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CAPM Practice: Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach

Question 34 of 85 in Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach

A project manager selects a predictive approach because the project has well-defined requirements. Three months in, the client requests a major scope change that would add 25% more work. What does the project manager do?

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Correct answer: Process the change through integrated change control to assess impact and obtain formal approval

Explanation

Even in predictive projects, approved changes can be incorporated — but they must go through integrated change control. The project manager evaluates the impact (time, cost, resources, risks), presents options to the sponsor and CCB, obtains formal approval, and updates the baselines and plan. The process protects both parties and ensures the change is fully understood before being implemented.

**Why not A:** Accepting a 25% scope increase without formal evaluation could severely impact schedule, cost, and quality. Even for client satisfaction, proper governance requires understanding the full impact before committing to significant changes.

**Why not C:** Rejecting the change outright because the project is underway is unnecessarily rigid. Predictive projects can accommodate changes through integrated change control. The project manager should evaluate the impact and present options rather than refuse the request.

**Why not D:** Adding work to the next iteration without changing the scope baseline is an agile practice incompatible with predictive methodology. In a predictive project, scope changes require formal change control and baseline updates, not backlog additions.

Key Concept

This question covers Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach under Explain when it is appropriate to use a predictive, plan-based approach (Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies).

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