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236 PART TWO MANAGING SOFTWARE PROJECTS

FIGURE 9.6
Access and
synchronization Check- in
control Configuration object
(modified version)
Configuration object
Unlock (baseline version)
Audit info
Ownership
Software Access info Project
engineer control database

Configuration object Lock Configuration object
(extracted version) (baseline version)

Check- out

many have none) have created a number of layers of control to help avoid the prob-
lems alluded to here.
Prior to an SCI becoming a baseline, only informal change control need be applied.
The developer of the configuration object (SCI) in question may make whatever
Opt for a bit more changes are justified by project and technical requirements (as long as changes do
change control than not affect broader system requirements that lie outside the developer's scope of work).
you think you’ll need. Once the object has undergone formal technical review and has been approved, a
It’s likely that “too baseline is created. Once an SCI becomes a baseline, project level change control is
much” will be the right implemented. Now, to make a change, the developer must gain approval from the
amount.
project manager (if the change is "local") or from the CCA if the change affects other
SCIs. In some cases, formal generation of change requests, change reports, and ECOs
is dispensed with. However, assessment of each change is conducted and all changes
are tracked and reviewed.
When the software product is released to customers, formal change control is insti-
tuted. The formal change control procedure has been outlined in Figure 9.5.
The change control authority plays an active role in the second and third layers of
control. Depending on the size and character of a software project, the CCA may be
composed of one person—the project manager—or a number of people (e.g., repre-
sentatives from software, hardware, database engineering, support, marketing). The
“Change is inevitable, role of the CCA is to take a global view, that is, to assess the impact of change beyond
except from vending the SCI in question. How will the change affect hardware? How will the change affect
machines.” performance? How will the change modify customer's perception of the product?
Bumper sticker How will the change affect product quality and reliability? These and many other
questions are addressed by the CCA.