In the five phase view of the project life cycle, the control or change control phase does not overlap only one specific phase because change control activities extend through which part of the project?

Introduction / Context:
Change is inevitable in projects, and managing those changes is one of the central responsibilities of a professional project manager. In many life cycle models, we speak of phases such as initiation, planning, execution, control, and closing. While these may be drawn as distinct boxes, change control in reality is a continuous activity that spans the whole project, not a phase that is limited to only one period of time. PMP style questions often test whether you recognize that integrated change control is performed throughout the project life cycle.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The project life cycle is described with phases that tend to overlap: initiation, planning, execution, control, and closing.
• The control or change control phase is said not to overlap with just one specific phase.
• We are asked why this is the case and what part of the project change control actually covers.
• We assume PMI style integrated change control processes apply.

Concept / Approach:
In PMI terminology, Perform Integrated Change Control is a Monitoring and Controlling process that runs from the moment the project is formally initiated until the project or phase is closed. It evaluates change requests, approves or rejects them, and ensures that only authorized changes are implemented. Because change requests can arise when the project is first defined, when detailed planning is done, when execution uncovers new information, and even near closing, change control cannot logically be confined to a single phase. Instead, it extends across the entire life cycle.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognize that requests for change can arise at any time: during initiation, planning, execution, or even closing. Step 2: Recall that integrated change control is the process of reviewing, approving, and managing changes to baselines and project documents. Step 3: Note that because changes can be proposed at any stage, change control must be active throughout the project, not just in one phase. Step 4: Review the answer choices and select the one that correctly states that change control extends across the entire project from initiation through closeout. Step 5: Verify that options limiting change control to a single phase (planning, execution, or closing) conflict with how change requests occur in real projects.

Verification / Alternative check:
In PMBOK style process diagrams, Perform Integrated Change Control is placed in the Monitoring and Controlling Process Group and is active whenever a change request is raised, which can happen in any process group. For example, new stakeholder requirements discovered during execution might require scope changes, or late in the project a regulatory update might affect deliverables. The change control board or project governance structure needs to review these changes regardless of phase, confirming that change control spans the entire life cycle, not just one part of it.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A limits change control to the execution phase, ignoring the fact that changes to scope and strategy often arise during initiation and planning. Option B incorrectly suggests that all changes must be made before execution, which is unrealistic. Option C restricts change control to closing, which is clearly incorrect, as many changes occur much earlier. Option E incorrectly claims that change control is only about initial selection decisions, which confuses portfolio selection with project change control. Only option D accurately describes change control as extending from initiation through closeout.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is thinking of control as a discrete phase separate from real work, rather than as an ongoing function. Another mistake is underestimating the number of late stage changes that can occur and assuming that change control is mostly front loaded. Remember that integrated change control is an overarching activity that monitors and adjusts the project throughout its life cycle, ensuring that approved changes are documented and baselines are updated consistently.

Final Answer:
The control phase does not overlap only one specific phase because change control extends throughout the entire project from initiation through planning, execution, and closeout, with change control management applied continuously.