Change Control Board- A collection of stakeholders who review change requests related to the project. Change requests usually cover changes to scope, schedule, cost, quality, and resources but topics can expand depending on the project and what the change control board wants to review. By leveraging a change control board, the project manager can ensure the right changes are made to the project that will better assist the outcomes of the project being met as well as the organization’s strategic objectives. Ensure effective project governance with actionable strategies from Elevate Vision.
Change Management- The process of preparing the organization for the post-project changes that will take place. Change management is a people-led change as it’s the people within the organization who will be dealing with the changes to the organization after the project closes and the project team is disbanded. Therefore, people within the organization must be comfortable with and prepared for the changes.
Change Management Plan- Includes the components of the project plan aimed at effectively driving organizational changes. Includes elements of the communication plan, stakeholder identification and management plan, and training needed in order to effectively transition the project to the business.
Change Requests- The formal request to adjust the project scope or other components of the project plan after the project moves into the execution phase. Change requests allow the project management team to catalog, understand the change, and formally approve or deny the changes.
Closure Criteria- Part of the project close phase and is the specific set of criteria that must be met for the project to disband. By creating and aligning the business to the criteria, the project manager will ensure better stakeholder satisfaction in the deliverables [link to the definition], outcomes , and value created from the project.
Code Review- The process in which the software developers and/or QA/test engineers on the project team conduct a formal and often predetermined review of the code base. The code review is a part of the quality plan of the project and offers the project team the opportunity to catch any bugs or issues prior to releasing the future product. Enhance code quality with workflow optimization strategies from Elevate Optimize.
Communication Management Plan- A component of the project plan that includes elements of how and when the project team will provide updates to project stakeholders. The communication plan will ensure that the project stakeholders are kept in the loop and able to provide feedback on the project plan. Improve communication planning with tailored strategies from Elevate Engage.
Concurrent Engineering- A process often used in product development where the various departments, stakeholders, and subject matter experts work on the product plan, engineering process, and the cross-functional components of the project plan in parallel. The concept is time and budget will be reduced while the quality of the product or deliverable is increased. Accelerate project timelines with innovative solutions from Elevate Integrate.
Conflict Management- A skill set project managers use to resolve issues that occur during the planning and execution of a project. By using conflict management techniques project managers can ensure the dispute in question is resolved so that the project remains on course to achieve its outcomes . Additionally, by correctly applying the conflict management techniques the project manager will ensure the parties involved in the dispute come out as a stronger team. Strengthen team dynamics and conflict resolution skills with insights from Elevate Drive.
Configuration Control- The process of ensuring changes to requirements and/or deliverables are thoroughly documented. On large projects, thorough documentation is needed to ensure visibility into and consistency of changes. This will reduce rework, time, costs, and confusion and increase quality and stakeholder satisfaction.
Contingency Reserve- Any reserve in the project related to time, budget, or resources. The reserve is used to mitigate risk and/or issues that occur and is intended to keep the project on track.
Continuous Improvement- The concept by which organizations take lessons learned as an opportunity to identify weak points and make changes in order to shore up the gaps. By constantly engaging in this cycle, the organization will improve its operations, improve customer satisfaction, and strengthen its competitive advantage. The organization uses projects, programs , and/or portfolios as means to make the changes identified. Foster a culture of continuous improvement with actionable insights from Elevate Sustain.
Core Team- The team members are directly involved with project planning and project execution. The core team can be cross-functional being made up of different functional areas needed to effectively deliver the project. Optimize team productivity with strategies from Elevate Drive.
Cost Baseline- Created during the planning phase of the project. Cost baselines are the predefined costs of the project and can include any reserves set aside for contingencies. By creating a cost baseline, the project manager can use metrics to determine if costs incurred during project delivery are on track with expectations. Track and manage project costs effectively with tools from Elevate Metrics.
Cost-Benefit Analysis- A technique that evaluates the financial benefits of a project, decision, or activity within the project. It can be used to help stakeholders and/or the executive sponsor reach a consensus on the various options at hand to either mitigate risks , resolve an issue, or select the deliverables/scope of a project.
Cost Management Plan- A component of the project that ensures the project’s budget reflects the scope and resources needed to deliver the project. It’s important for the project manager to develop a cost baseline and update it throughout the project to determine where budget inefficiencies exist. Streamline cost planning and management with tools from Elevate Blueprint.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re improving quality management, refining risk strategies, or optimizing workflows, having the right tools is essential. Take the next step toward success by exploring our Elevate Product Line to find the right fit for your project management needs!