ICTs projects in many countries fail not because the solution is not apt but because the aspect of change is often neglected. Implementation of new systems and procedures means that staff will find changes in their roles and in ways of conducting their business. If the issue of change is not dealt with in a sensitive and professional manner then one is likely to encounter failure in implementing new systems. It is, therefore, important that advisors to EMBs also have the skills that are required to be agents of change.

Managing change refers to the making of changes in a planned and managed or systematic fashion. The aim is to more effectively implement new methods and systems in an ongoing organisation. The changes to be managed lie within and are controlled by the organisation. The purpose is to avoid knee-jerk or reactive responses and to demonstrate anticipative or proactive responses.

The content or subject matter of change management is drawn from psychology, sociology, business administration, economics, industrial engineering, systems engineering, and the study of human and organisational behaviour.