Configuration management could best be described as:

the process through which all requests to change the approved baseline of a project is captured. evaluated and then approved. rejected or deferred.

the system that ensures that all changes to configuration items are controlled and the interrelationships between items are identified.

the technical and administrative activities concerned with the creation, maintenance, controlled change and quality control of the scope of work.

A report of the current status and history of all changes to the configuration, together with a complete record of what has happened to the configuration to date.