Back to Change Control

Change Request

5 minutes 5 Questions

A Change Request is a formal proposal submitted for the modification, addition, or removal of a specific aspect of a project, including its scope, objectives, deliverables, resources, or timeline. Change Requests are submitted to the Change Control Board (CCB) to evaluate the potential impact on the project and determine whether the proposed change is warranted. The Change Request process ensures that all proposed modifications are thoroughly evaluated and managed in a systematic and consistent manner, allowing stakeholders to be informed of the potential risks and benefits of the changes, and for the project to remain on track and aligned with its intended goals.

Guide on Change Request following PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition

Change Request: This is a formal proposal to modify any aspect of the project, including its deliverables and baselines. Change requests back up effective project management and contribute to the overall success of the project.
Why change request is important: Change request serves as concrete proof that every modification was carefully considered, and approved. It allows for effective tracking and management of changes.
How it works: A change request occurs when a team member, stakeholder, or client suggests a change in the project. The project manager then evaluates the potential impacts of this change (cost, time, risks) and makes a decision whether to implement it or not.
Answering exam questions on Change Request: You need to keep in mind that all changes, no matter how minor, should go through the Integrated Change Control process. No change can occur without formal approval. In exam scenarios, it's crucial to remember this to choose the correct answer.
Exam tips: One common issue in the exam related to change request is understanding that the project manager doesn't have the authority to approve or deny change requests. They only facilitate the decision-making process. Remember, the final decision on change requests is made by the Change Control Board.

Test mode:
Start practice test
PMP - Change Control Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

A project's risk assessment reveals potential obstacles that could negatively impact the project timeline. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?

Correct Answer: Analyze the impact on the project and initiate a change request if necessary.

In managing a project, when a risk assessment reveals potential obstacles that could negatively impact the project timeline, the most appropriate action is to analyze the impact on the project and initiate a change request if necessary. This is because, as a project manager, it is crucial to determine the potential implications of the identified constraints on the project's scope, schedule, costs, and quality, and to take the necessary steps to address them, which could involve invoking the change management process. In contrast, requesting a deadline extension (second answer) is not the immediate solution, as it might not be always possible or favorable for the project stakeholders and does not necessarily address the underlying issues. Ignoring the assessment and continuing as planned (third answer) can result in uncontrolled risks and exacerbate project issues, while immediately changing the project schedule (fourth answer) may show haste and lack of comprehensive understanding. Hence, the correct and most effective approach is to analyze the situation, understand its impacts, and take measured actions such as initiating a change request, if needed.

Question 2

A major business process needs to be added mid-project due to a sudden change in market requirements. What should a project manager do first?

Correct Answer: Evaluate the impact of the change on project.

The first thing a project manager should do when a major business process needs to be added mid-project due to a sudden change in market requirements is to 'Evaluate the impact of the change on the project.' This is necessary to understand the implications for the project, including timelines, resources, costs, and risks. However, the option 'Immediately implement the change without evaluation' can lead to unforeseen difficulties and potential failures when the impact is not properly assessed. 'Refusing the change request entirely' is also not a practical option because market requirements can change rapidly, and refusing to adapt could affect the project's success. Similarly, 'Informing the stakeholders that this is out of project scope' is also not a productive first step. Although it is important to inform stakeholders about changes and their impacts, it should be done after the evaluation of the change request.

Question 3

A stakeholder submitted a change request that could affect the project's schedule. How should the project manager reach a decision about the request?

Correct Answer: Perform an integrated change control.

A Project Manager should perform an integrated change control to handle a change request. This process involves reviewing the change request, its potential impact on the project in terms of cost, time, resources, and quality, and determining whether to approve or reject it. This approach ensures that the change is assessed holistically and mitigates potential negative impacts on the project schedule. The answer 'Ask stakeholder to submit a request for the next phase' is not correct because the necessity of a change should be assessed independently of a project's phase. The option 'Accept the change immediately without considering its impact', would potentially put the project at risk. Lastly, 'Discuss the change request only with the team' neglects the views and input of stakeholders other than the project team, which may lead to a less informed decision.

Go Premium

Project Management Professional Preparation Package (2024)

  • Earn 35 PDUs needed for your PMP certification
  • 9524 Superior-grade Project Management Professional practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless PMP preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Change Request questions
22 questions (total)
Start 22 question test