PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
During project execution, you receive a change request from a key stakeholder to add a new deliverable. The change would require additional resources and extend the schedule by two months. The project is currently on track. Which THREE actions should you 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
✓
Document the change request and its disposition in the change log.
Proper change control requires evaluating the impact on the project management plan, updating the plan if approved, and ensuring all changes are documented. Communicating to stakeholders is also part of the process.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ask the team to start working on the new deliverable while the change request is being reviewed.
Why it's wrong here
Initiating work on a new deliverable before a change request has completed its formal review and approval process is a direct violation of integrated change control. This action bypasses the necessary impact analysis and approval steps, potentially leading to unauthorized scope creep, wasted effort if the change is ultimately rejected, and misallocation of project resources. It introduces significant risk to the project's schedule, budget, and quality baselines.
- ✗
Add the deliverable to the project scope without formal approval to satisfy the stakeholder.
Why it's wrong here
Incorporating a new deliverable into the project scope without formal approval constitutes uncontrolled scope creep and undermines the project's governance framework. This bypasses the critical process of evaluating the change's impact on project objectives, baselines, and resources, which is essential for maintaining project control. Such an action can lead to budget overruns, schedule delays, and a failure to meet the original project goals.
- ✓
Document the change request and its disposition in the change log.
Why this is correct
Documenting all change requests, regardless of their eventual disposition (approved, rejected, or deferred), in the change log is a fundamental practice within integrated change control. This action ensures a comprehensive audit trail, provides transparency regarding all proposed modifications, and serves as a vital historical record for future reference and lessons learned. It demonstrates adherence to established project governance and control processes.
- ✓
Evaluate the impact of the change on the project baselines.
Why this is correct
Prior to making any decision on a change request, it is imperative to thoroughly evaluate its potential impact on all project baselines, including scope, schedule, cost, and quality. This impact analysis provides the necessary data for the Change Control Board (CCB) or project manager to make an informed decision regarding the feasibility and desirability of implementing the change. Understanding these consequences is crucial for maintaining project control and achieving objectives.
- ✓
Update the project management plan and baselines if the change is approved.
Why this is correct
Once a change request has been formally approved, it is mandatory to update the relevant components of the project management plan and corresponding baselines (scope, schedule, cost) to reflect the new agreed-upon state. This ensures that all project documentation remains accurate and consistent with the current project direction, providing a reliable guide for future project work and communication with stakeholders. Failure to update these documents can lead to confusion and misalignment.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Team Building
Team building is the process of creating a cohesive group of people who work together effectively toward a shared goal.
Key term
Training and Development
Training and Development is the process of enhancing team members' skills, knowledge, and competencies to improve project performance and achieve career growth.
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