How do you manage unexpected changes in project requirements

Question

Unexpected changes to project requirements always seem to pop up. How do you handle these without completely derailing the project?

Answer 1

Unexpected needs are inevitable, so my approach emphasizes adaptability and structured decision-making:

• Evaluating Feasibility Before Acceptance – I assess how changes affect scope, timeline, and budget before deciding whether to proceed.

• Prioritization Frameworks – I use MoSCoW (Must-have, Should-have, Could-have, Won’t-have) to help stakeholders classify the urgency of changes.

• Stakeholder Alignment and Trade-Offs – I facilitate discussions to negotiate trade-offs and set realistic expectations.

• Maintaining Buffer Capacity – I incorporate contingency time and resources to accommodate last-minute adjustments without jeopardizing the entire project.

• Agile Integration – In Agile projects, I add modifications to the backlog and prioritize them for upcoming sprints rather than disrupting current work.

This structured yet flexible approach ensures changes are managed without derailing the project.