PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are managing a pharmaceutical research project using a predictive approach. A new regulation requires additional clinical trials that will extend the project by 6 months. The sponsor wants to know how this affects the business case. Which THREE documents should you review to provide an informed response?
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
✓
Risk register
(Risk register) is correct because the risk register contains assumptions, constraints, and risks that may be affected by the regulatory change. The impact of the regulation on project risks should be assessed. Option B (Business case) is correct because it documents the justification and financial analysis; the sponsor wants to know how the change affects the business case. Option E (Project management plan schedule and cost baselines) is correct because the schedule and cost baselines are needed to quantify the extension and cost increase to inform the business case. Option C (Stakeholder register) is incorrect; it lists stakeholders and their interests but does not contain financial or schedule information needed to assess impact on the business case. Option D (Work breakdown structure dictionary) is incorrect; it defines work packages and deliverables, not the business case impact.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Risk register
Why this is correct
The Risk Register is a dynamic document that details identified risks, their potential impacts, probabilities, and planned responses. A new regulatory change can introduce new risks, alter the probability or impact of existing risks, or invalidate underlying assumptions and constraints documented within the register. Assessing the regulatory change's effect on the project's risk profile, including potential new compliance risks or changes to existing risk mitigation strategies, is crucial for understanding its overall impact on the project's viability and the business case.
- ✓
Business case
Why this is correct
The Business Case is a foundational project document that provides the necessary information from a business perspective to determine if the project is worth the required investment. It typically includes the project's objectives, strategic alignment, cost-benefit analysis, financial justification (e.g., ROI, NPV), and identified risks. A regulatory change directly impacts the assumptions, costs, benefits, and timelines outlined in the Business Case, making it the primary document to re-evaluate the project's continued viability and justification for the sponsor.
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Stakeholder register
Why it's wrong here
The Stakeholder Register identifies project stakeholders, their roles, interests, influence, and potential impact on the project. While it helps understand who might be affected by a regulatory change, it does not contain the financial justification, cost-benefit analysis, or schedule baselines required to quantitatively assess the impact on the project's overall business case or its viability. Therefore, it cannot directly inform the sponsor about the change's effect on the project's financial justification.
- ✗
Work breakdown structure dictionary
Why it's wrong here
The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Dictionary provides detailed descriptions of the components in the WBS, including work package scope, deliverables, assigned responsibilities, and technical requirements. While crucial for understanding the project's scope decomposition, it does not contain information related to the project's financial justification, strategic alignment, or overall economic viability. Consequently, it offers no direct insight into how a regulatory change affects the project's business case or its financial performance metrics.
- ✓
Project management plan (schedule and cost baselines)
Why this is correct
The Project Management Plan, particularly its schedule and cost baselines, is critical for quantifying the impact of a regulatory change. The schedule baseline defines the planned project timeline, while the cost baseline represents the approved budget. Any regulatory change necessitating an extension or increased expenditure directly impacts these baselines, requiring a re-evaluation of the project's overall duration and financial outlay. This quantified impact on time and cost is essential input for updating the financial analysis within the Business Case.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Project Management Plan
A formal, approved document that defines how a project is executed, monitored, controlled, and closed, serving as the single source of truth for the project team.
Key term
Team Building
Team building is the process of creating a cohesive group of people who work together effectively toward a shared goal.
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