Construction

Online Guide

Plan the Work

Process

Activity:

Develop Change Management Plan

Revision

July 1, 2005

Description:

Develop a plan for identifying, quantifying, approving, and reporting changes to the Project Performance Baseline—scope, schedule, and budget.

Inputs:

·        Completed Initiate and Align Worksheet

·        Previously identified elements of the Project Management Plan

Tools:

·        Change Management Plan Template

·        Sample Change Management Plan

·         WSDOT Construction Manual

·        WSDOT Project Control and Reporting Web Site

Steps:

1.      Establish and document the Project Performance Baseline: the point of departure for measuring project change.

·        Define and document the Baseline components representing scope, schedule, and cost:

-        Project Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

-        Project Baseline Schedule

-        Project Budget

-        Prior Adjustments to the Baseline

-        Depending on the project, also define certain elements that document site and performance conditions: limits of work; geotechnical or other physical characteristics; periods of work; or other performance constraints, etc.

For each component of the Baseline, identify the specific project thresholds that trigger the formal change management process.  Thresholds and approval authorities are defined and documented in the Construction Manual.

2.      Develop and document project-specific processes and instructions for the Change Management process:

·        Identify, report, and track potential change issues.

·        Team and individual responsibilities for identifying and reporting all potential change issues.

·        Establishment and use of a single change issue tracking and management log.

·        Work with Region/Organization Management, Region Program Management, and the Project Control and Reporting Office to establish change reporting thresholds and levels of authority.

·        Review the Risk Management Plan and risk response strategies and determine requirements for managing risk-driven change.

·        Analyze change impacts and develop response strategies and recovery plans.

·        Identify endorsement requirements for changes to the Project Performance Baseline.

·        Update the Project Performance Baseline.

·        Develop guidance for documentation and incorporation of change in design or other product records.

NOTE: Regions and Organizations have formal processes and procedures in place for managing the change process, and compliance is mandatory. Always review the appropriate procedures and consult with Region/Organization Management and Region Program Management before establishing specific project procedures.

3.      Gain Endorsement for the project-specific Change Management Plan from Region/Organization Management.

4.      Review the Plan with the project team and provide instructions on the specific responsibilities of each team member.

Products:

·        Completed Change Management Plan

Guidelines:

A formal system for tracking and maintaining visibility of time and cost impact of changes is essential for accurate performance measurement and budget management.