What are the tools and techniques that you use for a change evaluation and why?

1 Change request form

A change request form is a document that captures the details of a proposed change, such as the reason, scope, objectives, cost, schedule, and quality implications. It also specifies the roles and responsibilities of the change initiator, owner, and approver. A change request form is a useful tool for communicating and documenting the change proposal and ensuring that it is aligned with the project or product requirements and expectations. It also provides a basis for evaluating the change against the established criteria and checklist.

2 Change evaluation matrix

A change evaluation matrix is a table that compares the proposed change with the current state and the desired state of the project or product. It helps you analyze the gap between the current and desired state, and the benefits and drawbacks of the change. It also helps you weigh the pros and cons of the change and prioritize the change based on its urgency, importance, and feasibility. A change evaluation matrix is a useful technique for making informed decisions about the change and ensuring that it is consistent with the project or product vision and goals.

3 Change impact analysis

A change impact analysis is a process that identifies and evaluates the effects of the proposed change on the project or product scope, quality, cost, schedule, resources, stakeholders, and risks. It helps you determine the extent and magnitude of the change and its implications for the project or product performance and delivery. It also helps you identify and plan for any mitigation actions, contingency plans, or corrective measures that may be needed to address the potential issues or challenges caused by the change. A change impact analysis is a useful technique for managing and minimizing the negative impacts of the change and maximizing its positive outcomes.

4 Change review board

A change review board is a group of people who are responsible for reviewing, approving, or rejecting the proposed changes to the project or product. It usually consists of representatives from different functions, disciplines, or departments who have relevant expertise, authority, or interest in the project or product. A change review board is a useful tool for ensuring that the change evaluation is conducted in a fair, transparent, and consistent manner and that the change decisions are based on objective criteria and evidence. It also provides a forum for discussing and resolving any conflicts or disagreements that may arise from the change evaluation.

5 Change log

A change log is a record that tracks and documents the status and history of the change requests and their outcomes. It includes information such as the change ID, description, initiator, owner, approver, date, priority, impact, decision, and action. A change log is a useful tool for monitoring and controlling the change process and ensuring that the approved changes are implemented according to the plan. It also provides a traceability and accountability mechanism for auditing and reporting purposes.

6 Change feedback

Change feedback is a process that collects and analyzes the opinions, experiences, and suggestions of the project or product team members, stakeholders, customers, and users regarding the change implementation and its results. It helps you measure and evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of the change and its impact on the project or product quality and value. It also helps you identify and implement any improvements, enhancements, or adjustments that may be needed to optimize the change performance and benefits. Change feedback is a useful technique for learning from the change and ensuring that it meets or exceeds the expectations and needs of the project or product stakeholders.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?