The Integration Change Control process is a part of Project Integration Management knowledge area group. It falls under the Monitoring and Controlling process group. Monitoring and controlling is a process group or stage that starts when the project is in the executing stage. This process overlaps the executing stage. Monitoring and controlling consists of those processes performed to observe project execution so that potential problems can be identified in a timely manner and corrective action can be taken, when necessary, to control the execution of the project. The key benefit is that project performance is observed and measured regularly to identify variances from the project management plan. Monitoring and controlling includes: Measuring the ongoing project activities (where we are). Monitoring the project variables (cost, effort, ...) against the project management plan and the project performance baseline (where we should be). Identify corrective actions to properly address issues and risks (How can we get on track again). Influencing the factors that could circumvent integrated change control so only approved changes are implemented. In multi-phase projects, the monitoring and controlling process also provides feedback between project phases, in order to implement corrective or preventive actions to bring the project into compliance with the project management plan. What is Project Integration Management? Project Integration Management is one of the nine Project Management Knowledge areas. It comprises the following processes:

Develop Project Charter

Develop Preliminary Project Scope Statement

Develop Project Management Plan

Direct and Manage Project Execution

Monitor and Control Project Work

Integrated Change Control

Close Project

These processes occur throughout the project and are repeated quite often during the working of the project. They ensure that the various elements of the project are properly coordinated.