Integrated Change Control
CCB
Predictive Gate
All changes go through Change Control Board
PO
Agile Gate
Product Owner reprioritizes the backlog
0
Gold Plating Allowed
Adding unrequested features is always wrong
every change must pass through the CCB gate · no shortcuts
Integrated Change Control Flow
Scope Creep vs Gold Plating
scope creep · external
Customers or stakeholders push additions that slip in without change control. Originates outside the team.
gold plating · internal
The team adds unrequested features with good intentions. Originates from inside. Always wrong.
Exam Traps
The PM cannot approve scope changes unilaterally
Even when the sponsor asks directly, the change must go through the CCB. The PM documents and logs the request, the board decides. Bypassing the process is the classic trap.
Agile and predictive handle change differently
Predictive projects use a formal CCB. Agile projects welcome change through backlog reprioritization, owned by the Product Owner. The exam tests methodology-appropriate responses.
Gold plating is always wrong
Adding features the customer did not request is a defect, not a bonus. It introduces untested scope, increases cost, and violates the scope baseline.
Log the change, then analyze impact
The first action on a change request is to log it in the change log. Then analyze impact across scope, schedule, cost, and risk. Then send to CCB. The exam tests this sequence.
Never bypass the CCB
Not for the sponsor. Not for urgency. Not for friendly favors. The process protects the project.
Agile welcomes change
In agile, a change request becomes a backlog item the PO prioritizes. No CCB, no change log. That is the framework.
You signed a contract to renovate the kitchen. Scope, budget, and schedule are all in writing. Everyone agreed.
Halfway through, you decide you also want the dining room redone. That is a change request. You cannot just tell the contractor — it has to be documented and priced.
The contractor checks how the dining room affects the kitchen timeline, budget, and permits. Maybe it adds $15,000 and two weeks. Maybe it breaks a dependency.
You and the contractor sign an amendment or you decide it is not worth it. Either way, the original contract stays intact until you formally agree.
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