Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineProcessMedium
A project manager is leading a project to develop a new mobile application. The project is currently in the execution phase. A new government regulation has been enacted that requires specific data privacy features to be included in all new applications, which were not part of the original scope. What is the BEST course of action for the project manager?
- ASubmit a change request to formally assess the impact of the new regulation on the project's scope, schedule, and budget.
- BInform the project sponsor and key stakeholders about the new regulation and its potential impact, then await their direction.
- CCommunicate the new regulation to the legal department and ask them to seek an exemption for the project.
- DDirect the development team to immediately implement the new features to ensure compliance.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Submit a change request to formally assess the impact of the new regulation on the project's scope, schedule, and budget.
New regulations represent a significant change to the project's scope and requirements. The formal change control process, initiated by a change request, is the appropriate mechanism to evaluate the impact, get approval, and integrate these changes into the project baselines.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While informing stakeholders is important, simply awaiting direction is reactive; the project manager should initiate the formal process for assessing and managing the change.
- C. Seeking an exemption is unlikely to be successful for a new, mandatory government regulation and does not address the project's need to comply.
- D. Implementing changes without formal assessment and approval can lead to scope creep and unmanaged impacts on baselines.
Change Control Process
A formal procedure that defines how project changes are identified, documented, approved, and managed throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensures all changes are evaluated for their impact on scope, schedule, cost, and quality.
- Involves a Change Control Board (CCB) for review and approval.
- Helps prevent scope creep and maintain project baselines.
Memory trick: Changes require a formal request, assessment, and approval to keep the project on track.