Manage project changes
Manage project changes
What you will learn
- Describe the integrated change control process steps from submission to closure.
- Define the Change Control Board's (CCB) role.
- Explain why every change — even a beneficial one — goes through the formal process.
- Connect bypassing the formal process to the concept of scope creep.
Any change to the project's scope, schedule, cost, or quality — even one that seems beneficial or small — goes through a unified control process, not direct informal implementation. The goal isn't slowing work down but ensuring the change's impact on all the project's constraints is assessed before committing to it.
Core term
| Change Control Board (CCB) | A formally authorized body reviewing change requests and approving or rejecting them, rather than the project manager deciding alone. |
|---|---|
| Scope Creep | Undocumented or unapproved scope additions that bypass the formal change control process. |
Integrated change control steps
Submit the change request
Formally documented, regardless of its source.
Evaluate the impact
On scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk together.
The Change Control Board's decision
Approve, reject, or defer based on the evaluation.
Update baselines and documentation
And inform relevant stakeholders of the decision.
What matters on the exam
- A beneficial or small change isn't exempt from the formal process — every change goes through the same path regardless of its size or intent.
- Implementing a change without documented formal approval, even if it seemed reasonable at the time, is scope creep by definition.
A "simple change" isn't exempt from the process
A common trap: assuming a small or obviously beneficial change can be implemented directly without going through the formal control process. A change's size or good intent doesn't exempt it from formal evaluation and approval — bypassing that process is scope creep, regardless of the final outcome.
Quick check
Answer in your head first, then reveal.
Is a small or beneficial change exempt from the formal control process?Reveal the answer
No, every change goes through the same process.
Who usually decides on approving a change request?Reveal the answer
The Change Control Board (CCB), not the project manager alone.
What is implementing a scope change without formal approval called?Reveal the answer
Scope Creep.
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Sources
Used to verify the facts. The writing is original to Passuit.