PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
Your project is using a predictive approach, and you are in the execution phase. A key stakeholder requests a minor change that you believe will improve the product but is not in the scope. What should you do?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often assume a 'minor' or 'beneficial' change can be handled informally, but PMI strictly requires all scope changes to follow the formal ICC process regardless of size or perceived benefit.
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 and follow the Integrated Change Control process
In a predictive (waterfall) project, any change to the approved scope, even if minor and beneficial, must go through the formal Integrated Change Control (ICC) process. This ensures the change is evaluated for impacts on cost, schedule, quality, and risk before approval. Submitting a change request is the correct procedure to maintain control over the project baseline and avoid scope creep.
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 and follow the Integrated Change Control process
Why this is correct
In a predictive project management approach, any proposed modification to baselines (scope, schedule, cost) or project documents necessitates a formal change request. This request then proceeds through the Integrated Change Control process, where it is reviewed, analyzed for impact, and approved or rejected by the Change Control Board (CCB) or designated authority. This structured approach ensures all changes are properly evaluated, documented, and communicated, maintaining project integrity and alignment with objectives.
- ✗
Implement the change and document it later
Why it's wrong here
Implementing a change prior to formal approval and documentation is a direct violation of the Integrated Change Control process, a cornerstone of predictive project management. This approach bypasses critical impact analysis, stakeholder review, and formal authorization, leading to potential scope creep, unmanaged risks, budget overruns, and schedule delays. Such actions undermine project governance and can result in unauthorized deviations from the approved project baselines.
- ✗
Refuse the change because the project is already in execution
Why it's wrong here
Refusing a change outright simply because the project is in the execution phase is an inappropriate response for a project manager. While baselines are established, projects are dynamic, and legitimate changes often arise due to new information, risks, or stakeholder needs. The project manager's role is to facilitate the evaluation of all proposed changes through the formal Integrated Change Control process, not to unilaterally dismiss them without proper assessment.
- ✗
Approve the change yourself since it is minor and will improve the product
Why it's wrong here
A project manager unilaterally approving even a minor change, regardless of its perceived benefit, bypasses the established Integrated Change Control process and the authority of the Change Control Board (CCB). All changes, irrespective of their magnitude or apparent positive impact, must undergo formal review, impact analysis, and approval by the designated authority. This ensures comprehensive evaluation, maintains baseline integrity, and prevents unauthorized modifications that could cumulatively impact project objectives.
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