Change Request

What is a Change Request?

A change request (CR) is a formal proposal to modify a baselined document, requirement, design, or code, submitted through a defined change control process.

Typical Change Request Process

• Submission: The requester documents the proposed change and its rationale.
• Impact Analysis: The team assesses the effect on scope, schedule, cost, and existing test cases.
• Review and Approval: A change control board or similar authority approves or rejects the request.
• Implementation: Approved changes are implemented and the relevant baselines are updated.
• Verification: Testing verifies the change was implemented correctly and didn't break existing functionality.

Why Change Requests Matter

A formal change request process prevents uncontrolled scope creep and ensures every change is properly assessed, approved, and tested before being incorporated.