Change Impact Analysis

Contents 1 Applications 2 Procedures    2.1 Tracability IA    2.2 Dependency IA    2.3 Experimental IA

Change impact analysis (IA) looks to identify the potential consequences of a change or estimate what needs to be modified to accomplish a change^[1]. It is the evaluation of the many potential risks associated with any change.

Applications

Evaluation of the risks associated with the change, including estimates of the effects on resources, effort, and schedule. It is performed inside typical change management frameworks.

Procedures

There are typically three major types of impact analysis techniques:

1. Traceability
2. Dependency
3. Experimental

Tracability IA

Links among the specifications, tests, design elements and requirements are elicited and captured. They are then analyzed to determine the scope of an initiating change.

Dependency IA

Occurs at a more detailed level than Traceability IA. Linkages between parts, logic, modules and variables (to name a few) are analyzed to determine the consequences of an initiating change.

Experimental IA

The impact of changes is often determined using subject matter experts. Informal team discussions, individual judgements, review meetings can all be used to determine the consequences of a change.

Notes

1. ^ Bohner and Arnold, 1996, pg.3