How do you evaluate and prioritize CPM schedule change requests from different sources and stakeholders?

1 Identify the sources and types of change requests

The first step is to identify where the change requests are coming from and what kind of impact they have on the CPM schedule. Change requests can originate from internal or external sources, such as the project team, the client, the sponsor, the contractors, the suppliers, the regulators, or the environment. Change requests can also vary in their nature and magnitude, such as scope changes, design changes, resource changes, risk changes, or schedule changes. You need to document and track all the change requests and classify them according to their source and type.

2 Assess the impact and urgency of change requests

The next step is to assess how each change request affects the CPM schedule and the project objectives. You need to use the CPM logic and calculations to determine how the change request alters the critical path, the total project duration, the float, the milestones, the costs, and the quality. You also need to consider how the change request affects the project scope, the stakeholder expectations, the contractual obligations, and the project risks. You need to quantify and communicate the impact and urgency of each change request to the relevant stakeholders.

3 Prioritize and approve change requests

The final step is to prioritize and approve the change requests that are feasible and beneficial for the project. You need to use a consistent and transparent criteria to rank the change requests according to their value, cost, risk, and alignment with the project goals. You also need to follow a formal and documented change control process to review, approve, reject, or defer the change requests. You need to involve the appropriate decision-makers and stakeholders in the change control process and ensure that they understand the implications and trade-offs of each change request.

4 Update and communicate the CPM schedule

Once you have prioritized and approved the change requests, you need to update and communicate the CPM schedule accordingly. You need to revise the CPM logic, activities, durations, resources, costs, and baselines to reflect the approved changes. You also need to communicate the updated CPM schedule to all the project stakeholders and ensure that they are aware of the new expectations, deliverables, deadlines, and risks. You need to use clear and concise reports, charts, graphs, and dashboards to illustrate the changes and their effects on the CPM schedule.

5 Monitor and control the CPM schedule

The last tip is to monitor and control the CPM schedule throughout the project lifecycle. You need to compare the actual progress and performance of the project with the planned CPM schedule and identify any variances or deviations. You also need to analyze the root causes and consequences of any variances or deviations and take corrective or preventive actions as needed. You need to report and escalate any issues or changes that affect the CPM schedule and seek feedback and input from the project stakeholders. You need to keep the CPM schedule updated and accurate at all times.

6 Learn and improve from the CPM schedule

The final tip is to learn and improve from the CPM schedule as a valuable source of information and lessons learned. You need to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the CPM schedule and the change control process at the end of the project or at regular intervals. You also need to identify the best practices, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for improving the CPM scheduling and change management skills and processes. You need to share and apply the lessons learned from the CPM schedule to future projects and enhance your project management competencies.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?