8-3-2 Change Management Explained

Key Concepts

• Change Management
• Change Control
• Change Request
• Change Advisory Board (CAB)
• Change Impact Assessment
• Change Implementation
• Post-Implementation Review

Change Management

Change Management is the process of managing changes to IT systems and infrastructure in a controlled and organized manner. It ensures that changes are properly planned, assessed, and implemented to minimize risks and disruptions.

Change Control

Change Control is the process of evaluating, approving, and tracking changes to IT systems. It involves documenting changes, assessing their impact, and ensuring that they are implemented in a controlled manner. Change Control helps maintain system stability and reliability.

Change Request

A Change Request is a formal document that outlines the details of a proposed change. It includes information such as the reason for the change, the scope, the expected benefits, and the potential risks. Change Requests are submitted to the Change Management process for evaluation and approval.

Change Advisory Board (CAB)

The Change Advisory Board (CAB) is a group of stakeholders responsible for reviewing and approving Change Requests. The CAB evaluates the impact of proposed changes, assesses risks, and makes decisions on whether to proceed with the changes. The CAB ensures that changes are aligned with business objectives and IT strategies.

Change Impact Assessment

Change Impact Assessment is the process of evaluating the potential effects of a proposed change on IT systems, processes, and users. It involves identifying risks, determining the scope of the change, and assessing the impact on system performance and availability. Change Impact Assessment helps in making informed decisions about implementing changes.

Change Implementation

Change Implementation is the process of executing approved changes to IT systems. It involves planning the implementation, coordinating resources, and ensuring that the change is carried out according to the approved plan. Change Implementation requires careful monitoring to ensure that the change is successful and does not cause disruptions.

Post-Implementation Review

Post-Implementation Review is the process of evaluating the outcome of a change after it has been implemented. It involves assessing whether the change met its objectives, identifying any issues or challenges, and documenting lessons learned. Post-Implementation Review helps in improving future change management processes.

Examples and Analogies

Think of Change Management as a construction project. Just as a construction project requires careful planning and execution to avoid disruptions, Change Management ensures that IT changes are implemented smoothly.

Change Control is like the project manager who oversees the construction process, ensuring that all changes are documented and approved before execution.

A Change Request is like a blueprint for a new room in a house. It outlines the details of the change, including the purpose, scope, and potential impact.

The Change Advisory Board (CAB) is like the homeowner's advisory committee. They review the blueprint, assess the impact on the house, and decide whether to proceed with the construction.

Change Impact Assessment is like a structural analysis of the house. It evaluates the potential effects of adding a new room, ensuring that the house remains stable and safe.

Change Implementation is like the actual construction process. It involves building the new room according to the approved blueprint, with careful monitoring to avoid disruptions.

Post-Implementation Review is like the final inspection of the new room. It assesses whether the room meets the homeowner's expectations, identifies any issues, and documents lessons learned for future projects.