PGMP · Question #52
Andy is the program manager of the HQN Program. This program is nearing its completion and there is still $25,000 left in the program budget. Andy has asked the program team to identify some extra del
The correct answer is D. Gold plating. Gold plating is the practice of adding extra features, deliverables, or enhancements beyond the agreed-upon scope, often to use remaining budget or impress stakeholders. It is generally discouraged in project and program management because it introduces unplanned risk and scope c
Question
Andy is the program manager of the HQN Program. This program is nearing its completion and there is still $25,000 left in the program budget. Andy has asked the program team to identify some extra deliverables that can be included in the program scope to improve the program deliverable but also to use all of the funds in the budget. What term is assigned to the actions that Andy is trying to do in this instance?
Options
- AValue-added change requests
- BZero based budgeting
- CIntegrated change control
- DGold plating
How the community answered
(27 responses)- B4% (1)
- C4% (1)
- D93% (25)
Why each option
Gold plating is the practice of adding extra features, deliverables, or enhancements beyond the agreed-upon scope, often to use remaining budget or impress stakeholders. It is generally discouraged in project and program management because it introduces unplanned risk and scope creep.
Value-added change requests are formal, approved changes that go through integrated change control - Andy is bypassing formal change control processes entirely.
Zero-based budgeting is a budget preparation technique that starts from zero each period rather than incrementally adjusting prior budgets, which has nothing to do with spending surplus funds.
Integrated change control is the formal process of reviewing, approving, and managing all change requests - Andy is not following any formal change process here.
Gold plating refers specifically to adding unsanctioned extras to a deliverable beyond what was defined in the approved scope, even when well-intentioned. In this scenario, Andy is directing the team to find extra deliverables solely to exhaust the remaining budget rather than because they add formally approved value. This practice violates scope management discipline and can introduce uncontrolled risk.
Concept tested: Gold plating and unauthorized scope expansion
Source: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/gold-plating-scope-creep-project-management-6533
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