Back to PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

Change Control and Schedule Updates

Managing changes to the project schedule systematically.

This topic explains the process of controlling schedule changes through a formal change control system. It covers how to evaluate change requests, update the schedule baseline, and communicate changes to stakeholders.
5 minutes 5 Questions

Change Control and Schedule Updates are vital processes in project management for maintaining schedule integrity. Change Control involves formal procedures to review, evaluate, and approve or reject changes to the project schedule baseline. This systematic approach requires: identifying proposed changes, assessing impacts, obtaining approvals, and documenting decisions. When changes are approved, they become part of the updated baseline against which future performance is measured. The Change Control Board (CCB) often serves as the authorizing body for schedule modifications. Schedule Updates, on the other hand, represent the actual implementation of approved changes and regular progress tracking. These updates reflect real-world execution compared to the planned schedule. Updates include recording actual start/finish dates, remaining durations, percent complete figures, and resource utilization. Schedule updating provides critical data for performance analysis using earned value techniques and other metrics to assess schedule variance and forecast completion dates. For PMI Scheduling Professionals, these processes require careful documentation, stakeholder communication, and technical expertise in schedule management tools. Effective change control prevents "scope creep" while allowing necessary adjustments. It maintains the schedule as a credible management tool by ensuring all changes follow established protocols. The schedule professional must also understand organizational change thresholds - which modifications require formal review versus those handled at the project manager level. Together, these processes balance schedule discipline with the flexibility needed in dynamic project environments. They support schedule integrity while acknowledging that projects rarely execute exactly as planned. When implemented properly, they provide transparency, accountability, and reliable performance measurement throughout the project lifecycle.

Change Control and Schedule Updates are vital processes in project management for maintaining schedule integrity. Change Control involves formal procedures to review, evaluate, and approve or reject …

Concepts covered: Schedule Monitoring and Control Processes, Baseline Management and Schedule Baselines, Schedule Variance Analysis and Corrective Actions, Risk Management in Schedule Changes, Impact Analysis of Schedule Changes, Communication of Schedule Changes to Stakeholders, Integrated Change Control Process in Scheduling, Configuration Management and Version Control of Schedule Documents, Change Request Documentation and Tracking

Test mode:
Start practice test
PMI-SP - Change Control and Schedule Updates Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of creating multiple schedule baselines in project management?

Correct Answer: To capture progressive schedule changes and track project evolution over time

The primary purpose of creating multiple schedule baselines in project management is to capture progressive schedule changes and track project evolution over time. This is crucial because: 1. It provides a historical record of how the project schedule has evolved 2. It enables measurement of schedule variances and trends 3. It helps in performance measurement and tracking 4. It supports project documentation requirements 5. It aids in lessons learned and organizational process assets The other options are incorrect because: - Managing different stakeholder requirements is handled through stakeholder management and communication plans, not through multiple baselines - Risk management and contingency planning use schedule risk analysis and contingency reserves, not multiple baselines - While milestone variations are important, documenting them is a byproduct of baseline management, not its primary purpose

Question 2

In a project schedule baseline, what role does the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) serve?

Correct Answer: It provides an integrated scope-schedule-cost baseline for measuring project performance

The Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) combines three fundamental project elements - scope, schedule, and cost - into a single integrated baseline used for measuring project performance. This integration is essential for earned value management and effective project control. This is the correct answer because the PMB serves as the key reference point against which all project performance is measured, enabling project managers to track variances and make informed decisions. The other options are incorrect because: - Having multiple reference points across milestones does not accurately describe the PMB's integrated nature - The PMB is not primarily about defining acceptable schedule deviations or historical data - The PMB is not limited to critical path activities; it encompasses the entire project scope, schedule, and cost baseline

Question 3

When managing schedule baselines in an agile-hybrid project environment, what is the most appropriate approach for incorporating sprint-based updates?

Correct Answer: Rolling wave planning with periodic baseline updates at the release level

In an agile-hybrid project environment, rolling wave planning with periodic baseline updates at the release level is the most appropriate approach because: It balances agile flexibility with traditional project control needs by: - Maintaining high-level schedule control at the release level - Allowing for adaptive planning within sprints - Providing appropriate timing for baseline updates - Supporting progressive elaboration of project details Why other approaches are less effective: Establishing a complete baseline at project inception is too rigid for agile environments and limits the ability to adapt to changes. Updating the baseline after every sprint creates unnecessary overhead and diminishes the baseline's value as a measuring tool for project performance. Creating separate baselines for each sprint and consolidating at the end defeats the purpose of baseline control and makes it impossible to track progress effectively during the project. The optimal solution provides the right balance between control and flexibility, allowing teams to maintain agile practices while ensuring proper schedule governance.

Go Premium

PMI Scheduling Professional Preparation Package (2025)

  • 3429 Superior-grade PMI Scheduling Professional practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless PMI-SP 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 Control and Schedule Updates questions
105 questions (total)
Start 100 question test