PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are managing a project to implement a new customer relationship management (CRM) system. During a status meeting, the IT director (a key stakeholder) announces that the team must use a different database platform than planned, citing corporate policy. This change will require significant rework. What should you do FIRST?
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
✓
Perform an impact analysis on scope, schedule, and cost, and then submit a change request.
The correct first step is to analyze the impact of the proposed change on scope, schedule, and cost before submitting a formal change request. Option B is incorrect because updating the project management plan without analyzing the impact violates change control processes. Option C is incorrect because escalation should occur after analysis, not before. Option D is incorrect because changes due to corporate policy still require impact assessment and formal change management.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Perform an impact analysis on scope, schedule, and cost, and then submit a change request.
Why this is correct
This is the correct first step in managing a change. Before any decision or action, the Project Manager must conduct a thorough impact analysis across all project constraints, including scope, schedule, and cost, to understand the full implications of adopting the new corporate platform. Subsequently, a formal change request must be submitted to the Change Control Board (CCB) or designated authority, detailing the proposed change and its analyzed impacts, ensuring adherence to the Integrated Change Control process.
- ✗
Update the project management plan to reflect the new platform.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the project management plan directly is premature and bypasses the formal Integrated Change Control process. Project baselines and plans should only be updated after a change request has been formally submitted, analyzed, and approved by the Change Control Board (CCB). Making direct updates without this structured process can lead to unmanaged scope creep, unapproved budget adjustments, and a lack of traceability for project changes.
- ✗
Escalate the issue to the project sponsor for a decision.
Why it's wrong here
Escalating the issue to the project sponsor for a decision without first performing an impact analysis is an abdication of the Project Manager's responsibility. The PM is expected to analyze potential changes, understand their implications on project objectives and constraints, and present well-researched options or recommendations to stakeholders, including the sponsor, for informed decision-making. Escalating prematurely wastes the sponsor's time and demonstrates a lack of due diligence.
- ✗
Agree to the change because it's a corporate policy.
Why it's wrong here
Agreeing to the change solely because it's a corporate policy, without evaluating its specific impact on the project, is a significant oversight. While corporate policies must be adhered to, their implementation within a specific project context still requires an assessment of how they affect the project's scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risks. Blind acceptance can lead to unforeseen negative consequences, jeopardizing project success and potentially requiring more significant interventions later.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
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.
Key term
Organizational Change Management
Organizational Change Management (OCM) is the structured approach to preparing, supporting, and guiding people through changes in an organization to ensure lasting success.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PMP practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PMP exam.