Guide: Understanding and Answering Questions on Change Order

The Change Order is an essential element in the project management field as defined by the PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition. It's a formal proposal to alter certain aspects of a project, which may include time, scope, quality, risk, or resources. It's crucial for controlling revisions and adjustments maintaining project stability.
Importance:
Understanding the Change Order is integral because changes are inevitable during the project lifecycle, and managing these changes can significantly impact the project outcome. It allows for a systematic approach to handle amendments and ensures they are adequately documented, evaluated, and authorized, ensuring transparency and traceability.
How it Works:
To initiate a Change Order, a Change Request needs to be submitted first, evaluated by the Change Control Board (CCB), and if approved, it results in a change order. This order will then be implemented, and the project plan would be updated accordingly.
Exam Tips:
In your exam, anticipate questions related to the process of change order, its impact on project variables, and its relation with Change Management Plan. Always remember that a Change Order is the result of an approved Change Request and is a formal directive. It should lead to updates in the project management plan and project documents.
Remember, unauthorized changes are termed as Scope Creep and should be avoided. Also, the Change log is an essential document that records all changes, including both requested and actual changes.