Integrated Change Control in Project Management

Steps to Perform Integrated Change Control

1. Identify the Need for Change

   • Recognize the need for change or acknowledge that a change has already occurred in the project.

2. Understand the Root Cause and Impact

   • Analyze the root cause of the change.
   • Assess its impact on project objectives including adjustments to cost, time, scope, quality, risks, or resources.

3. Create and Submit a Formal Change Request

   • Draft a formal change request.
   • Submit the request to the Change Control Board (CCB) to balance the needs of all stakeholders.

4. Perform Integrated Change Control

   • Weigh all available options.
   • Make a decision that optimizes project outcomes.

5. Update Documentation

   • Revise the project management plan, change log, and any related project documents.

6. Implement the Approved Change

   • Integrate the approved change into the project work.
   • Ensure the team comprehends the new work instructions.

7. Manage Stakeholder Expectations

   • Use the change log to communicate the change proactively to stakeholders.

8. Monitor and Report Performance

   • Observe project performance post-change.
   • Report whether the change yielded the desired effect on the project.

Priority of Minimizing Change

• Prevent Change: Minimize the need for changes by:
  • Identifying the correct project approach at the outset.
  • Effectively collecting all requirements.

Selecting Between Waterfall and Agile Approaches

• Waterfall Approach

  • A comprehensive plan is created at the beginning.
  • Change is generally not desired.
  • Changes are integrated across the project.

• Agile Approach

  • The plan evolves iteratively.
  • Change is expected and embraced.
  • Changes are managed within each iteration or sprint.