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

Introduction / Context:
Scope Control or Control Scope is the process in Project Scope Management where the project manager monitors the status of the project and product scope and manages changes to the scope baseline. It ensures that all requested changes and recommended corrective or preventive actions are processed through integrated change control. Understanding the typical ITTOs for this process is essential for distinguishing it from planning and verification activities in the PMP exam.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The knowledge area is Project Scope Management.
• The process is Scope Control or Control Scope.
• We need one representative input, one tool or technique, and one primary output.
• We assume a defined scope baseline exists, including scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary.
• Monitoring and controlling process group concepts apply, including variance analysis and change requests.

Concept / Approach:
Control Scope compares actual work and deliverables against the approved scope baseline. The scope baseline is therefore a key input to this process. The project manager uses tools such as variance analysis to determine the difference between planned and actual scope, identifying where work has been added or removed without proper approval scope creep. As issues are found, the process generates change requests that are submitted to integrated change control for approval or rejection. This flow captures how Control Scope maintains alignment with the original scope commitment.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify an essential input. The scope baseline, combining the approved scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary, is the reference used to measure scope performance. Step 2: Select a suitable tool or technique. Variance analysis is central in monitoring and controlling processes, comparing actual results against the baseline to determine deviations. Step 3: Determine the primary output. When deviations are found, formal change requests are created to adjust scope, schedule, or cost, or to implement corrective or preventive actions. Step 4: Among the answer choices, pick the combination scope baseline, variance analysis, and change requests as the correct ITTO set. Step 5: Verify that the other options either belong to planning or to different knowledge areas such as cost or human resources.

Verification / Alternative check:
In PMBOK style references, Control Scope lists the project management plan and scope baseline among its key inputs. Variance analysis and trend analysis often appear as tools and techniques. Outputs include work performance measurements, organizational process assets updates, and especially change requests. This confirms that the combination scope baseline, variance analysis, and change requests accurately represents the process.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B corresponds to Scope Planning, not Control Scope. Option C belongs to Scope Verification or Validate Scope, where verified deliverables are inspected to produce accepted deliverables. Option D is clearly related to human resource and time management, focusing on resource requirements and leveling. Option E is associated with cost control, where earned value analysis and budget forecasts are prepared rather than scope related change requests.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates confuse scope control with schedule and cost control, assuming that earned value analysis is the primary technique in every controlling process. Another pitfall is thinking that accepted deliverables are an output of Control Scope rather than Validate Scope. It is important to remember that Control Scope is about managing changes to the scope baseline, using variance analysis and generating change requests as key outputs.

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