PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
A project is running over budget due to underestimation of effort. The project manager wants to bring costs under control. Which THREE actions are MOST appropriate?
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 a change request to reduce scope.
Submitting a change request to reduce scope is a formal control action that directly lowers costs. Option C is correct because implementing a continuous improvement program to reduce waste cuts costs without affecting scope or schedule. Option D is correct because re-estimating remaining work using bottom-up estimating provides a more accurate cost baseline, enabling better control. Options B and E are incorrect: working overtime without pay is unethical and unsustainable, and fast-tracking increases risk and typically does not reduce costs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Submit a change request to reduce scope.
Why this is correct
When a project is over budget, formally reducing the project scope via a change request is a direct and effective strategy to decrease the amount of work required. This action directly lowers the associated resource consumption, thereby reducing overall project costs and bringing the project back within budget parameters. It requires stakeholder approval and updates to the project management plan.
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Ask the team to work overtime without additional pay.
Why it's wrong here
Requesting team members to work unpaid overtime is an unethical practice that severely damages team morale, increases burnout risk, and can lead to decreased productivity and quality in the long run. While seemingly saving direct labor costs, it often results in hidden costs such as increased rework, absenteeism, and high turnover, ultimately exacerbating project issues rather than resolving them. This approach is not sustainable or professional.
- ✓
Implement a continuous improvement program to reduce waste.
Why this is correct
Implementing a continuous improvement program, such as Lean or Six Sigma principles, focuses on optimizing processes to eliminate non-value-added activities and reduce waste in materials, time, and effort. By systematically identifying and addressing inefficiencies, this approach can significantly lower operational costs and improve resource utilization over the project's duration. It's a proactive strategy for sustainable cost control.
- ✓
Re-estimate the remaining work using bottom-up estimating.
Why this is correct
Re-estimating the remaining work using bottom-up estimating involves breaking down work packages into smaller components and estimating the cost for each, then aggregating these detailed estimates. This method provides a more accurate and reliable cost forecast for the remaining project activities, offering a clearer picture of future expenditures. With improved accuracy, the project manager can better identify specific areas of overspending and implement targeted cost control measures.
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Fast-track remaining activities to finish earlier.
Why it's wrong here
Fast-tracking is a schedule compression technique where activities that would normally be performed sequentially are performed in parallel. While it can shorten the project duration, it often increases project risk, requires more communication, and can lead to significant rework or quality issues, thereby increasing overall project costs rather than reducing them. This strategy is primarily for schedule compression, not cost reduction.
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