1 What is project change management?

Project change management is the process of identifying, evaluating, approving, implementing, and documenting changes that occur during the project lifecycle. It involves using a change request system, a change control board, a change log, and a change management plan. Project change management aims to minimize the impact of changes on the project objectives, deliverables, schedule, and quality, while maximizing the benefits and opportunities that changes can bring.

2 Why is closing out project changes important?

Closing out project changes is important because it ensures that all changes are completed, verified, and accepted by the relevant stakeholders. It also helps to update the project baseline, the project documentation, and the project lessons learned. Closing out project changes allows you to close the loop on the change management process, avoid loose ends, and prevent future disputes or confusion. It also contributes to the overall project closure and transition.

3 How to close out project changes step by step?

To close out project changes effectively and efficiently, you can review the change log and the change request system to ensure that all changes have been implemented according to the specifications and requirements. Additionally, verify and validate the changes through quality assurance and quality control activities. Then, update the project baseline and documentation accordingly. It is important to communicate the changes to the relevant stakeholders, as well as document the lessons learned from the change management process. Finally, share these lessons with the project team and store them in a repository for future reference.

5 How to close out project changes with examples?

To illustrate how to close out project changes, here are some examples of common project changes and how to close them out. When a customer requests a new feature or functionality to the product or service, you need to review the change request and log, verify and validate the new feature, update the project scope baseline and statement, communicate the change to stakeholders, and document the lessons learned. In case of a delay or acceleration in project activities, review the change request and log, verify and validate the completion and quality of activities, update the project schedule baseline and statement, communicate the change to stakeholders, and document the lessons learned. If there is an increase or decrease in project expenses, review the change request and log, verify and validate the accuracy of costs, update the cost baseline and estimates, communicate the change to stakeholders, and document the lessons learned.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?