CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Project Management ConceptsMedium
A project manager is overseeing a project with a budget of $500,000. During the execution phase, a key stakeholder requests a significant change to the product's core functionality, which was not part of the original scope. What is the BEST course of action for the project manager?
- AInitiate the change control process to evaluate the impact.
- BImplement the change immediately to satisfy the stakeholder.
- CReject the change as it was not in the original scope.
- DInform the stakeholder that the change can only be considered for a future project phase.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Initiate the change control process to evaluate the impact.
Any significant change request to a project's scope, especially one not in the original plan, must go through a formal change control process. This ensures that the impact on scope, schedule, cost, and quality is properly assessed and approved before implementation.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Implementing changes without evaluation can lead to scope creep and project failure.
- C. Rejecting outright without evaluation might alienate stakeholders and miss opportunities.
- D. Delaying without evaluation is not always the best approach; the change might be critical and feasible.
Change Control Process
A formal procedure that ensures all changes to a project's baselines (scope, schedule, cost) are identified, documented, evaluated, approved, or rejected, and then managed.
- Prevents scope creep and uncontrolled changes.
- Involves impact analysis on all project constraints.
- Requires formal approval from relevant stakeholders.
Memory trick: Changes require a formal 'C'heckpoint, not impulsive decisions.