When should you make changes to your project?

As a project manager, you know that change is inevitable. But how do you decide when to make changes to your project, and how do you manage them effectively? In this article, you will learn about the benefits and challenges of project change management, and some best practices to follow.

1 What is project change management?

Project change management is the process of identifying, evaluating, approving, implementing, and communicating changes that affect the scope, schedule, budget, quality, or risks of a project. It helps you to align your project with the changing needs and expectations of your stakeholders, and to avoid scope creep, delays, cost overruns, or quality issues.

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Balamurugan J

Energy EPC professional with 35+ years of Business Process expertise
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We need to add change in project execution methodology also as part of change management. Every EPC is unique in nature. Resource reallocation or re deployment is an another point Both need to be taken up when critical path is affected

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Syam Sundar

Sr. Test Lead/Project Manager - CSM
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Estimating the work and resources will help in smooth run of a project Raising a RISK at the early stage saves escalations Understading the customer need is most critical in any project

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2 Why is project change management important?

Project change management is essential for delivering value to customers and sponsors, and achieving project objectives. It can help enhance performance and outcomes, reduce negative impacts on resources, timeline, and deliverables, increase stakeholder satisfaction and trust, improve team collaboration and morale, and learn from project experience and feedback. All of these factors are important for successful project management.

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mohammad vahidi

PhD Candidate in Industrial Engineering
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Change management is one of the attractions and challenges of the project. A process that should be considered from the beginning to the end of the project. One of the competencies of the project manager is the implementation and management of this project challenge. Therefore, change is inevitable and its management is necessary.

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Balamurugan J

Energy EPC professional with 35+ years of Business Process expertise
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A Project is a dynamic work place with so many uncertainties. With such uncertainties part of the project it is essential to have a change management in place. If fact the change management process defined at the start of the project itself need to undergo change based on the way execution progresses.

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3 When should you make changes to your project?

You should make changes to your project when there is a change in the project requirements, assumptions, or constraints; when the external or internal environment affects your project; when stakeholder expectations, needs, or preferences shift; when project risks, issues, or opportunities arise; or when the project scope, schedule, budget, quality, or resources change. However, you should not make changes without a clear justification and formal approval. Additionally, you should analyze the impact of the changes on your project and stakeholders and weigh the benefits and costs of making them.

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Balamurugan J

Energy EPC professional with 35+ years of Business Process expertise
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1. Critical path affected 2. Continuous failure to meet the daily targets. 3. Revenue delay 4. Negative cash flow 5. Resource crunch 6. Natural calamities 7. Interface issues 8. Design changes

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4 How do you make changes to your project?

To make changes to your project, you should first identify the change request and evaluate its feasibility, validity, urgency, and priority. You should also assess the risks and dependencies associated with the change, and the alternatives and options available. After submitting the change request to the appropriate authority or committee for approval or rejection, you should communicate the decision and rationale to the change requester and other relevant stakeholders. If approved, you should update your project plan, schedule, budget, quality standards, risk register, and other documents accordingly. Additionally, assign tasks and resources needed to execute the change and monitor and control the process. Finally, inform your project team and stakeholders about the change, its purpose, its impact, and its status. Provide feedback and support to your team and stakeholders while addressing any issues or concerns that arise.

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5 What are some best practices for project change management?

Developing a clear and consistent change management process and policy is essential for managing changes to your project effectively. Involvement from your project team and stakeholders is key, along with documenting and tracking all change requests and decisions. Evaluating the impact and value of each request is also important, as well as prioritizing and categorizing them based on their importance and urgency. It is necessary to align the changes with your project vision, goals, and objectives, while balancing the scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risks of your project. Regular communication and collaboration with your project team and stakeholders is necessary, as well as reviewing and learning from your project changes and outcomes.

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Balamurugan J

Energy EPC professional with 35+ years of Business Process expertise
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1 start of the project have the risk report done 2 define risk nodes 3 place the risk pointers in the plan 4 establish triggers 5 be ready with alternate plans 6 regular team review 7 management discussions 8 regular brain storming 9 define ways to quickly adopt to changes

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6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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When should you make changes to your project?

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1 What is project change management?

2 Why is project change management important?

3 When should you make changes to your project?

4 How do you make changes to your project?

5 What are some best practices for project change management?

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Project Management

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Directory

When should you make changes to your project?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is project change management?

2 Why is project change management important?

3 When should you make changes to your project?

4 How do you make changes to your project?

5 What are some best practices for project change management?

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Project Management

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