Perform Integrated Change Control

Perform Integrated Change Control is one of the most critical processes under the Project Integration Management knowledge area in the PMBOK Guide. It is primarily focused on influencing the factors that create changes to ensure they are beneficial, determining when a change has occurred, and managing the actual changes.

Importance: It helps maintain the consistency of a project by ensuring all changes proposed or requested are captured, analyzed and documented. Changes can impact the scope, cost, schedule, etc. Hence, it's critical to manage these changes to avoid negative impacts on the project. It also ensures alignment with the project’s objectives and the customer's needs.

How it works: It involves the use of a change control board (CCB), a formally chartered group responsible for reviewing, evaluating, approving, deferring or rejecting changes to the project, and for recording and communicating such decisions.

Ace the Exam: During the PMP exam, remember that any change, no matter how small, must go through the integrated change control process. Also, keep in mind that a project manager does not have the authority to approve changes to project baselines. This is the role of the CCB or person(s) assigned this authority. Read and understand each question, looking for keywords that indicate a change is being requested or has occurred. Be mindful that the choice that includes formally documented procedures and communication is likely the right answer.

Exam Tips: When answering questions on Perform Integrated Change Control, keep in mind that every change needs a thorough examination of its effect on all project constraints. This includes understanding the impact of the proposed change on project scope, cost, time, quality, resources, etc. Always ponder if the question is about a planned or unplanned change. Planned changes can be part of the normal project work, while unplanned changes often require a formal integrated change control process.