When can emergency changes that bypass normal change control processes be acceptable?

Emergency changes that bypass normal change control processes can be acceptable when management reviews and approves changes after they occur. This approach ensures that, even in urgent situations where bypassing formal procedures might be necessary for maintaining operations, there is still a level of oversight and accountability.

The involvement of management post-change serves as a safeguard, allowing for an evaluation of the change's impact, risks, and outcomes. This review helps in minimizing potential negative consequences that could arise from proceeding without the usual rigorous change management protocols. It also maintains a record of the decision-making process, which is vital for future audits and reviews of changes made in emergency situations.

Other options, while they suggest accountability and documentation, do not establish the same level of authority or oversight as requiring management's explicit post-approval. A peer review or documentation by the operations department does not carry the same weight as management’s involvement, and preapproval of all emergency changes may not be practical or feasible in a dynamic operational environment where situations can arise unexpectedly.