Change management is the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating changes in an organization to achieve desired outcomes and minimize risks. Change management methodologies can be applied to various types of changes, such as technological, strategic, cultural, or structural changes. Managing change involves engaging and supporting the people affected by the change, and ensuring that they adopt and use the new ways of working.
Change management is often confused with IT change management and project management, which are related but distinct disciplines. IT change management is a subset of change management that focuses on changes to IT systems and infrastructure. Project management is a broader discipline that covers the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure of any project, regardless of the type of change involved. In this article, we will compare and contrast the perspectives of change management, IT change management, and project management, and highlight their similarities and differences.
What are the differences between Change, IT, and Project Management?
Change Management Perspective
From a change management perspective, the main goal is to ensure that the change delivers the intended benefits and value to the organization and its stakeholders. Change management is concerned with the human side of change, and how to address the emotional, behavioral, and cultural aspects of change. Change management follows a systematic and structured approach, based on various models and frameworks, such as Kotter’s 8-Step Process, ADKAR, Lewin’s Change Model, or our REVISE model. Change management typically involves the following activities:
- Assessing the need, scope, and impact of the change
- Developing a clear vision, strategy, and objectives for the change
- Communicating the change vision and strategy to the stakeholders
- Identifying and managing the resistance and barriers to the change
- Building and empowering a coalition of change agents and champions
- Providing training, coaching, and support to the affected employees
- Implementing and monitoring the change interventions and actions
- Measuring and evaluating the change outcomes and results
- Reinforcing and sustaining the change
Change management requires a combination of skills and competencies, such as leadership, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Change management also requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptability, as change is often unpredictable and dynamic. Change management is usually led by a change manager, who oversees and coordinates change management activities and ensures alignment with organizational goals and values.
IT Change Management Perspective
From an IT change management perspective, the main goal is to ensure that the changes to IT systems and infrastructure are implemented smoothly and securely, without disrupting the normal operations and services. IT change management is concerned with the technical side of change, and how to manage the risks and issues associated with IT changes. IT change management follows a standardized and controlled process, based on best practices and guidelines, such as ITIL, COBIT, or ISO 20000. IT change management typically involves the following activities:
- Requesting, reviewing, and approving the IT changes
- Classifying and prioritizing the IT changes
- Planning and scheduling the IT changes
- Testing and validating the IT changes
- Implementing and documenting the IT changes
- Reviewing and closing the IT changes
- Auditing and reporting the IT changes
IT change management requires a combination of skills and competencies, such as technical, analytical, project management, and quality assurance skills. IT change management also requires a high degree of accuracy and compliance, as IT changes can have significant consequences for the organization and its customers. IT change management is usually led by an IT change manager, who is responsible for managing and controlling the IT change process and ensuring compliance with the IT policies and standards.
Project Management Perspective
From a project management perspective, the main goal is to ensure that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and according to the specifications and requirements. Project management is concerned with the overall management of the project, and how to coordinate the resources, tasks, and deliverables of the project. Project management follows a comprehensive and iterative process, based on various methodologies and frameworks, such as PMBOK, PRINCE2, or Agile. Project management typically involves the following activities:
- Initiating and defining the project scope, objectives, and stakeholders
- Planning and designing the project schedule, budget, and quality
- Executing and managing the project resources, tasks, and deliverables
- Monitoring and controlling the project performance, risks, and issues
- Closing and evaluating the project outcomes and lessons learned
- Communicating and reporting the project status and results
Project management requires a combination of skills and competencies, such as planning, organizing, directing, and controlling skills. Project management also requires a high degree of accountability and responsibility, as project managers are accountable for the success or failure of the project. Project management is usually led by a project manager, who is responsible for leading and guiding the project team and ensuring alignment with the project objectives and stakeholder expectations.
Conclusion
Change management, IT change management, and project management are related but distinct disciplines with different perspectives, goals, and activities. Change management focuses on the people side of change, IT change management focuses on the technical side of change, and project management focuses on the overall management of the project. However, these disciplines are not mutually exclusive, and they often overlap and complement each other.
For example, change management can support IT change management and project management by ensuring that the employees are ready and willing to adopt the IT changes and the project deliverables. IT change management can support change management and project management by ensuring that the IT changes are implemented smoothly and securely, without affecting the normal operations and services. Project management can support change management and IT change management by ensuring that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and according to the specifications and requirements. Therefore, it is important to understand and integrate the perspectives of change management, IT change management, and project management, to achieve successful and sustainable changes in an organization.
Literature
- What Is Change Management? + How to Use It Effectively
- The Four Principles Of Change Management – Forbes Advisor
- IT change management: A comprehensive guide – ManageEngine
- Data-driven change management using Transformation Intelligence
- Change Management at the Project Level – Prosci
- Change Management vs. Project Management: Key Differences – monday.com
