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Impact Analysis

Identifying the full consequences of change
Also known as Change Impact Analysis, Impact Change Analysis and Solution Effect Analysis

When things change in your organization, do you ever wish that someone would think things through a little better to avoid the confusion and disruption that often follows? Or have you ever been involved in a project where, with hindsight, a great deal of pain could have been avoided with a little more up-front preparation and planning?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing – but so, too, is Impact Analysis. This technique is a useful and severely under-used brainstorming technique that helps you think through the full impacts of a proposed change. As such, it is an essential part of the evaluation process for major decisions.

More than this, it gives you the ability to spot problems before they arise, so that you can develop contingency plans to handle issues smoothly. This can make the difference between well-controlled and seemingly-effortless project management, and an implementation that is seen by your boss, team, clients and peers as a shambles.

How to Use the Tool

Impact Analysis is a technique designed to...(Sign in to read more.)

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Moving On

A useful way of conducting a professional Impact Analysis is to use computer-based mapping software like MindGenius. At Mind Tools, we like MindGenius so much that we offer a free e-class showing you how to use the tool to conduct Impact Analysis (and five other "mind tools").

To subscribe to the e-class, sign up below.

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