So , here we are touching on just one element of Project Management, but one that if not done correctly and fanatically can lead to:-

• extended project schedule, missed deadlines, moving target dates
• increased costs
• disillusion with value of project.

and in the worst case

• the never ending project (or at least something that feels like it!) 

So why does it keep happening to projects year in, year out, all over the world? Quite simply, new requirement get added or current requirements get changed without due diligence being paid to what the impact is on delivering all the other requirements that already exist. And, even if we do the due diligence, is the whole change agreed, signed off and budgeted for?

There are numerous examples of failed projects, projects complete but over-budget or late. We will all have our favourite that we can put forward.

I am not going to discuss in great detail what should happen in the case that a change request is made, except to say that if you don't have a change request procedure defined and agreed from the outset then you will find it difficult to manage change throughout the project.

I've got the scar tissue of poorly managed projects that have huge scope creep - don't let it happen to you.