Change management is the process of shifting from the present state to desired one.
Moore's law describes the natural progression of technology, which essentially indicates that there is a natural development of new systems. These new systems will be developed in response to a problem or to replace an older system. In the case of the latter, these new systems will require a fluid transition from one system to another, requiring management. This management will require the technical
ability to oversee this transition and have a say in how it is best implemented. Types of the change management are;
- 1) Direct changeover - the old system is removed and immediately replaced by the new system
Advantages – it is fast and cheap
Disadvantages - it is risky, because the old system cannot be recovered
- 2) Parallel running – the old and new systems are run together
Advantages – if the new system has some problems, the old system will still work
Disadvantages – it is expensive and there will be a shortage of memory
- 3) Phased changeover – the new system is implemented by stages (e.g. If we have several branches in the company, the new system will be first applied on the first branch and after its mistakes are corrected, it will be implemented in the second branch. This process will repeat until all branches use the new system.).
Advantages – system is being improved
Disadvantages – It takes long time, and it is costly
- 4) Pilot running – the new system is tested on one branch of the company, and then it is applied on the whole company.
Advantages – it is effective
Disadvantages – it is costly
Change is hard
• Without a proper plan on how the new system will be implemented once it is designed the change from the old system to the new one will not be successful. Many factors will need to be regarded:
• Employer/employee training
• How will the system be implemented?
• Types of change-over: Direct changeover? Parallel running? Pilot projects? Phased implementation?
- Direct changeover - the old system is removed and immediately replaced by the new system
Advantages – it is fast and cheap
Disadvantages - it is risky, because the old system cannot be recovered
- Parallel running – the old and new systems are run together
Advantages – if the new system has some problems, the old system will still work
Disadvantages – it is expensive and there will be a shortage of memory
- Phased changeover – the new system is implemented by stages (e.g. If we have several branches in the company, the new system will be first applied in the first branch and after its mistakes are corrected, it will be implemented in the second branch. This process will repeat until the all branches are using the new system.)
Advantages – system is being improved
Disadvantages – It takes long time, and it is costly
- Pilot running – the new system is tested on one branch of the company, and then it is applied on the whole company
Advantages – it is effective
Disadvantages – it is costly
Why does change need to be managed?
• Change management is a structured approach for ensuring that changes are thoroughly and smoothly implemented, and that the lasting benefits of change are achieved.
• The focus is on the wider impacts of change, particularly on people and how they, as individuals and teams, move from the current situation to the new one.
• The change in question could range from a simple process change, to major changes in policy or strategy needed if the organization is to achieve its potential.