Approved Change Request: The Formal Disposition for Project Baselines
PMBOK v8 Definition
An approved change request is a change request that has been processed according to the change management plan by the project manager, change control board (CCB), or another designated person, and is either approved, deferred, or rejected. Approved change requests are implemented via the Manage Project Execution process, while deferred or rejected change requests are communicated to the person or group requesting the change. All dispositions are recorded in the change log as a project document update.
Why It Matters for the Exam
The PMI exam frequently tests your ability to distinguish between approved, deferred, and rejected change requests, and to know exactly which process implements each type. Expect questions that ask: "What happens after a change request is approved?" or "Where is the disposition recorded?" This concept appears in process flow questions, sequence questions, and definition-based multiple-choice items across the Planning, Executing, and Monitoring & Controlling domains.
Key Points to Remember (for the exam)
- Main Input to: Manage Project Execution process (approved change requests are implemented here)
- Main Output from: Perform Integrated Change Control process (where CCB makes the decision)
- Key Document Update: Change log (records the disposition of all change requests)
- Three Possible Dispositions: Approved, Deferred, or Rejected
- Communication Rule: Deferred or rejected change requests are communicated to the person or group requesting the change
- Approval Authority: Project manager, CCB, or another designated person (as specified in the project management plan)
- Common Confusion: Approved change requests are NOT implemented during Perform Integrated Change Control; they are implemented during Manage Project Execution
Typical PMI Exam Example
A project manager submits a change request to modify a project baseline. The CCB reviews the request, evaluates the impact on cost and schedule, and formally approves the change. What should the project manager do NEXT? Answer: Implement the approved change request via the Manage Project Execution process, then update the change log and any affected project documents.
PMI Exam Traps
- Trap: Thinking approved change requests are implemented during Perform Integrated Change Control
- Reality: Approved change requests are implemented via the Manage Project Execution process; Perform Integrated Change Control is where the decision is made
- Trap: Confusing "approved" with "implemented" or "closed"
- Reality: Approval is a decision; implementation is a separate process step that follows approval
- Trap: Believing only the CCB can approve change requests
- Reality: The project manager or another designated person may also approve change requests, as specified in the project management plan
- Trap: Forgetting to communicate deferred or rejected changes
- Reality: Deferred or rejected change requests must be communicated to the requesting person or group
Important PMI Connections
| Related Concept | Relationship Type | Exam Attention Point |
|---|---|---|
| Change Management Plan | Input to approval process | Defines the CCB, its authority, and how the change control system is implemented |
| Change Log | Output / Document Update | Records the disposition (approved, deferred, rejected) of ALL change requests |
| Manage Project Execution | Implementation process | Approved change requests are executed here, not in Perform Integrated Change Control |
| Project Baselines | Impact of approved changes | Approved changes may require updates to cost estimates, schedule adjustments, resource requirements, and risk assessments |
Quick Review Questions
- After a change request is approved by the CCB, which process is used to implement it?
- Where is the disposition of a rejected change request recorded?
- Who must be informed when a change request is deferred or rejected?
- What are the three possible dispositions of a change request?
- True or False: Only the CCB can approve change requests.
PMBOK v8 Reference
Section 2.1.6.8 – Change Requests (within the Project Management Performance Domains)