Managing change requests in ICT projects

Every project changes: a department moves, a new requirement appears, equipment is discontinued. Changes are not the problem — unmanaged changes are.

Record every request

Capture what is being asked for, by whom and why. Verbal requests to installers on site are the most common source of disputes.

Assess the impact

Before agreeing, assess the effect on cost, schedule, risk, quality and other deliverables. Small changes can have large knock-on effects.

Decide explicitly

The accountable person approves or rejects the change. Approval should be recorded with the agreed cost and time impact.

Communicate

Tell everyone affected: suppliers, installers, users and finance.

Update the baseline

Reflect approved changes in the scope, schedule and budget so reports stay meaningful.

Watch the cumulative effect

Many small changes can add up to a different project. Review the total periodically with the sponsor.

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