ABSTRACT
This chapter takes a systematic approach and discusses how to apply key scientific and business insights when managing the people side of business change projects. It discusses four key topics in relation to change management success: the value of change management; overcoming resistance to change; a framework for change; managing change through the project management life cycle. Research confirms that many projects fail because people are not adequately considered. Projects and programmes struggle or fail owing to individual, organisational and cultural factors that are not adequately understood, planned for, managed or addressed. Resistance to change is much-studied and written about in business literature. It is a fact of life for every project. Resistance is natural, unavoidable and predictable because it is a fact of human nature. The human species is naturally curious and eager to learn, but is also wary of change.
