PMP · Question #383
A new regulation has been approved that will impact the deliverables in the fourth phase of the project. The delivery is following an iterative approach and is currently completing the second phase…
The correct answer is D. Meet with subject matter experts (SMEs) to access the impact to objectives. Upon a new regulation impacting future deliverables in an iterative project, the project manager should first meet with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to assess the impact on project objectives.
Question
A new regulation has been approved that will impact the deliverables in the fourth phase of the project. The delivery is following an iterative approach and is currently completing the second phase. What should the project manager do next?
Options
- AConsult with the project sponsor to discuss a cost increase
- BAcquire approval for an exception to the implementation of the new regulation
- CGet approval for the additional budget from the steering committee
- DMeet with subject matter experts (SMEs) to access the impact to objectives
How the community answered
(31 responses)- A3% (1)
- B10% (3)
- C6% (2)
- D81% (25)
Why each option
Upon a new regulation impacting future deliverables in an iterative project, the project manager should first meet with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to assess the impact on project objectives.
Discussing a cost increase is premature before fully understanding the scope and financial impact of the regulation.
Seeking an exception to a regulation without first understanding its full impact and feasibility is generally not a responsible or common first step.
Getting budget approval is premature without a clear understanding of the new costs derived from a comprehensive impact assessment.
Before escalating or making decisions about costs or exceptions, the project manager needs to thoroughly understand the technical, legal, and practical implications of the new regulation on the project's objectives and deliverables by consulting with SMEs. This assessment forms the basis for subsequent actions and decisions.
Concept tested: Impact assessment and regulatory compliance
Topics
Community Discussion
7
Prof. SaraDec 30, 2025D. Before requesting money or exceptions, always assess the actual impact. Meet with SMEs to evaluate the objectives, then bring data to the sponsor or steering committee.
Anjali D.Dec 31, 2025D is the consensus pick, though a few in our group pointed out that A also has traction because engaging stakeholders first can feel like the same thing, so watch for whether the stem emphasizes data gathering or relationship management.
Viktor S.Dec 20, 2025D is the only sane first step here. You don't run to the sponsor or steering committee for money before you even know what the regulation does to your scope, and asking for an exception to a regulation is fantasyland stuff that will get you laughed out of the room. Meet with the SMEs, figure out the actual damage to your objectives, then go have the budget conversation with real data in hand. The "iterative approach" detail in the stem is just noise to make you overthink it.
Anjali D.Dec 23, 2025Agreed on D, but the iterative detail is not pure noise, it reinforces that you assess impact within your existing sprint cycle with the SMEs rather than treating it as a waterfall-style scope bomb.
Anjali D.Dec 10, 2025Saw this on my exam last month, D is right, assess impact before asking for money.
Nina C.Dec 12, 2025Agreed on D, and I would add that assessing impact also gives you the documentation you need to justify the cost estimate, which is probably why they pair those two steps in so many scenarios.
Nina C.Jan 5, 2026Picked D. A is tempting but you assess impact before asking for money.