Scope Change Impact Assessment (Delivery)

Scope Change Impact Assessment (Delivery)

1. 01

   Capture the requested change in a standardized format

   Use a template that records the client's request, the business rationale, and the desired outcome. This ensures the request is understood before any impact analysis begins.

2. 02

   Map the change against the current roadmap items

   Identify which features, timelines, and dependencies in the roadmap are affected. This includes checking if the change alters priorities or introduces new work that was not previously planned.

3. 03

   Estimate the effort in hours and cost in dollars

   Translate the change into concrete numbers using historical velocity data. For example, if a new feature typically takes 40 hours of design and development, calculate the cost at your blended rate.

4. 04

   Assess the impact on the delivery timeline

   Determine whether the change pushes out existing commitments. Use the roadmap's dependency graph to see if the change delays other items or creates a bottleneck.

5. 05

   Evaluate the risk of scope creep and client expectations

   Consider whether the change is a one-off or part of a pattern. If the client has made multiple changes this quarter, flag the risk of the project becoming an order-taking exercise rather than a strategic partnership.

6. 06

   Prepare a visual impact summary for the client

   Create a before-and-after view of the roadmap, highlighting what shifts and what stays. This makes the trade-offs visible and gives the client a clear picture of the consequences.

7. 07

   Present the impact and negotiate the trade-off

   Walk the client through the cost, timeline, and risk. Offer options: accept the change with adjusted scope, swap out a lower-priority item, or increase the budget. This turns the conversation into a strategic negotiation.

8. 08

   Document the decision and update the roadmap

   Record the agreed outcome in the roadmap tool, noting the change, the rationale, and the revised timeline. This creates an audit trail and prevents future disputes.