Explain five potential consequences of changes not being properly management on the project
- If change control is not properly managed on a project, this can lead to a great level of risk with regards to meeting the requirements of the stakeholders. Change control is implemented to manage report and implement any reasonable change requests that are submitted by the stakeholders. If this wasn’t in place, change requests could easily be mislaid or ignored, and the incorrect requirements could be executed. For example, on the construction of a new school, the client may ask to change a classroom into a nursery. If this change wasn’t correctly managed, there is a risk that this may not be in place at handover.
- Change controls allow change requests to be caught at an early stage, which is important as it becomes harder to implement change as the project progresses. If change control wasn’t managed, then change requests could be looked at late on which could have an implication on programme and cost. For example on the school project, the head teacher may want extra car parking. This needs to be caught early to allow design to be completed, and programmed in for completion.
- If change controlled isn’t managed correctly, confusion amongst stakeholders, designers, project teams etc. can become apparent. The process ensures that all relevant parties are fully considered for impact, and communication of the change is circulated. For example on the school project, if a change was submitted for additional ventilation, this would need to be communicated to the architect as an interface. If this wasn’t carried out, then coordination issues would arise.
- Budget is an essential parameter of a project, and if change control is not implemented, there is a possibility that this could be affected. The change control process analyses each request, and understands the implications it can have on the budget and its feasibility. If this wasn’t in place, it may take the client over budget due to no control.
- If change control wasn’t managed correctly, then the project manager would have no control over the process. Change control gives the project manager confidence that the change requests are being logged, and there is authorisation from the project sponsor to progress. If this wasn’t in place, the cost of the project manager’s time would be expended on trying to manage the changes themselves which can lead to mistakes.
Kate yet another good answer, keep it up and you should pass with flying colours.