PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
A project manager is leading a complex software development project using a hybrid approach. A new regulatory requirement has been discovered that affects the project's scope. The requirement is mandatory and must be implemented before the project can close. Which THREE actions should the project manager take? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to assume a mandatory requirement can be implemented immediately without formal change control, confusing urgency with the need for proper impact analysis and stakeholder communication.
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
✓
Communicate the new requirement to the project team and relevant stakeholders
Option B is correct because when a mandatory regulatory requirement changes scope, the project manager must transparently communicate it to the team and relevant stakeholders so everyone understands the new compliance obligation and its implications. Option D is correct because before any change is approved, the project manager must perform an impact analysis covering schedule, budget, resources, risk, and quality to give the change control board accurate data for a decision. Option E is correct because in a hybrid environment any scope change, including a mandatory regulatory one, must flow through Integrated Change Control (Perform Integrated Change Control) via a formal change request so it is evaluated, approved or rejected, and baselined. Option A is not correct because adjusting budget and schedule immediately bypasses the required impact analysis and change control approval, and the change may be implemented through other means such as scope trade-offs. Option C is not correct because assigning development work before the change request is approved and the impact is understood would create unauthorized scope and potential rework.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Immediately adjust the project budget and schedule to accommodate the requirement
Why it's wrong here
Immediately adjusting the project budget and schedule without formal approval is a critical deviation from proper project governance. All proposed changes, especially those impacting baselines, must first undergo the Perform Integrated Change Control process. Bypassing this process leads to unauthorized changes, potential scope creep, and a loss of control over project baselines, jeopardizing project success and stakeholder trust.
- ✓
Communicate the new requirement to the project team and relevant stakeholders
Why this is correct
Communicating the new requirement to the project team and relevant stakeholders is a crucial initial step to ensure transparency and maintain situational awareness. Before any action is taken or decisions are made, all affected parties, including the team who will analyze and potentially implement the change, and stakeholders who might be impacted, need to be informed. This proactive communication facilitates understanding and prepares the ground for subsequent formal change management activities.
- ✗
Assign the new requirement to the development team to start work immediately
Why it's wrong here
Assigning the new requirement to the development team to start work immediately is a significant project management misstep. Commencing work on an unapproved requirement bypasses the formal Integrated Change Control process, leading directly to unauthorized scope creep and potential rework. This action can destabilize the project baselines, consume resources without proper justification, and undermine the project manager's authority and the integrity of the project plan.
- ✓
Analyze the impact of the new requirement on the project schedule, budget, and resources
Why this is correct
Analyzing the impact of the new requirement on the project schedule, budget, and resources is an essential analytical step before proceeding with any change. This analysis provides the necessary data to understand the full implications of the proposed change, allowing the project manager and stakeholders to make informed decisions. Without a thorough impact assessment, the project team cannot accurately determine the feasibility, cost, or timeline adjustments required, which are critical inputs for a change request.
- ✓
Initiate a change request through the Integrated Change Control process
Why this is correct
Initiating a change request through the Integrated Change Control process is the formal and correct procedure for managing any proposed alteration to project baselines or components. This structured approach ensures that the new requirement is properly documented, analyzed for impact, reviewed by the Change Control Board (CCB) if applicable, and either approved, rejected, or deferred. This process maintains project integrity, prevents uncontrolled changes, and ensures all stakeholders are aligned on the project's evolving scope.
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