Change Requests Affect Scope, Plans, Documents, and Baselines

PMBOK v8 Definition

A change request is a formal proposal to modify a document, deliverable, or baseline. Change requests can affect various aspects such as project scope, product scope, project management plan components, and project documents. The disposition of all change requests—whether approved, deferred, or rejected—is recorded in the change log as a project document update. Approved change requests are implemented via the Manage Project Execution process, while deferred or rejected requests are communicated to the person or group requesting the change.

Why It Matters for the Exam

This concept appears frequently in PMI exam questions related to scope management, change control, and integrated change control processes. Questions test your ability to identify what change requests can affect, how they are processed, and where their disposition is recorded. Expect scenario-based questions where you must determine the correct sequence of steps when a change proposal is received.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Definition: A change request is a formal proposal to modify a document, deliverable, or baseline.
• What Can Be Affected: Project scope, product scope, project management plan components, and project documents.
• Source of Initiation: Change requests may be initiated internally or externally to the project.
• Approval Authority: The change control board (CCB), also known as a steering committee, is established by the change management plan. The CCB's authority and roles are documented in the change management plan.
• Disposition Recording: All change request dispositions (approved, deferred, or rejected) are recorded in the change log as a project document update.
• Implementation: Approved change requests are implemented via the Manage Project Execution process.
• Communication: Deferred or rejected change requests are communicated to the person or group requesting the change.

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager receives a request from a stakeholder to add a new feature to the product. The project is in execution phase. The project manager should first evaluate the impact on scope, schedule, and budget, then submit the request to the CCB for approval. If approved, the change is implemented through the Manage Project Execution process, and the disposition is recorded in the change log.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Confusing change requests with approved changes

  • Reality: A change request is a proposal; an approved change request is a formal authorization to implement the change.

• Trap: Thinking only scope is affected by change requests

  • Reality: Change requests can affect project scope, product scope, project management plan components, and project documents.

• Trap: Believing the project manager alone approves all changes

  • Reality: The CCB (change control board) has documented authority in the change management plan; the project manager processes changes according to that plan.

• Trap: Forgetting where dispositions are recorded

  • Reality: The change log is the project document that records the disposition of all change requests.

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. What are the four types of items that change requests can affect according to PMBOK v8?

2. Where is the disposition of a rejected change request recorded?

3. Who establishes the change control board (CCB) and documents its authority?

4. Through which process are approved change requests implemented?

5. What must happen to a deferred or rejected change request after the CCB makes its decision?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 4.6 - Perform Integrated Change Control (Process Group: Monitoring and Controlling; Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management)