Perform Integrated Change Control (PICC)

1. Introduction

Managing a project means dealing with changes. Stakeholders may request modifications, sponsors may alter requirements, and even the project team may recognize the need for adjustments.

Since project plans are created based on the best available knowledge, they cannot predict the future perfectly. As work progresses, new insights emerge, requiring controlled changes to keep the project aligned with its objectives.

2. Understanding Change Control

A. Why Do Changes Happen?

• Stakeholders may change their preferences.
• Budget constraints may require adjustments.
• Schedule compression may be needed.
• Quality expectations may shift.
• New risks or opportunities may arise.

B. What is Perform Integrated Change Control?

• PICC ensures that all changes to the project plan are reviewed, approved, and documented.
• Any modification to scope, schedule, cost, or quality must go through a structured change request process.
• Decisions on changes are made by the Change Control Board (CCB) or project sponsor.
• Approved changes are implemented, while disapproved ones are logged for reference.

3. Key Components of Change Control

Component	Description	Example
Change Requests	Formal requests for modifying any aspect of the project plan.	Adding a new feature to a mobile app.
Change Control Board (CCB)	A group responsible for evaluating and approving changes.	A committee deciding whether to extend project deadlines.
Work Performance Reports	Reports summarizing project progress and performance.	A report showing the project is 10% over budget.
Change Log	A record of all submitted change requests, their status, and decisions.	Tracking whether a change request is approved or rejected.
Approved Change Requests	Changes that have been formally accepted and will be implemented.	Increasing the project budget to accommodate a new requirement.

4. Steps in the Change Control Process

• Step 1: Identify the need for a change.
• Step 2: Submit a written change request.
• Step 3: Assess the impact of the change (scope, time, cost, risk, quality).
• Step 4: Submit the request to the Change Control Board (CCB) for review.
• Step 5: Approve or reject the change request.
• Step 6: If approved, update the project plan and implement the change.
• Step 7: Record the decision in the Change Log.

5. Example Scenario

Imagine a home renovation project where the original plan was:

• Paint the walls white.
• Complete work in 2 weeks.
• Stay within a $10,000 budget.

Halfway through, the homeowner requests:

• Changing the wall color to blue.
• Adding new carpets.

To process this change:

• A Change Request is submitted.
• The project manager assesses the impact on cost and schedule.
• The Change Control Board reviews the request and approves it.
• The project plan is updated, new resources are acquired, and the changes are implemented.

6. Summary

• Changes are inevitable in a project.
• Perform Integrated Change Control ensures structured evaluation and approval of changes.
• The Change Control Board (CCB) or sponsor decides on change requests.
• All approved changes must be documented in the Change Log.
• Proper change control prevents uncontrolled modifications that can disrupt the project.

By following a structured change control process, projects remain stable, risks are managed, and stakeholders stay informed.