Which term denotes a critical activity allowing controlled process changes?

The term that denotes a critical activity allowing controlled process changes is tailoring. Tailoring involves adapting processes to fit specific needs of a project or organization while still adhering to the established standards and best practices. This activity ensures that changes are made thoughtfully and strategically, maintaining the integrity of the overall process framework.

Tailoring is essential because it provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate varying project requirements, team capabilities, and organizational contexts, all while ensuring that the core principles of the CMMI model are upheld. It allows organizations to customize their processes in a way that enhances efficiency and effectiveness without deviating from organizational standards.

In contrast, a managed process refers to a process that is planned and performed in accordance with policies or procedures but does not inherently suggest flexibility or the ability to adapt. A documented process emphasizes proper documentation practices but does not imply any flexibility or the capability to modify processes effectively. A flexible process indicates adaptability, but it does not specifically highlight the controlled aspect needed for ensuring that changes are made in a systematic way. Thus, tailoring uniquely captures the essence of managing change within processes in a controlled manner.