PMP Practice Questions #125
In a project following a predictive lifecycle, with the cost baseline already set, you face a sudden change in legal compliance regulations two weeks before the planned project closure, which threatens to impact the project budget. What is the most appropriate action to take?
A. Initiate the integrated change control process to evaluate how the compliance change affects the project’s scope, schedule, and costs.
B. Proceed with the current plan, given that the new law was not included in the baseline.
C. Adjust the project to comply with the new regulations, altering the timeline and budget as necessary.
D. Consult with the project sponsor to propose that this compliance change be addressed in a subsequent project after the current project closes.
Analysis
The scenario presents a project in its final stages under a predictive lifecycle model facing an unexpected regulatory change affecting the project’s cost baseline. This late-stage compliance shift poses a significant challenge, prompting the need for a strategic response to manage its implications effectively.
Analysis of Options
Option A: Initiate the integrated change control process to evaluate how the compliance change affects the project’s scope, schedule, and costs. This is a structured approach that involves assessing the impact of the new compliance regulations on various aspects of the project. It is the most comprehensive response, ensuring that any adjustments to the project are systematically analyzed and documented, involving key stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Option B: Proceed with the current plan, given that the new law was not included in the baseline. This approach ignores the new compliance requirements, which is risky and could lead to significant issues, including legal penalties or project deliverables being deemed unacceptable. It is not a viable option as it disregards the importance of adhering to current laws and regulations.
Option C: Adjust the project to comply with the new regulations, altering the timeline and budget as necessary. While this action directly addresses compliance, it bypasses the formal change management process. Making unilateral decisions without a thorough impact analysis and stakeholder consensus can lead to unanticipated consequences and stakeholder dissatisfaction.
Option D: Consult with the project sponsor to propose that this compliance change be addressed in a subsequent project after the current project closes. This option might seem practical in focusing on immediate project closure but could lead to overlooking critical compliance requirements that may not be postponed without incurring risks or penalties.Consulting with the project sponsor to propose that the compliance change be addressed in a subsequent project after the current project closes may appear to be a pragmatic approach for focusing on immediate project closure. However, this strategy could potentially overlook critical compliance requirements that may not be postponed without incurring risks or penalties. While this option might facilitate a swift completion of the current project, it risks non-compliance with essential legal regulations, which could have significant long-term consequences. As mentioned in Option A, the integrated change control process is designed to assess and decide on such matters systematically. Bypassing this process and directly deciding to defer compliance adjustments to a later project without a thorough analysis might expose the project to legal and operational risks. Engaging in the integrated change control process allows for a comprehensive evaluation and stakeholder input, ensuring that any decision made, including possibly deferring compliance changes, is well-informed and considers all project aspects.
Conclusion: Option A stands out as the optimal choice, demonstrating adherence to best practices in project management. It underscores the importance of the integrated change control process in addressing unexpected changes and ensuring project alignment with current regulatory requirements. This approach facilitates informed decision-making, maintains project integrity, and ensures compliance, all while engaging key stakeholders throughout the process.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Business | Task 1: Plan and manage project compliance |
| Process | Task 5 Plan and manage budget and resources |
| Process | Task 10 Manage project changes |
Topics Covered
- Project Compliance
- Integrated Change Control
