Question 150

Adopt a change management approach and delay the project to decide on the direction.

To avoid project failure due to scope creep, the project manager should adopt a change management approach and delay the project. This allows for a thorough assessment of the situation and ensures that the team can realign the project objectives effectively.

A) Develop a focus group to face the issue and decide on the appropriate direction.

While forming a focus group may seem beneficial for gathering input, it may not provide an immediate solution to the urgent problem of scope creep. This approach can prolong decision-making and delay necessary actions, potentially worsening the project’s trajectory.

B) Adopt a change management approach and delay the project to decide on the direction.

This option is correct as it emphasizes the need to manage changes proactively. By delaying the project, the project manager can thoroughly evaluate the scope changes and align the project with the original goals, minimizing risks associated with scope creep.

C) Request a meeting with top management to state concerns about their ability to handle the situation.

Although communicating concerns to top management is important, this option does not directly address the immediate actions needed to manage the project effectively. Merely stating concerns without a concrete plan will not resolve the issue of scope creep.

D) Delay the project by adopting a fast-fail approach, mitigating the risk of having a bigger impact on the company.

The fast-fail approach focuses on quickly identifying failures to mitigate risks; however, it may not provide a structured way to resolve scope creep. Simply delaying without a strategic management plan can lead to further complications and project misalignment.

Conclusion

The most effective response to address scope creep and avoid project failure is to adopt a change management approach and delay the project for proper assessment. This strategy is superior to the other options, which either lack urgency or fail to provide a clear path toward realigning project goals. By taking the time to manage changes thoughtfully, the project manager can help ensure the project's success.