PMP · Question #535
A project sponsor insists that the project scope for a new product launch should include two geographical locations. However, after the project scoping session was done, a project charter was complete
The correct answer is B. Assess the impact to the scope and submit a change request for approval of the two locations. Since the approved project charter specifies one location and the sponsor wants two, the project manager must initiate a formal change request to assess the impact of adding a location.
Question
A project sponsor insists that the project scope for a new product launch should include two geographical locations. However, after the project scoping session was done, a project charter was completed and approved with one location only. What should the project manager do?
Options
- AAsk the sponsor to increase the budget and schedule of the project to accommodate the
- BAssess the impact to the scope and submit a change request for approval of the two locations
- CDiscuss with the sponsor that the project scope is approved and it is not possible to include two
- DEncourage the sponsor to start another project for the additional location so that the current
How the community answered
(24 responses)- A13% (3)
- B75% (18)
- C8% (2)
- D4% (1)
Why each option
Since the approved project charter specifies one location and the sponsor wants two, the project manager must initiate a formal change request to assess the impact of adding a location.
Directly asking for increased budget and schedule without a formal impact assessment and change request bypasses proper change control procedures and project governance.
When a key stakeholder, such as the project sponsor, requests a change to an approved scope element (like adding a location), the project manager must follow the integrated change control process. This involves assessing the impact on scope, schedule, cost, and quality, and then submitting a formal change request for review and approval by the change control board or relevant authority.
Dismissing the sponsor's request outright is not conducive to stakeholder management or project success, as key stakeholders' input should always be formally addressed.
Suggesting a new project for the additional location avoids addressing the current request and may not align with the sponsor's immediate goal for a single, comprehensive launch.
Concept tested: Integrated change control process for scope changes
Source: https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/foundational/pmbok/integrated-change-control
Topics
Community Discussion
9
Lena V.May 4, 2026B is the correct answer. The charter is approved with one location, so adding the second location means a formal change request through integrated change control. You assess the impact on scope, schedule, budget, and resources first, then submit the change request for approval through the CCB or sponsor. A and C are wrong because they skip the change control process, and D is a last resort that the PM does not unilaterally decide. The exam always wants you to follow the documented process, not improvise.
Mei-Ling H.May 5, 2026Agree with B, but note the word 'first' in the stem, which means you assess impact before you even draft the change request, so Lena is right on the sequence but the exam is testing whether you know assessment precedes submission.
Mei-Ling H.May 9, 2026I first leaned toward C because the charter was already approved with one location, but the key detail is that the sponsor is insisting on two locations, which means the project manager must go through the formal change control process. B is correct because you assess the impact first, then submit a change request rather than just telling the sponsor no.
Brenda K.May 31, 2026Got this exact question on my exam last month, change request is always the move.
Mei-Ling H.Jun 2, 2026Agree with change request, but watch for the word "emergency" in the stem because that flips to the CAB verbally if needed instead of waiting.
Luis F.May 16, 2026B is the right call here. Since the charter was already approved with one location, adding the second location means going through the formal change control process, and you need to assess the impact first before submitting that change request.
Mei-Ling H.May 17, 2026Agreed on B, but note the word formal in the stem, that is the trigger pointing you to the documented change control process rather than just an ad hoc team discussion.
Imani T.May 26, 2026Got B on my exam last week, change request is always the move when scope shifts.
Mei-Ling H.May 28, 2026Agree on B but careful with the word always in the stem, if they say the team can absorb the scope shift within existing budget or timeline then you evaluate impact first before jumping straight to change request.