PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
A project manager is informed that a new government regulation will affect the project deliverables. The regulation is mandatory and must be implemented before the project can close. What should the project manager do FIRST?
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
✓
Assess the impact on scope, schedule, and cost, then submit a change request
When a new mandatory regulation impacts project deliverables, the project manager must first assess the impact on scope, schedule, and cost, and then submit a change request to address the regulation. Option A is incorrect because the PM should not escalate without first analyzing the impact. Option B is incorrect because lessons learned are captured after the change is implemented, not as a first step. Option D is incorrect because ignoring a mandatory regulation is non-compliant and could lead to legal issues.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Escalate the issue to the project sponsor for a decision
Why it's wrong here
A project manager's role involves proactive problem-solving and thorough analysis before seeking higher-level intervention. Escalating the issue directly to the project sponsor without first assessing the impact, evaluating potential solutions, and formulating recommendations bypasses the PM's responsibility to provide informed options. The sponsor relies on the PM to present data-driven choices, not merely to offload problems requiring immediate decisions.
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Update the lessons learned document to capture this experience
Why it's wrong here
Lessons learned are typically documented throughout the project lifecycle, particularly at phase gates or project closure, to capture knowledge gained for future projects and process improvement. At this stage, a new regulation is a current, active event requiring immediate impact assessment and a formal response to adjust the project plan, not historical documentation. Capturing lessons learned is a knowledge management activity, not the initial step for addressing a mandatory regulatory change.
- ✓
Assess the impact on scope, schedule, and cost, then submit a change request
Why this is correct
When a new government regulation emerges, it represents an external factor that can significantly alter project baselines and objectives. The project manager's primary responsibility is to analyze its potential impact across all project constraints—scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, and risk—to understand the necessary adjustments. Following this comprehensive assessment, a formal change request must be initiated through the integrated change control process to ensure the regulation is incorporated systematically and approved by the Change Control Board (CCB).
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Continue with the current plan as the regulation may not be enforced
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring a new government regulation is a significant breach of compliance and introduces substantial legal, financial, and reputational risks to the project and the performing organization. Project managers are ethically and professionally obligated to ensure project deliverables adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. Assuming non-enforcement is a speculative and irresponsible approach that prioritizes convenience over mandatory compliance, potentially leading to severe penalties, project failure, or even legal action.
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This PMP practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PMP exam.