Project Schedule Deviation and Change Control

PK0-005 By islever Editorial Last updated

Given a scenario, apply the change control process throughout the project life cycle.

Short answer

C Submit a change request to the change control board to formally address the schedule baseline deviation caused by resource constraints.

Question

A project manager realizes that a project will not be completed on time due to resource constraints. Which of the following actions should the project manager take NEXT?
  1. Trigger the contingency plan and communicate with the stakeholders.
  2. Work with the functional managers to create a work-around.
  3. Submit a change request to the change control board. Correct Answer
  4. Transfer the risk by hiring a new vendor who was successful on a previous project.
  5. Set up an escalation meeting with the sponsor.

Key Takeaways

The question tests the boundary between informal problem-solving and formal change control, trapping those who choose a workaround over a change request when a baseline is definitively breached.

When a project manager determines that a project will definitively miss its schedule baseline due to constraints, the next required step is to submit a formal change request to the Change Control Board (CCB).

Common mistake: Choosing to create a workaround (Option B) because it seems proactive, ignoring that a workaround cannot fix a definitive baseline breach which requires formal change approval.

Expert Analysis

Definitive Baseline Breach The phrasing 'will not be completed on time' is the critical pivot. It establishes that the schedule baseline is definitively going to be missed. In CompTIA doctrine, any variance that cannot be absorbed internally and breaches an approved baseline (time, cost, or scope) must be processed through formal change control. Therefore, Option C is the correct next step.

Workaround vs. Change Request Trap Option B (creating a workaround) is the most plausible distractor. A workaround is an unplanned response to an unanticipated problem. However, if a workaround could successfully resolve the resource constraint and keep the project on schedule, the prompt would not state the project will not be completed on time. Because the delay is certain, informal problem-solving is insufficient; the schedule baseline must be formally altered, which requires CCB approval.

Contingency Plan Limitations Option A (triggering the contingency plan) assumes this specific resource constraint was an identified risk with a funded, planned response. The scenario provides no such context. Furthermore, even if a contingency plan existed and was triggered, if it fails to prevent the delay, a change request is still the mandatory next step to adjust the baseline.

Operational Consequences If the project manager proceeds with a workaround or triggers a contingency plan without a change request, the project continues operating against an unrealistic, obsolete baseline. This hides the true schedule variance from stakeholders and sets false expectations. Submitting the change request formally documents the impact of the resource constraints, allows the CCB to authorize a new target completion date or additional resources, and resets the project expectations on a realistic baseline.

Adjacent Scenario Flip If the scenario were worded as 'is at risk of not being completed on time' or 'is experiencing resource constraints impacting efficiency', the answer would flip to Option B. In that adjacent scenario, the baseline is not yet breached, and the project manager should attempt to resolve the issue informally with functional managers before escalating to formal change control.

Official Reference

These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

When a question states a project 'will not' meet a baseline constraint, look for the change request option. Workarounds and informal solutions are traps if the baseline is already definitively breached, because any solution that alters time, cost, or scope requires formal CCB approval.

Community Votes

C
43%
B
36%
A
21%

43% of anonymous learners picked answer C. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 18 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 18

  1. Granddude 👍 13 Answered A
    I am going with A because the PM already had a contingency plan in case if there was an issue. To stay on time with deliverables, and keep the project moving, you would have to initiate the contingency plan and let the stakeholders know what is going on.
  2. lamborghini 👍 6 Answered C
    Submit a change request. A. No contingency plan B. doesn't address problem D. does not follow the change control process E. Too early to escalate
  3. Dar87 👍 4 Answered C
    I concur going with a contingency plan or escalating to sponsors seems a little too early.
  4. CC3303 👍 3 Answered B
    B. Work with the functional managers to create a work-around. Creating a work-around with the available resources can help mitigate the impact of the resource constraints and keep the project on track. It's a practical step to address the issue. However, it's also important to keep stakeholders informed (option A) and, if necessary, consider a change request (option C) depending on the nature of the project and the severity of the resource constraints. Transferring the risk to a new vendor (option D) might be an option but should be carefully evaluated, and an escalation meeting with the sponsor (option E) should be a last resort if other options don't yield results.
  5. Donny_575 👍 3 Answered B
    B. The next step should try to resolve the constraint internally, such as borrowing resources from other functional areas.
Show 13 more comments
  1. TheFai 👍 3 Answered C
    If the schedule needs to be changed, we update the schedule with a change request.This is why I don't like the Project+.
  2. b0b4dce 👍 2 Answered C
    Explanation: Submit a change request to the change control board. The project manager should submit a change request to the change control board (CCB) if they realize that the project will not be completed on time due to resource constraints. A change request is a formal proposal to modify any aspect of the project, such as scope, schedule, cost, quality, or resources. A change request must be submitted to the CCB, which is a group of stakeholders who are authorized to review and approve changes.Submitting a change request can help to document the impact of the resource constraints on the project and seek approval for any corrective actions or preventive actions.
  3. phony2 👍 2
    Explanation: Submit a change request to the change control board. The project manager should submit a change request to the change control board (CCB) if they realize that the project will not be completed on time due to resource constraints. A change request is a formal proposal to modify any aspect of the project, such as scope, schedule, cost, quality, or resources. A change request must be submitted to the CCB, which is a group of stakeholders who are authorized to review and approve changes. Submitting a change request can help to document the impact of the resource constraints on the project and seek approval for any corrective actions or preventive actions
  4. 044f354 👍 2 Answered B
    Answer B Since the issue is resource constraints, the best first step is to work with functional managers to explore possible solutions. This could involve: - Reallocating resources from other tasks - Adjusting work assignments to balance the workload - Prioritizing tasks to focus on critical path activities
  5. Flyentologist 👍 2 Answered B
    Not sure why it's only the 3rd most chosen option but the correct answer is B. The first step is to attempt to create a workaround, any other action would be premature. If you quickly determine no workaround is possible then you submit a change request.
  6. Leonidasss 👍 2 Answered A
    stakeholders have to know what is going on if they are not able to meet the objectives
  7. jako800 👍 1
    (Bard) The project manager should B. Work with the functional managers to create a work-around. This is the most appropriate next step because it addresses the root cause of the problem, which is the resource constraints. By working with the functional managers, the project manager can identify ways to reallocate resources, prioritize tasks, or find other creative solutions to get the project back on track. The other options are not as appropriate because they do not address the root cause of the problem. Triggering the contingency plan is premature at this point, as there may still be ways to salvage the project without resorting to contingency measures. Submitting a change request to the change control board is also not appropriate at this time, as the project is not yet officially behind schedule. Transferring the risk to a new vendor is a drastic measure that should only be considered as a last resort. And setting up an escalation meeting with the sponsor is not necessary at this time, as the project manager is still working to resolve the issue. Therefore, the most appropriate next step is for the project manager to work with the functional managers to create a work-around.
  8. swiftyranger 👍 1 Answered C
    C. Submit a change request to the Change Control Board: Because resource constraints will prevent the project from meeting its approved schedule baseline, the PM should formally request a change, documenting the schedule impact, resource limitations, and proposed corrective actions for review and approval. A is appropriate only when an established contingency plan addresses the situation; B involves collaborating with functional managers to identify resource workarounds, which is useful but does not authorize changes to an approved baseline; C is correct because the CCB evaluates proposed changes affecting scope, schedule, or cost; D introduces an unapproved vendor and potential additional costs without necessarily resolving the problem; E escalates the issue to the sponsor, which may be necessary if the PM cannot resolve it through normal governance, but is not the best next step here. PK0-005 exam tip: When a project cannot meet an approved baseline, look for formal change control; when a resource problem can be resolved without altering the baseline, collaborate with functional managers first.
  9. f40c26e 👍 1 Answered A
    Answer: A - Trigger the Contingency. WHY?: I believe it's important to note CompTIA's typical questions and expectations, including what they imagine a 'perfect' PM has done when no additional context has been given. In this scenario, we should assume that the PM followed the correct processes and procedures for having contingencies in place for potential risks, and that once they realized the risk, they were able to fall back on those contingencies. Why NOT C - Submit a Change Request. If it were specifically stated that the PM or project lacked a contingency plan, I do believe this would be the next best step, as you would need to obtain approval and submit a change request to re-evaluate the project's needs and propose or request increased resources.
  10. HeatSquad77 👍 1 Answered C
    The correct answer is: C. Submit a change request to the change control board. Explanation: The key issue in the scenario is that the project will not be completed on time due to resource constraints, which represents a deviation from the approved project baseline (schedule, scope, or cost). When a deviation like this occurs, and the project cannot meet its originally approved plan: ➡️ The appropriate next step is to: Submit a change request to the Change Control Board (CCB) This ensures that any adjustments to schedule, scope, or cost are formally reviewed, approved, and documented
  11. 044f354 👍 1
    I RESCIND MY PRIOR ANSWER OF (B).... Given the wording ("will not be completed on time"), we must assume that workarounds have already failed. In that case, this is not the best choice. (C) Submit a change request to the Change Control Board (CCB) ✅ (Best Answer) - Since the project will not be completed on time, the best next step is to formally request changes to the project plan. - This aligns with change management processes in Project+, where significant schedule impacts require formal approval.
  12. AdmiralGimme 👍 1 Answered B
    B. Due to immediate need for resolution because of already reaching project constraints. A could be the 2nd most likely (As Comptia weighs their scores I think) but B is more proactive in finding a resolution. 3rd option is C as this is a formal change which would take time and probably push the constraints even further. D/E not even considered.
  13. NextTopic 👍 1
    Early? What indicated the stage or time of the project?

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