PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
You are managing a software development project using a predictive approach. During a critical design review, the lead architect presents a solution that meets all functional requirements but deviates from the approved system architecture baseline. The change would require updating interfaces with two external systems. What should you do first?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that any deviation from the baseline must be immediately rejected or that the project manager can unilaterally approve it, rather than routing it through change control.
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 (CCB) with an impact analysis.
When a technical solution deviates from the approved architecture baseline, it constitutes a change. The project manager must ensure that changes are evaluated through integrated change control. Submitting a change request with impact analysis allows the CCB to make an informed decision, balancing technical merit against project constraints, and preserves the baseline's integrity until a decision is made.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reject the solution outright because it violates the architecture baseline.
Why it's wrong here
Rejecting outright ignores the potential value of the solution and bypasses the integrated change control process. The architecture baseline is not immutable; changes can be approved through proper channels. The project manager should evaluate the impact and follow the change management process rather than unilaterally rejecting a technical solution that could be beneficial.
- ✗
Approve the solution and update the architecture baseline immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Approving and updating the baseline without impact analysis or change control violates the principle of managing changes systematically. The project manager lacks authority to unilaterally change baselines; the change control board must review. This action could lead to unanticipated integration issues and scope creep.
- ✗
Ask the architect to revise the solution to conform to the baseline without further discussion.
Why it's wrong here
Directing the architect to revise without exploring the rationale may stifle innovation and overlook a superior technical approach. It also avoids the formal evaluation process. The project manager should facilitate a review and, if warranted, pursue change control rather than mandating conformance without analysis.
- ✓
Submit a change request to the change control board (CCB) with an impact analysis.
Why this is correct
The correct approach is to document the proposed deviation, assess its impact on scope, schedule, cost, and interfaces, and submit a formal change request to the CCB. This ensures the change is evaluated against project constraints and approved by authorized stakeholders, maintaining the integrity of the project management plan.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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