Most large organizations that fall under a strong matrix or project-based dynamic will have both a project management office (PMO) and a change control board (CCB). A CCB’s only job is to deny all your change requests. Wait… sorry. A CCB’s only job is to review all change requests and approve or deny them on the organizational level. They are overseeing multiple projects, programs, and portfolios, and making the best decisions for the good of the organization. If you are asking for more time or money, they must look at the allocation of resources, funding limit reconciliations, management reserves for risk, and the like. They will be very thorough, I promise you that. Therefore, it is important to go to the change control board with solutions and not problems.

While some change requests can be approved by the sponsor, or even by you...