What is change management in the context of project management?

Change management in project management refers to the formal process for handling changes to the project plan. It encompasses the procedures and protocols necessary to evaluate, approve, and implement changes effectively, ensuring that they do not disrupt the project's overall goals and outcomes. Change management is crucial because projects are often subject to various external and internal factors that can necessitate adjustments in scope, resources, timelines, or objectives.

In this context, a well-defined change management process helps in maintaining clarity and control over project changes, allowing project managers to assess the potential impacts, gather necessary approvals, and communicate modifications to all relevant stakeholders. This systematic approach minimizes chaos and confusion that could arise from ad-hoc changes, thereby promoting project success and alignment with initial objectives.

The other options, while related to aspects of project management, do not accurately define change management. Enhancements to project scope, stakeholder engagement strategies, and methods for risk assessment and mitigation each play their own critical roles within the broader project management framework, but they do not specifically capture the essence of how changes are managed throughout the project life cycle.