PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
Your project is using a hybrid approach. The client has requested a change that would significantly alter the product's core functionality. The change is not aligned with the project's business case. Which TWO actions should the project manager take?
⚠ Common exam trap
PMI often tests the misconception that the project manager should immediately submit a change request to the CCB (Option A) without first consulting stakeholders or understanding the business impact, leading candidates to overlook the need for escalation and discussion.
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
✓
Consult with the project sponsor or steering committee for guidance.
When a proposed change conflicts with the project's business case, the project manager should escalate to the project sponsor or steering committee, who have the authority to approve deviations from the business case. Option D is correct because the project manager must first discuss the impact of the change with the client to ensure they understand the implications on business objectives before any formal action is taken. This aligns with the PMI's emphasis on stakeholder engagement and maintaining alignment with the business case in a hybrid approach.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Submit a change request to the CCB and let them decide.
Why it's wrong here
Submitting a change request directly to the Change Control Board (CCB) without prior analysis and stakeholder consultation is premature. The Project Manager (PM) is responsible for assessing the impact on the business case, project objectives, and strategic alignment, and then discussing these implications with key stakeholders like the client and sponsor. The CCB's role is to review well-vetted proposals, not to initiate the strategic assessment of a significant change.
- ✓
Consult with the project sponsor or steering committee for guidance.
Why this is correct
Consulting with the project sponsor or steering committee is a critical first step when a proposed change significantly impacts the project's business case or strategic objectives. These stakeholders possess the organizational authority and strategic perspective to evaluate the change's alignment with broader organizational goals and provide guidance on whether to proceed with further analysis or formal change control processes. Their input ensures the project remains aligned with strategic intent.
- ✗
Reject the change outright because it is not in the business case.
Why it's wrong here
Rejecting a client's proposed change outright, simply because it deviates from the original business case, is an uncollaborative approach that can severely damage client relationships and project goodwill. A Project Manager (PM) should always engage in discussion to understand the client's underlying need, assess the potential value, and explore alternative solutions or the implications of incorporating such a change before making any definitive decision. This fosters trust and allows for informed strategic choices.
- ✓
Discuss with the client the impact of the change on the business case and project objectives.
Why this is correct
Discussing the proposed change's impact on the business case and project objectives directly with the client is fundamental for effective stakeholder management and informed decision-making. This conversation allows the Project Manager (PM) to ensure the client fully understands the potential implications, such as cost increases, schedule delays, or scope adjustments, and helps to collaboratively determine if the change's value outweighs its impact. This proactive communication aligns expectations and fosters a shared understanding of project direction.
- ✗
Update the business case to reflect the change and proceed.
Why it's wrong here
Unilaterally updating the business case and proceeding with a significant change is a severe breach of project governance and control. The business case is a foundational document that justifies the project's existence and requires formal approval from the project sponsor, steering committee, or other relevant organizational authorities before any substantive modifications can be implemented. A Project Manager (PM) does not have the authority to make such strategic decisions independently.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to the PMP Exam and Project Management Basics
Key term
Project Management Plan
A formal, approved document that defines how a project is executed, monitored, controlled, and closed, serving as the single source of truth for the project team.
Key term
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement is the process of identifying people or groups who have an interest in a project and actively involving them through communication and collaboration to meet their needs and expectations.
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