Experienced project managers recognize that managing change and preventing scope creep are among their greatest challenges. Because change is inevitable, it can significantly affect a project’s budget, schedule, and outcomes.
To manage change effectively, implement a formal change control process:
- Require formal change requests
When a proposed change could impact the project, require the requester to submit it in writing using a standardized change request template. - Log the request
Record all change requests in the Change Request Log. - Assess the impact
Evaluate the potential effects of the change on:- Cost (impact on approved budgets)
- Schedule
- Performance and outcomes
- Implications of not implementing the change
- Make a decision
Approve or reject the change. For significant changes, consult team members and/or the project sponsor.- If rejected, notify the requester and relevant stakeholders.
- If approved, document the change and update the project plan to reflect impacts on scope, schedule, budget, and outcomes.
- Communicate and track
Communicate approved changes and their impacts to all stakeholders. Ensure the change is reviewed in the next project status meeting.