PgMP Practice Questions #4
During a program status discussion with a key beneficiary, they suggest a change, and your sponsor expresses interest, stating, “We should do this.” What should you do next?
A. Do the initial change assessment to identify the change management process needed for the change
B.Document the change request and send it to the Steering Committee for approval
C.Inform the impacted component to take care of this change
D.Ask for additional funding to implement this change
Analysis
In this scenario, during a program status discussion with a key beneficiary, a change is suggested, and the sponsor expresses interest by stating, “We should do this.” This question assesses your ability to handle change within the program delivery phase, with a specific focus on change governance. As the program manager, your responsibility is to determine the appropriate next step by following the change management process. This involves conducting an initial assessment to evaluate the change in accordance with the program’s change management plan and governance framework, which will help determine if further approval or additional resources are needed.
Analysis of Options
Option A: Do the initial change assessment to identify the change management process needed for the change
Conducting an initial assessment allows the program manager to evaluate the impact and determine the correct change management process for the suggested change. The ability to handle change effectively involves not immediately assuming that a change needs high-level approval, even if the sponsor shows interest. Instead, an initial assessment is a critical step that allows the program manager to decide whether the change should proceed, be escalated, or possibly be managed within the program. This option supports a structured approach in handling the change, allowing for flexibility in whether the Steering Committee’s involvement is necessary based on the assessment results.
Option B: Document the change request and send it to the Steering Committee for approval
While documenting the change is part of the process, sending it directly to the Steering Committee without an initial assessment could be premature. The Program Management emphasizes that not every change requires Steering Committee approval, and even if the sponsor likes the idea, it does not automatically mean it should be escalated. According to the change governance framework, each change needs to be assessed to determine its path. Without this initial step, sending it to the Steering Committee might lead to unnecessary escalation and delay. The governance framework supports that an assessment is a vital first step, ensuring that only changes that meet certain criteria are escalated, making Option A more aligned with effective change management practices.
Option C: Inform the impacted component to take care of this change
This approach could result in unintended consequences if the change has broader implications on scope, budget, or timelines that have not been assessed. Implementing changes without an initial assessment can lead to scope creep and potential misalignment with program objectives. This option does not adhere to change management protocols.
Option D: Ask for additional funding to implement this change
Requesting additional funding immediately assumes that the change will proceed without evaluating its necessity, impact, or feasibility. This option is premature and skips crucial steps in the change management process.
Conclusion
The most appropriate answer is Option A: Do the initial change assessment to identify the change management process needed for the change. According to the Program Management Standard (Fifth Edition), the governance framework is responsible for defining which changes a program manager can independently approve and which require further discussion or Steering Committee approval. By conducting an initial assessment, the program manager can determine if the suggested change meets the criteria for independent handling or if it requires escalation. This approach ensures adherence to the governance framework, aligning with best practices in change management by thoroughly assessing changes before proceeding with approvals.
PgMP Certification Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Governance | Task 6: Regularly evaluate new and existing risks that impact strategic objectives to present an updated risk management plan to the governance board for approval. |
| Program Life Cycle Management | Task 28: Manage changes per the change management plan to control scope, quality, schedule, cost, contracts, risks, and rewards to achieve program benefits. |
Topics Covered
- Change Management in Program Delivery
- Change Governance
- Program Governance Framework
- Initial Change Assessment
- Stakeholder Engagement in the Change Process
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