What is configuration management in project settings, and what artifacts are typically controlled?

What is configuration management in project settings, and what artifacts are typically controlled?

• A. Configuration management tracks and controls the evolution of project artifacts (baselines, requirements, design documents, code) to maintain integrity and traceability.
• B. It manages only personnel records.
• C. It sets the project budget baseline.
• D. It controls only procurement contracts.

Answer: (D)

Configuration management in project settings focuses on tracking and controlling the evolution of project artifacts to preserve their integrity and provide traceability over time. It involves identifying configuration items (things that will be managed as a unit), establishing baselines, and applying formal change control so every change is recorded and auditable. The artifacts typically controlled include baselines, requirements, design documents, and source code, along with related items like test plans, configuration records, and build scripts. This disciplined approach ensures you can restore a known state, understand the history of changes, and verify that all parts of the project align with approved requirements. It’s broader than managing personnel records, budget baselines, or procurement contracts, which are handled by other areas of project management.

Configuration management in project settings focuses on tracking and controlling the evolution of project artifacts to preserve their integrity and provide traceability over time. It involves identifying configuration items (things that will be managed as a unit), establishing baselines, and applying formal change control so every change is recorded and auditable. The artifacts typically controlled include baselines, requirements, design documents, and source code, along with related items like test plans, configuration records, and build scripts. This disciplined approach ensures you can restore a known state, understand the history of changes, and verify that all parts of the project align with approved requirements.

It’s broader than managing personnel records, budget baselines, or procurement contracts, which are handled by other areas of project management.