PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are managing a software development project using a hybrid approach. During sprint planning, the product owner insists on adding a feature that was not in the approved product backlog. The team estimates it will take 3 additional days. What should you do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates assume a hybrid approach allows immediate backlog additions without formal change control, confusing the flexibility of pure agile with the governance requirements of a hybrid model that still protects baselines.
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
✓
Ask the product owner to submit a change request for formal evaluation
In a hybrid project management approach, changes to the approved product backlog must follow a formal change control process to maintain baseline integrity and avoid scope creep. Asking the product owner to submit a change request ensures the proposed feature is evaluated for impact on schedule, cost, and quality before any work begins, aligning with both agile principles of prioritization and traditional project governance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Ask the product owner to submit a change request for formal evaluation
Why this is correct
This is the correct approach because all proposed changes, regardless of project methodology (predictive, agile, or hybrid), must be formally evaluated through the Integrated Change Control process. The Product Owner, as the representative of stakeholder needs, is the appropriate party to formally submit a change request, which then allows for a structured assessment of its impact on scope, schedule, cost, resources, and risks before a decision is made. This ensures project baselines are maintained and all stakeholders are informed.
- ✗
Add the feature to the sprint backlog and accept the change
Why it's wrong here
Adding the feature directly to the sprint backlog and accepting it bypasses the critical Integrated Change Control process. This action can lead to uncontrolled scope creep, negatively impact existing project baselines for scope, schedule, and cost, and potentially misalign the project with strategic objectives without proper stakeholder review and approval. Such an informal approach undermines project governance and can introduce significant risks to project success.
- ✗
Reject the feature outright because it is not in scope
Why it's wrong here
Rejecting a feature outright without formal evaluation is not a recommended project management practice. While the feature may not be in the current scope, a structured change control process allows for a thorough analysis of its potential value, feasibility, and impact on project objectives and baselines. Premature rejection can alienate stakeholders, miss valuable opportunities, and prevent a comprehensive understanding of the proposed change's implications.
- ✗
Tell the team to work overtime to accommodate the feature
Why it's wrong here
Directing the team to work overtime to accommodate an unapproved feature is an unsustainable and reactive solution that fails to address the root cause of the scope change. This approach can lead to team burnout, decreased morale, reduced quality of deliverables, and increased project risks due to fatigue and rushed work. Proper change management involves evaluating the change and adjusting resources or timelines strategically, rather than imposing unplanned overtime.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Hybrid Project Management
Hybrid Project Management is a flexible approach that combines elements of traditional waterfall project management with agile methodologies to adapt to project and organizational needs.
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.