How New Stakeholder Requests Affect Project Budget and Schedule

C.

The correct answer to this question is C. scope creep.

Scope creep refers to the gradual expansion of a project's scope beyond its original objectives without appropriate control or management. When stakeholders request modifications to the project, they may be adding additional features, functions, or deliverables that were not originally part of the project's scope. These changes can impact the project budget and schedule as well, but the primary concern with scope creep is that it can significantly increase the complexity and workload of the project team.

If the project manager allows scope creep to occur unchecked, it can lead to a variety of problems, including cost overruns, missed deadlines, and quality control issues. The project team may struggle to manage the additional requirements, resulting in decreased efficiency, increased stress, and a higher risk of errors or mistakes.

In this case, the new stakeholder has requested modifications that will result in minor changes to the project budget and schedule. While these changes may not have a significant impact on the project's overall scope, they could still represent the early stages of scope creep. It's essential for the project manager to carefully evaluate the requested modifications and ensure they align with the project's original goals and objectives. If they don't, the project manager may need to negotiate with the stakeholder to find a compromise that keeps the project on track and within its original scope.