Back to Requirements Management

Requirements Change Management

5 minutes 5 Questions

This is a structured approach that deals with the alteration or evolution of project requirements throughout the project lifecycle. Changes could stem from varying sources like alterations in business strategies, changes in market dynamics, or unpredicted issues. The process consists of steps like identifying changes, evaluating their expected impact, validating the changes, and finally, implementing approved changes efficiently. This ensures that the project stays on track, maintaining its alignment with evolving business needs, and ensuring that the end product is still relevant to the defined goals.

Guide on Requirements Change Management

Requirements Change Management (RCM) is an integral part of the overall requirements management. Any projects, especially in IT and development, can experience changes in scope or requirements, which if not managed properly, can lead to cost overruns and project delays.

Why is it important?
RCM ensures that any changes that occur during the development cycle are smoothly integrated, efficiently handled and do not affect the overall project adversely. It provides a structured way to incorporate changes, and keeps all stakeholders informed and any potential issues at bay.

What is it?
RCM involves the process of handling request for changes (RFCs), assessing the impact and then implementing them. It involves tracking and documenting necessary information related to change requests and their status.

How does it work?
RCM follows a systematic approach. Change requests are logged, impact is assessed, approvals are sought, changes are implemented, and finally they are reviewed and closed. RCM maintains traceability of changes, ensuring no request is ignored or missed.

Here are some Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Requirements Change Management -

1. Understand the entire lifecycle of a change request before entering the exam.
2. Remember that RCM is done to benefit the project and not create hindrances.
3. Learn terms and facts related to RCM, like RFC, impact assessment, and traceability.
4. Case studies and examples can help solidify your understandings.
5. Diagrams can also aid in understanding various aspects and sequences in RCM.
6. Always keep the broader perspective of the project and, its objectives in mind.

Test mode:
Start practice test
CAPM - Requirements Management Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

During a project, a change request is submitted that would significantly enhance the product's functionality but also increase costs. What should be the first step in handling this request?

Correct Answer: Evaluate the impact on project constraints

The best answer is to evaluate the impact on project constraints. This is the first step in handling a change request because it allows the project team to assess how the proposed change will affect the project's scope, schedule, cost, and quality. Evaluating the impact helps in making an informed decision about whether to approve, reject, or modify the change request. It provides crucial information for stakeholders to understand the potential consequences of implementing the change. Implementing the change request immediately is not the correct first step, as it bypasses the proper change management process and could lead to unforeseen issues. Rejecting the change request outright to maintain the original project scope is not appropriate without first assessing its potential benefits and impacts. Consulting with the project sponsor for a decision is premature at this stage. The project team should first evaluate the impact and prepare a comprehensive analysis before involving the sponsor in the decision-making process. By evaluating the impact on project constraints first, the project manager ensures a systematic approach to change management, aligning with best practices in project management.

Question 2

You are executing a project when an approved stakeholder requests a change that might optimize the performance of the final product but entail escalating the project costs. What is your next course of action?

Correct Answer: Evaluate the impact of the proposed change on the project objectives, constraints, costs and schedule. If the change promises significant benefits, present it in the change control board (CCB) for approval.

The best course of action when a stakeholder requests a change that might optimize the performance of the final product but entail escalating the project costs, as per the principles followed in Certified Associate in Project Management, is to evaluate the impact of the proposed change on the project objectives, constraints, costs and schedule. If the change promises significant benefits, it should then be presented to the change control board (CCB) for approval. This is because a stakeholder-approved change, despite its potential to increase costs, indicates that the change might add value to the project, which is worth considering. The other options, including ignoring the change request, immediately starting its implementation without an impact assessment, and rejecting it on the grounds of potential disruption to the project plan, are inappropriate. These actions ignore the potential benefits of the change and deviate from standard project management procedures, which recommend thorough impact assessments for any proposed changes.

Question 3

In the midst of the project, your team identifies an alternative way to meet the project objectives which can potentially promise better results but requires deviation from the original plan. What should you do?

Correct Answer: Perform an impact analysis on the proposed change, discussing its potential effects on the project scope, schedule, cost, and quality. If it promises better results, propose the change to the change control board (CCB) with proper documentation.

In project management, when an alternative way to meet project objectives is identified which promises better results but requires deviation from the original plan, it is crucial to first perform an impact analysis on the proposed change. This allows for a detailed evaluation of how the change could potentially affect the project's scope, schedule, cost, and quality. If the analysis reveals that the change could lead to improved results, the next step would be to propose the change to the change control board (CCB), with accurate documentation to support the claim. This approach ensures that any decisions made are informed and align with project success objectives. The other answer options either discourage learning and adaptation, suggest reckless action without assessing the potential impacts, or are inflexible to deviation from the initial plan, all of which are not recommended practices in effective and efficient project management.

Go Premium

Certified Associate in Project Management Preparation Package (2024)

  • Earn 15 PDUs needed for your CAPM certification
  • 4454 Superior-grade Certified Associate in Project Management practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless CAPM preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Requirements Change Management questions
36 questions (total)
Start 36 question test