- A
Submit a change request to the CCB and let them decide.
Why wrong: While a change request is needed, the PM should first discuss with the client and sponsor due to the business case impact.
- B
Consult with the project sponsor or steering committee for guidance.
The sponsor can provide strategic direction on whether to pursue the change.
- C
Reject the change outright because it is not in the business case.
Why wrong: Rejecting without discussion may harm the relationship; the PM should explore options.
- D
Discuss with the client the impact of the change on the business case and project objectives.
Open communication with the client is essential to align expectations.
- E
Update the business case to reflect the change and proceed.
Why wrong: Updating the business case requires approval, not a unilateral decision.
Quick Answer
The correct actions are to discuss with the client the impact of the change on the business case and project objectives, and to escalate the issue to the project sponsor or steering committee. This is because a client change request conflicting with the business case threatens the project’s fundamental justification; the project manager must first ensure the client understands how the proposed change undermines the business objectives before formally escalating for a decision. On the PMP exam, this scenario tests your grasp of stakeholder engagement and governance in a hybrid approach, where the business case remains the anchor for scope decisions. A common trap is to immediately implement the change or reject it unilaterally, but the correct path is to inform the client and then involve the sponsor, who holds authority over business case deviations. Memory tip: “Inform, then Escalate”—never skip the conversation with the client before going up the chain.
PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of people — leading projects. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Your project is using a hybrid approach. The client has requested a change that would significantly alter the product's core functionality. The change is not aligned with the project's business case. Which TWO actions should the project manager take?
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
Consult with the project sponsor or steering committee for guidance.
Option B is correct because when a proposed change conflicts with the project's business case, the project manager should escalate to the project sponsor or steering committee, who have the authority to approve deviations from the business case. Option D is correct because the project manager must first discuss the impact of the change with the client to ensure they understand the implications on business objectives before any formal action is taken. This aligns with the PMI's emphasis on stakeholder engagement and maintaining alignment with the business case in a hybrid approach.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 the CCB and let them decide.
Why it's wrong here
While a change request is needed, the PM should first discuss with the client and sponsor due to the business case impact.
- ✓
Consult with the project sponsor or steering committee for guidance.
Why this is correct
The sponsor can provide strategic direction on whether to pursue the change.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reject the change outright because it is not in the business case.
Why it's wrong here
Rejecting without discussion may harm the relationship; the PM should explore options.
- ✓
Discuss with the client the impact of the change on the business case and project objectives.
Why this is correct
Open communication with the client is essential to align expectations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Update the business case to reflect the change and proceed.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the business case requires approval, not a unilateral decision.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
PMI often tests the misconception that the project manager should immediately submit a change request to the CCB (Option A) without first consulting stakeholders or understanding the business impact, leading candidates to overlook the need for escalation and discussion.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a hybrid approach, the project manager must balance adaptive practices with governance controls; the business case serves as the foundational justification for the project, and any change that threatens it requires escalation to the project sponsor or steering committee, who hold the authority to amend the business case. The PMBOK Guide emphasizes that the project manager's role is to facilitate communication and manage expectations, not to make unilateral decisions on business case alignment. Real-world scenarios often involve changes that initially seem misaligned but, after discussion, reveal new opportunities that justify a revised business case with sponsor approval.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PMP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PMP question test?
People — Leading Projects — This question tests People — Leading Projects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Consult with the project sponsor or steering committee for guidance. — Option B is correct because when a proposed change conflicts with the project's business case, the project manager should escalate to the project sponsor or steering committee, who have the authority to approve deviations from the business case. Option D is correct because the project manager must first discuss the impact of the change with the client to ensure they understand the implications on business objectives before any formal action is taken. This aligns with the PMI's emphasis on stakeholder engagement and maintaining alignment with the business case in a hybrid approach.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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