A project is 90% complete when a key stakeholder requests adding a certification program to the project. Another stakeholder objects and says the project management plan should not change so late. What should the project manager do?

The correct action is to raise a change request to the change control board (CCB) and inform the project sponsor. All changes to a project's scope, especially late in the project lifecycle, must follow the established change control process outlined in the project management plan. The CCB is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and approving or rejecting such changes. Informing the sponsor is crucial for transparency and their awareness of potential impacts. Updating the plan and budget without a formal request bypasses critical governance and could lead to scope creep and unapproved expenditures. Asking the stakeholder to lead implementation is inappropriate; the project manager is responsible for managing the project. Arranging a meeting to inform stakeholders about a requested change is premature; the change first needs formal evaluation and approval.