Late in execution, a project engineer repeatedly claims they were never consulted about deliverables, despite the project manager having documented approvals. What should the project manager do?

The best approach is to engage the project engineer directly. This aligns with conflict resolution best practices, emphasizing direct communication to understand the root cause of the issue and find a collaborative solution. The project manager can review the documented approvals with the engineer, clarify expectations, and address any misunderstandings or unstated concerns. Writing a formal letter to HR or approaching the supervisor for replacement are escalatory actions that bypass direct communication and could damage team morale and trust. Raising the issue in a general meeting might embarrass the engineer and isn't a targeted solution to their specific concern.