Project Management Professional (PMP)® Examination Content OutlineProcessMedium
A project manager is overseeing a project to develop a new mobile application. During the execution phase, a key stakeholder requests a significant new feature that was not part of the approved scope baseline. This feature would provide substantial competitive advantage but would also require additional budget and extend the project schedule by several weeks. What should the project manager do NEXT?
- AImmediately add the feature to the project backlog and inform the team to begin work.
- BPerform an impact analysis of the requested feature and initiate a change request.
- CInform the stakeholder that the feature cannot be added due to scope creep.
- DAsk the project sponsor for immediate approval to proceed with the new feature.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Perform an impact analysis of the requested feature and initiate a change request.
Any significant change to the approved scope baseline, even if beneficial, must go through the formal integrated change control process. The first step in this process is to perform an impact analysis to understand its effects on all project constraints, followed by initiating a change request for formal review and approval.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Adding the feature immediately bypasses the change control process, leading to unauthorized scope, schedule, and budget deviations.
- C. Rejecting the feature outright without assessment might cause the project to miss out on significant benefits and alienate a key stakeholder.
- D. While the sponsor's input is crucial, a direct 'yes' or 'no' without a formal impact analysis and change request process is not good practice for managing significant changes.
Change Request Impact Analysis
The process of evaluating a proposed change request to determine its effects on project scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, and risks.
- Precedes formal approval or rejection of a change.
- Provides data for informed decision-making by the Change Control Board (CCB).
- Ensures all project aspects are considered before implementing a change.
Memory trick: New idea? First, measure its reach, then make it official, or you'll be on the beach.