During a project's closing phase, the project manager identified that the client did not use one particular service. The client then asks the project manager to informally extend the service beyond the contract end date. The contract is clear about the expiration of the service.
How should the project manager address this situation in order to close the project?
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
= The project manager should issue a change request and activate the formal change control process to address the situation, because extending the service beyond the contract end date is a deviation from the original scope and schedule of the project. The change request should include the rationale, impact, and benefits of the proposed change, as well as the alternatives and risks. The change request should then be submitted to the appropriate authority (such as the project sponsor, steering committee, or change control board) for review and approval. The formal change control process ensures that the change is properly evaluated, authorized, communicated, and documented. The project manager should not accept, deny, or escalate the request without following the change control process, as this may violate the terms of the contract, compromise the quality of the project deliverables, or create conflicts with the client or other stakeholders. The project manager should also update the project management plan, the project schedule, the project budget, and the project baselines to reflect the approved change, and monitor and control the project performance accordingly. The project manager should also include the change and its outcome in the lessons learned documentation for future reference and improvement. References: = Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Content Outline, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), Sixth Edition, Termination of Service Contract: Everything You Need to Know - UpCounsel, The 7-step project closure checklist to end on a high note - Teamwork