PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are managing a project with a fixed-price contract. Midway, a new regulation requires additional compliance testing that was not in the original scope. The cost of this testing is significant. The project has no contingency reserve left. What is the best course of action?
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 customer to secure additional funding for the required testing
The new regulation introduces a change in the project scope that was not anticipated in the fixed-price contract. The correct action is to follow the formal change control process by submitting a change request to the customer, which may lead to a contract modification and additional funding. Option D is correct because it initiates the proper process. Option A (absorbing the cost) is not advisable as it impacts profitability without customer agreement. Option B (stopping work) is confrontational and not aligned with good stakeholder management. Option C (reducing costs elsewhere) may compromise other scope items and is premature before seeking customer approval.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Proceed with the testing and absorb the cost to ensure compliance, as it is mandatory
Why it's wrong here
Under a fixed-price contract, the performing organization is responsible for managing costs within the agreed-upon price. Absorbing additional, unplanned costs for mandatory testing without formal approval directly impacts the project's profitability and violates established change control processes. This approach bypasses the formal mechanism for adjusting scope and budget, potentially leading to financial losses for the performing organization and setting a precedent for informal scope creep.
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Stop work until the customer agrees to pay for the additional testing
Why it's wrong here
Unilaterally stopping work on a project, especially under a fixed-price contract, constitutes a breach of contract and can lead to severe penalties, liquidated damages, or contract termination. The project manager must adhere to the contract's terms and conditions, which typically include provisions for dispute resolution or change management, rather than taking actions that could jeopardize the entire agreement. This approach escalates the situation unnecessarily and undermines the collaborative relationship.
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Ask the team to find ways to reduce costs elsewhere to fund the testing
Why it's wrong here
Instructing the team to reduce costs elsewhere to fund new mandatory testing bypasses the formal change control process and risks compromising other agreed-upon project scope or quality requirements without customer consent. This approach could lead to unauthorized scope reduction, impacting deliverables or performance, and potentially creating new risks or quality issues. Any significant adjustment to the project budget or scope requires formal approval to maintain transparency and contractual integrity.
- ✓
Submit a change request to the customer to secure additional funding for the required testing
Why this is correct
Submitting a formal change request is the correct and professional approach when new, mandatory requirements arise that impact the project's scope, cost, or schedule, especially under a fixed-price contract. This process ensures that all stakeholders, particularly the customer, are informed of the necessary adjustment and have the opportunity to formally approve the additional funding and scope modification. Adhering to the integrated change control process maintains contractual integrity and transparency.
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.