directors
• C. Overstaffing of project teams
• D. Rapid decision making

Answer: (B)

Delays in project approvals come from a mismatch in how information is communicated between those who understand the technical details and those who authorize funding and direction. When scientists present results in technical terms without translating them into the decision criteria directors use—like costs, timelines, risks, and strategic fit—the review becomes ambiguous. Directors may raise questions or request clarifications, and without a shared language and clear criteria, the approval process stalls as each side waits for the other to bridge the gap. Establishing a common communication framework, clear approval criteria, and a defined governance process helps keep reviews moving smoothly and decisions timely.

Excessive marketing research tends to affect market-readiness stages rather than the internal approval gate, overstaffing can create coordination challenges but isn’t a typical root cause of slow approvals, and rapid decision making would generally speed up, not slow down, the process.