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PMI PMP: Managing Last-Minute Change Requests in Project Management

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on

Categories Exam

Learn how to effectively handle customer change requests close to deadlines using integrated change control processes and ensure project success.

Table of Contents

Question

A customer requests additional changes 1 day before the planned change date. How should the project manager respond to the change request?

A. Reject the changes as the lead time is too short.
B. Check if the changes are covered in the statement of work (SOW).
C. Determine whether the project team is capable of making the changes.
D. Review the additional changes and perform integrated change control.

Answer

D. Review the additional changes and perform integrated change control.

Explanation

Analyzing the Change Request Options:

A. Rejecting Changes Outright: This is not the optimal initial response. A proper evaluation is necessary before deciding.
B. Checking the SOW: While referencing the SOW is important for scope verification, it shouldn’t be the immediate action.
C. Assessing Team Capability: Team capability is a factor, but it follows the evaluation of the change itself.
D. Reviewing and Integrated Change Control: This is the most appropriate first step. It involves a thorough analysis of the change request, its impact on the project, and a decision through the formal change control process.

This ensures a structured approach to handling the change request, considering all relevant factors before making a decision. The process would involve:

  1. Documenting the change request: Clearly capture the details of the requested changes.
  2. Impact analysis: Evaluate the effects on scope, schedule, budget, resources, quality, and risks.
  3. Presenting to the change control board (CCB): The CCB will review the analysis and decide on approval, rejection, or modification.
  4. Communicating the decision: Inform the customer and project team about the outcome and any subsequent actions.

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