In a predictive approach, how are changes handled?

• A. Changes can be made informally at any time
• B. Changes must be requested and approved by a change control board
• C. Changes are ignored
• D. Changes happen automatically once a new risk is identified

Answer: (B)

In a predictive (waterfall) approach, changes are managed through a formal change control process rather than being handled informally. When a change is needed, a change request is submitted and must be reviewed and approved by a change control board. This board assesses the impact on scope, schedule, cost, and risk, and only after approval is the change implemented. This keeps the project baselines stable and helps prevent scope creep and uncontrolled shifts in plan.

In contrast, changes aren’t ignored, and they don’t occur automatically just because a new risk is identified. Neither is change handled informally at any time; those informal edits would undermine the fixed plan that a predictive approach relies on.