TOPIC: Free PMP® Exam Sample Question

In a pharmaceutical project, human trials have been started. The CEO is thrilled about the success of the trials up to this point. She announces that the size of the patient pool for the trials should double from the one originally planned and results tracked in the new system launching this week.

What should the project manager do first?

A. Ramp up production to match the demand of the CEO
B. Consider what might be included in a change request
C. Adjust the scope baseline to reflect the increased trial size
D. Communicate the change in the scope to the project stakeholders

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HINT: Does the project team have the approval to make changes?

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Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is B.

Managing changes to the project by following the organization's change control process established for the project is important in keeping the project under control and operating effectively.

Changes to scope, like in the scenario of doubling the size of the patient pool as well as tracking the results in the new system, require evaluation, agreement, and approval. Who makes those approvals is up to the project organization and its change management plans.

But before any changes are implemented or communicated, the change request must be submitted per the project's procedure and approved by those authorized to do so.

A CEO's declaration of what should happen in the project does not substitute for the project's change control procedures and the Perform Integrated Change Control process.

Details for each option:

A. Incorrect. Without a formal approval of the scope change, the production should not increase regardless of who requested the change (the CEO in this scenario).

B. Correct. The CEO wants to change the project scope and use a new tracking system. The CEO has to submit a change request (or likely the project manager on behalf of the CEO) to the change control board to consider and make a decision on the change request.

C. Incorrect. If the change to increase the trial size is approved, the scope baseline is likely to be updated. However (unless stated otherwise in the scenario), the scope baseline is under configuration control. The change in scope has not yet been approved. The scope baseline remains as is until the change has been formally approved.

D. Incorrect. No changes to scope and project plans have been approved and/or implemented. Until that time, communicating the change of plans is premature. Other communications about the situation, the considerations, discussions of the risks, status, and other topics can be communicated.

Reference: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide) – Sixth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2017, Page(s) 170