By Caralyne Blackburn Maglis, Technical Project Manager at Digital Rehab
We’ve all been there. The client sees the UAT site and suddenly wants a major change. Or worse—the business case is evolving faster than you can track, and you’re expected to adapt immediately.
The Best Way to Manage Change? Expect It.
Change is not a disruption—it’s a certainty.
Yes, you can throw more time or money at a project, and if the client is willing, great. But relying on that approach won’t do much for your credibility as a PM.
Agile methodologies embrace change by design—build, check, iterate. It’s ideal for larger projects with flexible budgets and timelines. But smaller projects often follow a waterfall approach, where you only get one shot to get it right.
So what do you do when change hits midstream?
First, breathe.
Regardless of your methodology, the key is to establish a clear change management process from the outset. Change is not the same as fixing bugs or addressing scope creep. It often requires:
- A separate budget
- A revised timeline
- Stakeholder alignment
- Transparent communication
Talk About Change Early
Set yourself up for success by being upfront with your client. Ask: “Is there a budget for change?”
Even if the answer is no, the question sparks a conversation—and gives you insight into how change requests will be received, managed, or escalated.
Beware the Sales-to-Delivery Gap
In larger organisations, digital projects are often sold without technical input. A pre-packaged solution is pitched, the deal is signed, and the PM inherits the project—minus the fat.
The sales guy gets a high five, hands off the project, and heads to Friday drinks. Job done!
Don’t hate the sales guy just yet—they probably included a “support and maintenance” clause. But here’s what happens next:
- Changes are requested
- Someone suggests using support hours to cover them
- You’re left managing a depleted post-project safety net
Do you really want to burn through the client’s support budget before go-live? Or take the fall for a lean sales pitch that didn’t account for inevitable change?
Plan for Change. Protect the Project.
Expect change. Budget for it. Talk about it early. It’s not just good project management—it’s responsible leadership.
About the Author
Caralyne Blackburn Maglis is a seasoned technical project manager with deep experience across development firms, IT departments, agencies, and consulting. Her insights power Digital Rehab’s reputation for pragmatic, high-impact digital delivery.
