CSM Software Configuration & Change Management Flashcards

Which configuration management activity involves recording the current state and history of all configuration items?

Answer: Configuration status accounting

Configuration status accounting records and reports the current state, change history, and status of all configuration items throughout the software lifecycle.

What is a 'rollback plan' and why is it essential in change management?

Answer: A documented procedure to revert a change if it causes issues

A rollback plan documents the steps needed to reverse a change and restore the previous state, minimizing downtime if the change causes unforeseen problems.

In software configuration management, what is 'baselining a build'?

Answer: Formally recording and locking a specific build as an official reference version

Baselining a build means formally identifying and locking a specific software build so it can be reproduced, referenced, and tracked as an approved deliverable.

A software manager discovers that developers are making undocumented changes directly in production. Which control should be implemented first?

Answer: A formal change request and approval process

Implementing a formal change request and approval process ensures all changes are documented, reviewed, and authorized before being applied to production.

What does 'configuration auditing' verify in a software project?

Answer: That configuration items conform to their specifications and that changes have been properly implemented

Configuration auditing (functional and physical) verifies that software builds match their documented specifications and that all change management procedures were followed.

Which type of change management document captures the specific steps, resources, and timeline required to implement a proposed change?

Answer: Change implementation plan

A change implementation plan details the specific tasks, responsible parties, timeline, resources, and rollback procedures needed to execute an approved change.