What is the primary purpose of change control in requirements management?

The primary purpose of change control in requirements management is to document, evaluate, and authorize changes to maintain project integrity. This process ensures that any changes to requirements are systematically managed and carefully considered before implementation. Change control helps in maintaining a clear and agreed-upon baseline of requirements, which is crucial for avoiding scope creep and ensuring that all stakeholders understand the impact of changes.

By documenting changes, project teams can keep track of what has been altered and why, which aids in communication and accountability. Evaluating changes allows teams to assess not only the necessity of the change but also its potential impacts on the project's timeline, budget, and overall objectives. Authorizing changes ensures that only those modifications that have been agreed upon by the appropriate stakeholders are implemented, thereby protecting the project's integrity and increasing the likelihood of successful delivery.

The process of change control plays a vital role in ensuring that the project adapts to evolving requirements while still meeting its initial goals, timelines, and resources. This structured approach helps to mitigate risks associated with changes and keeps the project aligned with the stakeholders' needs and expectations.