What is the primary goal of change control systems?

The primary goal of change control systems is to prevent scope creep. Scope creep refers to the gradual expansion of project scope beyond its original boundaries, often without proper approval or necessary adjustments to resources, time, and budget. A change control system provides a structured approach to evaluating and implementing changes to the project. This ensures that any modifications to the project scope are carefully considered, documented, and approved through a formal process, which helps maintain the integrity of the project.

By having a robust change control system in place, project managers can better monitor and manage changes, thereby avoiding unforeseen project challenges resulting from unapproved changes. This also helps maintain focus on the project objectives and deliverables, ensuring that the project stays on track and aligns with stakeholders' expectations.