In Project Time Management, which of the following combinations correctly identifies a typical input, a tool or technique, and a primary output of the Schedule Control Control Schedule process according to the PMBOK Guide?

Introduction / Context:
Schedule Control called Control Schedule in later PMBOK editions is the monitoring and controlling process in Project Time Management that tracks the status of project activities, manages changes to the schedule baseline, and helps ensure that the project stays on track. It is closely related to performance measurement and integrated change control. Understanding the ITTOs for this process helps differentiate it from schedule development and cost control on the PMP exam.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The knowledge area is Project Time Management.
• The process under discussion is Schedule Control or Control Schedule.
• We need one representative input, one tool or technique, and one primary output.
• A schedule baseline has been approved during planning.
• Actual progress information is available to compare with the baseline.

Concept / Approach:
Control Schedule uses the schedule baseline, performance reports, project management plan, and work performance information as key inputs. Variance analysis is a common tool and technique, comparing planned start and finish dates with actual dates to identify deviations. When significant differences appear, the process results in change requests to adjust the schedule, scope, or resources or to implement corrective or preventive actions. These change requests then go through integrated change control for review and approval.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the essential input. The schedule baseline is the reference plan that defines expected start and finish dates for activities. Step 2: Select an appropriate tool or technique. Variance analysis compares baseline values with actual performance, highlighting schedule variances. Step 3: Determine the primary output. When variances exceed thresholds, formal change requests are created to adjust the schedule or make other corrective changes. Step 4: Review answer options and choose the combination schedule baseline, variance analysis, and change requests. Step 5: Ensure that other options clearly refer to scope verification, cost control, or quality control instead of schedule control.

Verification / Alternative check:
PMBOK style tables for Control Schedule list schedule baseline, performance reports, and approved change requests among the inputs. Tools and techniques include performance reviews, variance analysis, trend analysis, what if scenario analysis, and schedule compression. Outputs include work performance measurements, change requests, schedule updates, and updates to organizational process assets. This confirms that the pattern in the correct answer accurately represents Control Schedule.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B matches high level scope planning rather than controlling the schedule. Option C is associated with scope verification. Option D uses cost baseline and earned value analysis to generate budget forecasts, which belong to cost control rather than schedule control even though similar concepts can be used for time. Option E is focused on quality control and associated quality measurements.

Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is to assume that earned value analysis belongs only to cost control and not to schedule control; in fact, earned value can produce schedule variances as well, but the exam often emphasises variance analysis as a more general time control technique. Another pitfall is mixing up schedule updates with change requests; only changes that modify the baseline require formal change requests, whereas routine progress updates do not. Remember that Control Schedule is about comparing actual progress to the schedule baseline and generating change requests when needed.

Final Answer:
The correct ITTO combination for Schedule Control Control Schedule is schedule baseline; variance analysis; change requests.