What is the purpose of established change management procedures in project management?

Established change management procedures are essential in project management primarily to manage scope creep. Scope creep refers to the uncontrolled expansion of project scope without corresponding adjustments to time, cost, and resources. By having defined change management procedures, teams can systematically evaluate and implement changes, ensuring that any adjustments to the project scope are thoroughly analyzed and approved. This helps maintain project focus and ensures that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of any changes, thus preventing potential disruptions and misalignments.

In the context of project management, scope management is critical for delivering a project that meets its initial objectives. If scope creep is not adequately managed, projects can face delays, increased costs, and reduced overall quality. Therefore, robust change management procedures act as a safeguard against such issues, making it a fundamental component of successful project execution.