ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some of the routes through which changes can reach a project, together with their origins and associated forms. The procedure for introducing an internal, unfunded modification into an active project usually starts by raising a document called an engineering change request engineering change order, modification request, or some permutation of these terms. In manufacturing projects, questions referred to the engineering design department by manufacturing or inspection personnel can also result in design changes. The inspection report has been translated by the design authority into a concession or production permit. Customer-funded changes are usually documented as purchase order amendments or contract variation orders. Changes can be further classified as permanent or temporary. Change committees often meet on a regular basis, dealing with change requests in batches. Informal committees, not meeting collectively but relying instead on the circulation of documents, suffer from a communication problem and can take longer to discuss and resolve misunderstandings or make decisions.
