Which is the correct sequence in the Change Control lifecycle?

• A. Initiation/Request → Impact assessment → Review/Approval → Planning/Implementation → Verification/Validation → Documentation → Close.
• B. Initiation/Request → Impact assessment → Planning/Implementation → Verification/Validation → Review/Approval → Documentation → Close.
• C. Initiation/Request → Planning/Implementation → Review/Approval → Impact assessment → Verification/Validation → Documentation → Close.
• D. Initiation/Request → Impact assessment → Review/Approval → Documentation → Close.

Answer: (A)

Starting with a formal Initiation/Request sets the change in motion by clearly describing what needs to be changed and why. Next, an Impact assessment weighs how the change will affect scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk, so everyone understands the potential consequences before any action is taken. Only after this analysis is there a Review/Approval step to authorize proceeding, ensuring governance and risk controls are respected. With approval in place, Planning/Implementation lays out the concrete steps, resources, and timeline to execute the change. After the change is implemented, Verification/Validation checks that the change actually delivers the intended results and doesn’t introduce new issues. Once verified, Documentation records what was done, why, and how to operate or maintain the change, preserving knowledge for the future. Finally, Close formalizes completion, captures lessons learned, and seals the change in the system’s records.