In the grand theater of human endeavor, few fields showcase the pinnacle of project management quite like the space travel industry. From the race to the moon to the current ambitions of colonizing Mars, space projects have not only pushed the boundaries of what's possible but have also provided invaluable lessons in project management. Here’s a cosmic journey through some … [Read more...]
Identifying risks is a central component of project risk management. Risks are identified using various methods and placed into a risk register. The risks are then analyzed and prioritized, and appropriate risk response plans are drawn up. I would like to update this list and keep it current, so if you have anything to add please leave a note in the comments … [Read more...]
The largest projects in the world, from the summer olympics to big petrochemical projects, have one major thing in common at the project management level: A relentless focus on risk. What happens if there is a riot? Or a catastrophic explosion? What if protestors disrupt the project, or regulatory agencies reject it? These large megaprojects must allocate a small but … [Read more...]
Project risk is like an orchestra with many instruments. All elements are crucial to the final result. If even one instrument is not playing correctly, the whole performance can be a failure. Hence, risk management is integral to project management. Since projects have many moving parts and technical knowledge areas, risk management keeps everyone singing the same … [Read more...]
Could your projects use additional risk management? Experts agree that it is one of the most underutilized areas of project management. As project managers we like to think we know the primary risks to the project that we have them under control. But a small amount of risk management planning at the outset of every project generally reaps disproportionate dividends for … [Read more...]
Because you can't see its results in a direct way, project risk analysis is too often sacrificed by project managers in the name of time or budget constraints. Compounding the problem is that small projects just don't seem to have the time and budget to justify the time spent on risk management. But I would argue that if risk management is a priority on … [Read more...]
The first step in a good risk management plan is the identification of risks. The other phases of project risk management are built on this foundation. It involves developing a list of the potential risks to a project, which is called a Risk Register. A good risk register might have the following six columns: Name/Description of risk … [Read more...]
Active project risk management is a concept that has been growing momentum as of late. Project managers are expected to know the risks inherent in their projects and give them the appropriate level of scrutiny. Risk is defined by the Project Management Institute as an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on one or more … [Read more...]
Risk is defined as: An uncertain event or condition that if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on a Project's Objectives (PMBOK). The effect of uncertainty on objectives (ISO 31000). The possibility that something bad or unpleasant will happen (Miriam-Webster) Risk planning is the process of identifying, prioritizing, and managing risk. Every … [Read more...]
Change is the only constant thing in life. - Heraclitus, Greek Philosopher Human nature is such that, if you ask me to do something for you, you expect me to have a plan and, following your approval of that plan, to adhere to it. That's why project management involves the development of a project management plan, which includes the budget, schedule, stakeholder … [Read more...]
