Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineProcessMedium
A project manager is overseeing a software development project. The project scope was initially defined with detailed requirements, but during execution, several stakeholders have requested additions and modifications. The project manager is concerned about scope creep and its impact on the budget and schedule. What is the MOST appropriate strategy for the project manager to manage these stakeholder requests?
- APrioritize requests based on stakeholder influence and integrate the most critical ones.
- BAdd a contingency reserve to the budget and schedule to accommodate potential scope changes.
- CImplement a formal change control process to evaluate all new requests.
- DReject all new requests to maintain the original scope and avoid delays.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Implement a formal change control process to evaluate all new requests.
Implementing a formal change control process is the most appropriate strategy to manage scope changes. It ensures that all requests are formally reviewed, assessed for impact, approved or rejected, and communicated, thereby controlling scope creep.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Prioritizing based solely on influence is not a robust project management practice; requests should be evaluated based on value, impact, and feasibility.
- B. Adding contingency reserves is a risk response, but it doesn't manage the process of change itself; a formal process is still needed to control what changes are accepted.
- D. Rejecting all requests can lead to dissatisfied stakeholders and a product that doesn't meet evolving needs; it's not a balanced approach.
Integrated Change Control
The process of reviewing all change requests, approving changes and managing changes to deliverables, organizational process assets, project documents, and the project management plan.
- Prevents scope creep and uncontrolled changes.
- Ensures changes are evaluated for impact on all project aspects.
- Provides a formal mechanism for approval and communication.
Memory trick: Don't let the scope balloon; use a gate to control what gets in.