Change Management — Controlling What Changes

Changes are inevitable in every project. The PM's job is to manage change, not prevent it.

Integrated Change Control process:

1. Change request submitted (formally, in writing)

2. Change request evaluated (impact analysis on scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk)

3. Change Control Board (CCB) reviews and approves/rejects

4. If approved: update project management plan and baselines

5. Notify affected stakeholders

6. Implement the change

Change Control Board (CCB): Formal group that reviews, approves, or rejects change requests. Membership varies but typically includes sponsor, key stakeholders, PM.

Configuration management: Version control for project documents and deliverables. Ensures everyone is working from the current approved version.

Baseline: Approved plan used to measure performance. Three baselines: scope baseline (WBS), schedule baseline, cost baseline. Changes to baselines require formal approval.

Gold plating: Adding features or work beyond what was required/approved. Forbidden — it's a scope change without approval. Done with good intentions but violates the change control process.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Change Management

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Change_control