CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
A project manager is leading a project to implement a new customer relationship management (CRM) system. The project is in the execution phase. A key stakeholder requests a significant change to the system's functionality. The project manager assesses the change and determines that it will impact the project scope, schedule, and cost. What should the project manager do first?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that the project manager can unilaterally approve or reject changes, or that changes should be implemented immediately to please stakeholders.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Submit the change request to the change control board for review.
When a change is requested during project execution, the project manager should follow the integrated change control process. This involves documenting the change request, assessing its impact, and submitting it to the change control board for a decision. The CCB ensures that changes are evaluated against project constraints and objectives before implementation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Implement the change immediately to satisfy the stakeholder.
Why it's wrong here
Implementing the change without following the change control process can lead to scope creep, cost overruns, and schedule delays. It also bypasses the necessary approvals and documentation. The project manager should first evaluate the change through the integrated change control process.
- ✗
Ask the stakeholder to withdraw the request to avoid disruption.
Why it's wrong here
Asking the stakeholder to withdraw the request is not a professional approach and may damage stakeholder relationships. The project manager should handle the request through the proper change control process, which allows for objective evaluation and decision-making.
- ✗
Reject the change because it impacts the project constraints.
Why it's wrong here
Rejecting the change outright is not appropriate; changes may be necessary for project success. The project manager should assess the change and follow the change control process, which may result in approval, rejection, or modification. The stakeholder's request should be evaluated on its merits.
- ✓
Submit the change request to the change control board for review.
Why this is correct
The project manager should first document the change request and then submit it to the change control board (CCB) for evaluation. The CCB reviews the impact on scope, schedule, cost, and other constraints and decides whether to approve, reject, or defer the change. This ensures that changes are managed systematically.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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