What is change management in project management?

Change management in project management refers to the process of handling changes to a project's scope, goals, and deliverables while ensuring that disruptions are minimized. This process is crucial because projects often encounter unforeseen circumstances that necessitate adjustments. By effectively managing changes, project managers can maintain alignment with project objectives, keep stakeholders informed, and ensure that the team remains focused on their tasks despite any alterations.

In this context, handling changes involves not only identifying what changes need to occur but also assessing the impact of these changes and implementing them in a structured way that maintains the integrity of the project. This might include communicating new expectations, adjusting resources, or redefining timelines, all while striving to keep the project on track and minimizing any potential negative impacts.

The other options represent aspects of project management but do not capture the essence of change management. Managing project timelines focuses specifically on scheduling, reassessing team roles pertains to post-project evaluations, and removing unnecessary costs relates to budget management rather than the broader scope of change within a project.