In creating a change-management process, Wiegers suggests that the change-control board chairperson
first assign an evaluator to consider whether the issue in question:
Is feasible
Is pertinent to the project
Would positively or negatively affect quality
Carries any risk
The evaluator should also assess the amount of time and resources required to implement the change.
Once the evaluator has reported back to the board, the group can solicit input from other people who
would be affected by the change. Then, as a group, the board can decide whether the requested change
should be made immediately, later, or not at all.
If the board approves the change, the chairperson then appoints a modifier who will implement the
changes, and schedules the work. It’s the IT project manager's role to negotiate any revisions to project
commitments with all affected team members. The modifier then makes the requested changes to the
products, keeping all team members aware of the changes so any related user documentation, help
screens and tests can be updated.
It’s also the IT project manager’s job to update project plans and schedules, if necessary, to incorporate
the effect of the change on the remaining project timeline. Once the change has been implemented, the
verifier steps in to confirm that the task is complete and has accomplished the goals approved by the
board.
Reducing Surprises, Reducing Risk
Establishing a clear methodology for handling “scope creep” requests – and a board to make informed
decisions about them – reassures all stakeholders that their change requests are thoroughly evaluated
and, if selected for implementation, seen through to completion. Because the change-management
process provides a complete analysis of the impact of a change on the product’s functionality as well as
related resources, it helps to reduce risk by reducing the possibility of unwanted surprises.
By staying on top of change requests and carefully managing and tracking their implementation, you and
your project team can expect a smoother implementation, fewer delays, a better quality product, more
effective teamwork, and a happier client.
Free downloads and other resources:
Change Control Process at www.techinsurance.com/blog/project-managementdocuments/Change%20Control%20Process.pdf
Impact Analysis Checklist for Requirements Changes at www.techinsurance.com/blog/projectmanagementdocuments/Impact%20Analysis%20Checklist%20for%20Requirements%20Changes.pdf
For additional articles and templates on project management by Karl Wiegers visit
www.techinsurance.com/blog/project-management-documents/