Note that this exam is now the APM PMQ.
This question is quite easy just think of the chaos that would ensue if a project had no change control process. Write five paragraphs of 2-3 sentences each. Post your results below and we will give you constructive feedback.
Nik good answer for APMP but you need to look at the questions in the APM PQ study group
Benefits of a robust change control system;
1. To ensure that work packages are coordinated when there is integration necessary. (eg vehicle engine must be compliant to engine bay). Ensuring that the quality of products are fit for purpose to meet the projects needs.
2. The project schedule must controlled to prevent uncontrolled activities taking place, this would lead to reduced efficiencies, re-work, cost overruns and conflict.
3. Acceptance criteria could be ineffective potentially leading to failure to handover a completed project. Correct change control would reduce the likelihood in reducing a breach of criteria.
4. Simple document control could lead to reduced confidence in the management ability whereby variations of official project documents e.g. agendas, minutes, reports, risk register in circulation. Therefore correct control would lead to increased confidence.
5. Effective change control would ensure that the overall duration is minimised in comparison to the output of quality. It is possible that uncontrolled change could lead to a reduction or increase in duration however if the project outputs are inadequate repetition of stage/s would be required or the overall quality outputs are inadequate.
Paul another good answer, with these sort of questions I always find it is useful to think about the consequences on team motivation. Uncontrolled change can be very demotivating for the project team, and create a feeling of everything moving around them. Also uncontrollable change inevitably leads to conflict between suppliers an clients. The soft side areas also apply to things like the benefits of risk management etc. Thinking about the people can help answer the question (and with project delivery)
1. Uncontrolled change can lead to the project over running against time and cost. One porject I am aware of had 714 alterations to scope which lead to a five year over run and large budget over run.
2. A change control process allows change to be managed in a structured way so that the impact of any change can be properly assessed and understoood before being approved.
3. A change control process enables the project to be managed so that those involved are aware of the actions that are required. Uncontrolled changes can reduce this knowing and understanding leading potentially to confusion.
4. A project requires considerable planning across anumber of differenet areas and allowing uncontrolled change will undermine the robustness of the planning work.
5. Uncontrolled change will have a negative impact of the project’s configuration management and may mean that incorrect documents are being used by memebers of the project team.