Is Change Management part of Project Management?

So, let me start with a story. I was hired as a Change Manager for a project in an organisation. We had a framework and processes. We were doing it all!! This organisation was using Change Management organically which means using it every now and then in the projects. All PMs and CMs were invited for drinks and I met a Project Manager who while conversing over what I do etc, said, PM can do CM. There is no need of a CM. We can write comms and send it out and tell people what is coming.

At first, I was a bit offended due to the fact that I take my work seriously and I am good at what I do and I know for fact that CM is not “JUST” sending emails and telling people. My reply to him was yes that is a part of CM which yes can be done by a PM.

Moving forward few weeks, I was called into to work in this project whose PM was this PM. WHY? WHY? WHY? Well, due to some “Miscommunication” a change of system was implemented during business hours and it impacted the salespeople some of whom were in the middle of the presenting to the client.

Of course, emails were sent left right and centre. AHH!! what a mess!! So, WHAT HAPPENED?

It clearly missed the:

1. Impact Assessment
2. Communication plan
3. Engagement plan
4. Support

Below picture can show the difference between PM and CM: