Identifying and managing Drift-changes

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the project management of unexpected events by exploring a phenomenon which it terms Drift-changes. Drift-changes occur when external influences impact on a project causing it to deliver outcomes that were not originally requested or envisaged by the stakeholders. Using a Grounded Theory methodology, our research finds that Drift-changes are distinct from two previously identified change typologies, Plan-changes and Goal-changes. Our research provides clear criteria for the identification of Drift-changes and demonstrates that Drift-changes should be managed by using a Revision or Re-opening to shift the project to a goal-seeking mode, before establishing new project trajectories and shifting the project back to a goal-oriented mode.