PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
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?
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 for evaluation.
Even minor changes must follow the formal change control process. The project manager should submit a change request to the change control board (CCB) for evaluation, as changes affecting the schedule baseline require approval. Option A bypasses the process; Option C incorrectly refuses without evaluation; Option D assumes approval without proper analysis.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Tell the team to implement the change and update the schedule later.
Why it's wrong here
In a predictive project, directly instructing the team to implement a change without formal approval bypasses the critical Integrated Change Control process. This action violates established project governance, invalidates the scope, schedule, and cost baselines, and can lead to uncontrolled scope creep. Such an approach undermines project control and accountability, making it impossible to properly assess the impact or secure necessary stakeholder buy-in.
- ✓
Submit a change request to the change control board for evaluation.
Why this is correct
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.
- ✗
Refuse the change to protect the schedule baseline.
Why it's wrong here
Arbitrarily refusing a proposed change without formal evaluation is an inappropriate response for a project manager. While protecting baselines is important, a predictive approach requires all proposed changes to be formally assessed through the Integrated Change Control process. An outright refusal prevents the project team and stakeholders from understanding the potential benefits or necessity of the change, potentially missing valuable improvements or critical adjustments.
- ✗
Approve the change since it is minor and the team can absorb the delay.
Why it's wrong here
A project manager does not possess the authority to unilaterally approve any change, regardless of its perceived minor nature or the team's capacity to absorb delays. All changes, even seemingly small ones, must undergo the formal Integrated Change Control process, including impact analysis and review by the Change Control Board (CCB). Bypassing this process risks unauthorized scope creep, undermines project governance, and sets a dangerous precedent for future modifications.
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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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.