PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
During project execution, a key stakeholder requests a new feature that is not in the scope. The project manager determines that the change will impact the schedule by 3 weeks and increase costs by $50,000. What should the project manager do first?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often think the project manager should immediately analyze alternatives (Option C) to minimize impact, but the PMP exam emphasizes that the first step is always to submit a formal change request to the CCB, not to preemptively analyze or decide on the change.
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 the change control board
The correct first step when a change request impacts scope, schedule, and cost is to submit a formal change request to the change control board (CCB) for evaluation. This aligns with the PMBOK Guide's integrated change control process, which requires all changes to be documented and reviewed before any action is taken. The project manager must not accept or reject the change unilaterally, as that would bypass the established governance framework.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Accept the change and update the project management plan
Why it's wrong here
A project manager does not possess the unilateral authority to accept significant changes, particularly those requested by a key stakeholder during project execution. Accepting the change and updating the project management plan without following the established Integrated Change Control process and obtaining formal approval from the Change Control Board (CCB) or designated authority is a direct violation of project governance and change management procedures, bypassing necessary impact evaluation.
- ✗
Reject the change because it is out of scope
Why it's wrong here
While the proposed new feature might indeed be out of scope, the project manager's role is not to unilaterally reject stakeholder requests based on their own assessment. All proposed changes, regardless of perceived merit or scope alignment, must be formally processed through the Integrated Change Control process. The Change Control Board (CCB) is the designated body responsible for evaluating, approving, or rejecting change requests after a thorough impact analysis, ensuring objective decision-making.
- ✗
Analyze alternatives to minimize the impact
Why it's wrong here
Analyzing alternatives to minimize impact is a crucial step in evaluating a change request, but it is not the initial action when a stakeholder proposes a new feature. The very first step is to formally document the request as a change request. This analysis would then be performed *after* the request is submitted and *before* it is presented to the Change Control Board (CCB) for their decision, as part of the "Perform Integrated Change Control" process.
- ✓
Submit a change request to the change control board
Why this is correct
When a key stakeholder requests a new feature, the project manager's primary responsibility is to initiate the formal change control process. This involves documenting the request as a change request and submitting it to the Change Control Board (CCB) for review. This ensures that the proposed change undergoes proper evaluation for its impact on project baselines, is formally approved or rejected, and maintains project integrity and governance.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Change Control Process
A formal, structured procedure used to manage any changes to a project's scope, schedule, budget, or requirements, ensuring every modification is reviewed, approved, tested, and documented before implementation.
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