Planning knowledge for phased rollout projects

The commonly accepted definition of a project is--as the PMBOK Guide states--of "a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result." While seemingly comprehensive, this view does not account for a project that generates a series of sequential results, a project with a rollout that is repeatable and replicable over a period of time. This article examines a model for transferring knowledge--for managing the intersection between learning and change known as integrated change control--while planning and implementing phased-rollout projects. In doing so, it defines three types of projects and identifies three types of rollouts and seven elements classifying phased rollouts. It also notes the business advantages and organizational disadvantages of practicing a rollout strategy; it overviews the theoretical underpinnings influencing the implementation a phased rollout project.