Daniel is the project manager for a new project with CV Nursery. His team is in charge of installing a new computerized sales and inventory system to help run their business. However, the CV Nursery bookkeeper also wanted a training manual customized to the system created. Which of the following descriptions corresponds with the “Close and Start a New Project” path?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The team has completed the computerized sales and inventory system as initially planned. However, since the training manual was not part of the original project scope, the team closes the current project and starts a new project specifically to develop the training manual.
Explanation (300+ words):
In project management, the “Close and Start a New Project” path is a formal process used when a newly identified task or requirement—such as creating a training manual—is outside the original scope of the existing project. This path ensures proper project governance and avoids scope creep, which can derail the original goals, budget, and timeline.
In the scenario presented, Daniel’s team was assigned to install a computerized sales and inventory system for CV Nursery. That system implementation was the defined scope of the project. Any additional deliverables not included in the original project scope, like the customized training manual requested by the bookkeeper, are considered out-of-scope unless previously identified in the requirements documentation.
If Daniel’s team were to simply add the training manual to the current project without adjusting the project plan, it would result in scope creep—unauthorized changes to the project scope that can compromise deliverables, timelines, and budgets. The correct and professional way to handle such a request is to formally close the original project once the primary deliverables (the system itself) have been completed and accepted.
After closing, a new project can be initiated that is specifically chartered to develop the training manual. This allows for:
- Clear documentation of objectives, scope, and deliverables for the manual.
- Proper allocation of resources and budgeting.
- Planning a separate timeline for training material creation and review.
- Appropriate stakeholder engagement, especially with users who will rely on the manual.
This method adheres to PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) best practices and demonstrates disciplined project management. It ensures transparency and accountability while meeting the client’s evolving needs in an organized and manageable way.