Application version control standards for software release updates are not part of the IT change management approval process, but rather a technical aspect of the software development lifecycle. The IT change management approval process is a formal and structured way of evaluating, authorizing and scheduling changes to IT systems and infrastructure, based on predefined criteria and roles. The IT change management approval process typically includes the following components123:

A change request form that captures the details, rationale, impact, risk and benefits of the proposed change

A change approval board (CAB) or other authorized approvers who review and approve or reject the change request based on the business case, feasibility and alignment with the organization’s objectives and policies

A documented audit trail for all changes, especially emergency changes, that records the date, time, reason, approver and outcome of each change

A defined roles and responsibilities matrix that clarifies the expectations and accountabilities of each stakeholder involved in the change management process, such as the change manager, change owner, change coordinator, change implementer and change requester

A set of guidelines that restrict the approval of changes to only authorized personnel who have the appropriate knowledge, skills and authority to make decisions about the changes References:

1: Change Approval Process in ITIL Change Management

2: Guide to the IT Change Requests Approval Process

3: Overview of the change management approval process