Why do we need a Change Control?

Nothing ever seems to go plan, but that isn’t always a bad thing!? I intend to explore this train of thought in todays blog. Every single project I have had a role within, something has been changed on the journey; this can be from the schedule, the team structure, the product design and even the management processes. But how do we take the change request and turn it into action? How do we know which change requests need rejecting?

Impact analysis and the importance of decision making

No good decision has been made without some thought, assessment and analysis. Your project will require an individual to make these decisions (this can be the sponsor / executive, a change authority or perhaps your project manager). The change must then be weighed up for a number of reasons, but the key question I ask is… “Will this change enhance my project benefits, or not?”. Once we have established if the business case has been strengthened or weakened, we usually have a great understanding of whether or not the potential change is a good one. This is not an optional step, and often taking more time to make the correct decision can save issues from occurring in the future.

Change control procedures: do you have a system in place?

So, we have decided the change is appropriate and acceptable, what next? How do we get that new version / product / process into action? A change control procedure is essential to ensuring we achieve as much as possible as we head down this new direction. These procedures are often unnecessarily complicated The simplest way to make these decisions are with the following process: Capture, Assess, Decide, Plan and Implement.

Once we understand the basics and answer the simple questions first, introducing changes becomes much clearer and easier. Team members are updated, efficiency is improved, the project product remains viable, the business case is strengthened and project success gets ever closer.

Are you interested in learning more about impact analysis’ and change control procedures?

To book onto my next project management training course contact me on the deetails below. I hope to see you soon armed with questions and ready for answers.

To take a look at our Change Management courses click here

To download our Change Mangement ebook click here 

Call;    01202 736 373 

email: sales@spoce.com

About Harley

Having worked in the industry since 2016, Harley’s experience is vast and knowledge of project management methods is of an elite standard. He has covered a wide variety of roles in a plethora of projects and has worked with some incredible project professionals over the years; there is seldom a scenario that Harley has not encountered.

Residing in Poole, Dorset Harley has specialized in maritime projects and programmes in and around the stunning natural harbour. From project managing major yachting events, to advising on risk management approaches, the natural elements have thrown endless challenges into projects where Harley has strategically extracted the best outcomes from each scenario. These tales make up some of Harley’s most interesting  examples used when delivering his training of which attendees enjoy.

SPOCE is proud to have industry leading pass rates for delegates in the PRINCE2® and APM methods which Harley has played a vital part in achieving. Starting his training career in 2019, he would run sessions such as “what makes the perfect business case?” and the much loved “PRINCE2 Practitioner exam workshops”.