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 Verification Validate Scope process according to the PMBOK Guide?

Introduction / Context:
The Scope Verification process called Validate Scope in newer PMBOK editions is where completed deliverables are formally reviewed and accepted by the customer or sponsor. This process ensures that the project has produced what was originally agreed in the scope baseline. For PMP style questions, it is important to know which inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs distinguish scope verification from quality control and scope control.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The knowledge area is Project Scope Management.
• The process in focus is Scope Verification or Validate Scope.
• We want one representative input, one tool or technique, and one primary output.
• PMBOK style ITTOs are followed.
• Deliverables have already been checked for quality before they arrive in this process.

Concept / Approach:
In Scope Verification or Validate Scope, the project team presents deliverables that have already passed quality control. These verified deliverables are the key input. The main technique is inspection, which may include reviews, audits, walkthroughs, and demonstrations to the customer. The primary output is accepted deliverables, meaning deliverables formally signed off, often accompanied by change requests if there are gaps. Recognising this chain from verified deliverables to accepted deliverables via inspection helps you quickly identify the correct ITTO pattern.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the main input. Since deliverables must be checked for quality before formal acceptance, verified deliverables from quality control are a key input to scope verification. Step 2: Identify the core tool or technique. Inspection in the sense of reviews, demonstrations, and walkthroughs with the customer is central to this process. Step 3: Identify the main output. Accepted deliverables, formally approved by the customer or sponsor, represent the success of this process. Step 4: Compare answer options and select the set that includes verified deliverables, inspection, and accepted deliverables. Step 5: Confirm that other options belong to different processes such as planning, control scope, or cost management.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard PMBOK tables for Validate Scope show project management plan, requirements documentation, and verified deliverables as inputs. Inspection is listed as the key tool and technique. Accepted deliverables and change requests appear as outputs. This strongly supports the pattern verified deliverables to inspection to accepted deliverables as the best summary of the process.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is tied to Scope Planning and the creation of the scope management plan, not verification. Option C reflects scope control or control scope, focusing on variance analysis and work performance measurements. Option D describes items from time management, particularly activity sequencing and schedule development. Option E belongs to cost control, where earned value analysis and budget forecasts are produced, not to scope verification.

Common Pitfalls:
A common confusion is between quality control and scope verification. Quality control checks whether deliverables meet internal quality standards, producing verified deliverables. Scope verification checks whether the right deliverables were produced, leading to customer acceptance. Another pitfall is forgetting that inspection is used both in quality and scope processes; the difference lies in the purpose and timing. For the exam, link Scope Verification with verified deliverables as input and accepted deliverables as output.

Final Answer:
The correct ITTO combination for Scope Verification Validate Scope is verified deliverables; inspection; accepted deliverables.