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

Introduction / Context:
The Scope Planning process in Project Scope Management is where the project team defines how scope will be defined, managed, verified, and controlled throughout the life of the project. In earlier editions of the PMBOK Guide this is often described through its inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs ITTOs. Understanding the correct ITTOs for Scope Planning is essential for the PMP exam and for building a consistent approach to managing what is and is not included in the project work.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are working within the Project Scope Management knowledge area.
• The process in focus is Scope Planning sometimes called Plan Scope Management in newer editions.
• We want one valid input, one valid tool or technique, and the primary output of this process.
• PMBOK style ITTO patterns apply, even if some names are slightly updated in newer editions.
• The question is conceptual, not asking for every possible ITTO, only a representative combination.

Concept / Approach:
Scope Planning defines how the detailed project scope statement will be developed, how the work breakdown structure will later be created, and how scope will be validated and controlled. A key input is the project charter, which authorises the project and provides high level requirements and objectives. Expert judgment is a primary tool and technique, because experienced project managers and subject matter experts help decide the best way to manage scope. The primary output is the scope management plan, a component of the overall project management plan that documents how scope will be defined, validated, and controlled.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify a typical input to Scope Planning. The project charter is a logical choice because it provides high level requirements and constraints that guide scope decisions. Step 2: Identify a core tool or technique. Expert judgment is widely recognised as central to Scope Planning, because tailoring scope practices requires experience. Step 3: Identify the primary output. The scope management plan is the main documented outcome, setting rules and procedures for all later scope processes. Step 4: Compare answer options and select the set that contains project charter as input, expert judgment as tool, and scope management plan as output. Step 5: Confirm that other combinations either misplace tools and outputs from different processes or combine unrelated items.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you review standard PMBOK style tables for Project Scope Management, you will find that Scope Planning Plan Scope Management lists the project charter and the preliminary project scope statement among its typical inputs. Expert judgment appears consistently as a tool and technique. The output is clearly the scope management plan. Cross checking these references confirms that the combination project charter, expert judgment, and scope management plan correctly represents this process.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B refers to inspection and accepted deliverables, which are strongly associated with scope verification or validate scope, not Scope Planning. Option C combines a work breakdown structure and variance analysis, elements more closely related to scope definition and control scope. Option D mixes requirements documentation, parametric estimating, and cost baseline, which belong more in time and cost planning. Option E mentions earned value analysis and schedule baseline, both primarily found in schedule and cost control, not initial scope planning.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse the detailed project scope statement and WBS outputs of later processes with the earlier scope management plan. Another pitfall is assuming that any analytical tool, such as earned value analysis or parametric cost estimating, belongs to all planning processes. For the exam, remember that Scope Planning focuses on how you will manage scope, not on detailing every element of scope itself. The scope management plan is therefore the central output.

Final Answer:
The correct ITTO combination for Scope Planning is project charter; expert judgment; scope management plan.