How to Get a Job For Project Managers

Learn how to write resume and interview

Leadership for Project Managers

Learn how to lead and drive project success.

Project Management Bootcamp

From a beginner to project management professional.

Agile Project Management and SCRUM with AI

Learn to run Scrum and Agile with AI.

Approved Changes

Approved Changes are formally authorized adjustments to scope, requirements, or plans that result from an accepted change request. They permit updates to the Product Backlog, release and sprint plans, and related artifacts, and are communicated to all impacted stakeholders for implementation.

Key Points

  • Approved Changes are the authorized outcomes of evaluated change requests.
  • They are recorded, traceable decisions that modify backlog items, plans, or constraints.
  • They are created by the Product Owner or a designated change authority after impact analysis.
  • They feed into backlog refinement, prioritization, and release or sprint planning.
  • Mid-sprint, they are applied only if they do not jeopardize the Sprint Goal or if scope is swapped.
  • They must be communicated, scheduled, and verified through updated acceptance criteria.

Purpose

Approved Changes ensure that modifications to product scope or delivery approach are intentional, value-driven, and synchronized across the Scrum Team and stakeholders. They provide a lightweight, auditable mechanism to align evolving needs with the Product Vision and roadmap.

They also act as inputs to adjust the Product Backlog and plans without introducing uncontrolled scope creep.

Key Terms & Clauses

  • Change Request: A proposed alteration to scope, requirements, quality, timing, or constraints.
  • Change Authority: Usually the Product Owner; may include a change control board in governed environments.
  • Impact Assessment: Analysis of value, effort, risk, cost, dependencies, and schedule impact.
  • Traceability: Linking the approved change to affected epics, user stories, tests, and releases.
  • Acceptance Criteria: Updated criteria to validate the outcome of the approved change.
  • Sprint Goal Protection: Guardrail that discourages mid-sprint changes unless scope is negotiated.

How to Develop/Evaluate

  • Capture the change request in a change log or backlog note with clear rationale and expected benefits.
  • Perform impact analysis on value, effort, risk, dependencies, compliance, and delivery dates.
  • Consult stakeholders and the Scrum Team for sizing and feasibility; timebox the assessment.
  • Decide approval via the Product Owner or designated governance body; record decision and rationale.
  • Translate the approved change into updated or new backlog items, refined acceptance criteria, and plan adjustments.
  • Communicate the decision and next steps to the team and affected stakeholders.

How to Use

For product-level changes, update the Product Backlog: create or refine user stories, re-estimate, and reprioritize. If the change affects the current sprint, the Product Owner may negotiate a swap of equal effort items with the Development Team to preserve the Sprint Goal; otherwise, schedule it for a future sprint.

Update release plans, dependencies, and Definition of Done if needed. Ensure test cases reflect new acceptance criteria and verify completion during the Sprint Review.

Example Snippet

A stakeholder requests stronger authentication. After impact analysis, the Product Owner approves the change. A new user story for two-factor authentication is added, sized, and placed high in the Product Backlog. The current sprint is not disrupted; the item is planned into the next sprint, and related acceptance criteria and test cases are created.

Risks & Tips

  • Risk: Undermining the Sprint Goal with mid-sprint scope churn. Tip: Only swap scope if effort is equivalent and the team agrees.
  • Risk: Incomplete impact analysis leading to hidden dependencies. Tip: Involve technical leads and check integration points.
  • Risk: Decision opacity causing rework. Tip: Record rationale, date, and owner for every approved change.
  • Risk: Delayed approvals slowing value delivery. Tip: Timebox evaluation and empower the Product Owner as change authority.
  • Risk: Documentation gaps in tests and DoD. Tip: Update acceptance criteria, test cases, and definition of done immediately.

PMP/SCRUM Example Question

A change request is approved to add new reporting fields. What should the Product Owner do next?

  1. Direct the team to start coding the change immediately within the current sprint.
  2. Update the Product Backlog with refined user stories and acceptance criteria, then reprioritize for planning.
  3. Ask the Scrum Master to revise the Sprint Goal to include the change.
  4. Create a detailed Gantt chart to reflect the new scope.

Correct Answer: B — Update the Product Backlog with refined user stories and acceptance criteria, then reprioritize for planning.

Explanation: Approved Changes are incorporated by updating and prioritizing the Product Backlog and planning accordingly. The team should not disrupt the current sprint unless an agreed scope swap preserves the Sprint Goal.

Project Management Bootcamp

Embark on a transformative journey with our Project Management Bootcamp at HK School of Management. Elevate from beginner to pro using the latest PMBOK and Process Groups Practice Guide. Our unique, engaging approach makes learning interactive and fun, replacing dull slides with dynamic doodles and real-life scenarios.

This hands-on program includes working on two full project plans. The first evolves as you learn, while the second culminates in a comprehensive plan, solidifying your expertise. You'll navigate real-world challenges, backed by quizzes and in-depth analysis, avoiding common pitfalls and setting you on a path to success.

Enhance your learning with downloadable materials and templates, invaluable for your future projects. The course covers essential topics like PMI, PMO, PMBOK, and project management ethics, delving into critical process groups and key areas such as scope, schedule, cost, and stakeholder management.

Learn from seasoned professionals and join a community of enthusiastic lifelong learners. Ready to master project management and lead with confidence? Enroll now and start your transformation!



Lead with clarity, influence, and outcomes.

HK School of Management brings you a practical, no-fluff Leadership for Project Managers course—built for real projects, tight deadlines, and cross-functional teams. Learn to set direction, align stakeholders, and drive commitment without relying on title. For the price of a lunch, get proven playbooks, and downloadable templates. Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee—zero risk, high impact.

Learn More