You are managing a project using a predictive approach. A key stakeholder requests a minor change that does not affect the critical path but will add two days to the schedule. The team has some idle time. What should you do?
This is the correct action in a predictive project environment when a change is proposed. Submitting a formal change request ensures that the change is properly documented, evaluated for its impact on scope, schedule, cost, and quality, and then reviewed by the Change Control Board (CCB). This adherence to the Integrated Change Control process maintains project baselines and ensures all stakeholders are aligned with approved modifications.
Why this answer
In a predictive project, any change to the project baseline (scope, schedule, cost) must go through the integrated change control process. Even if the change is minor and the team has idle time, it still requires a formal change request to the change control board (CCB) for evaluation. This ensures that the impact is properly assessed and documented.
The project manager should not unilaterally approve changes.
Exam trap
PMP often tests the misconception that minor changes with no critical path impact can be approved without CCB review, but all changes must go through change control.
How to eliminate wrong answers
Option A is wrong because implementing the change without approval bypasses change control, which can lead to scope creep and baseline mismanagement. Option C is wrong because refusing the change outright is not appropriate; all changes should be evaluated. Option D is wrong because approving the change without CCB review violates the change management process, even if it seems minor.