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...]
There's nothing more aggravating than cheering or the underdog and then watching the favorite team win with what seems like a complete stroke of luck. But ask anyone who has played a sport. The lucky bounces always seem to go to the better team. It seems to defy logic when a shot results in a lucky bounce that has very little to do with skill. You inspect and … [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...]
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...]
The project plan is like the flight plan filed by a pilot prior to embarking on a journey. It communicates how the project will attempt to reach its destination. The project plan is the strategy that will be used to produce the project's products, services, or results. It is written in sufficient detail to communicate to executives and stakeholders how the … [Read more...]
In some industries, risk analysis as a subset of project management is virtually non-existent. Project management is usually focused on cost and schedule, and delivering projects "on time, on budget" sometimes feels like the only criteria. But as a project manager, there's nothing that makes you sleep at night better than knowing you've got the risks to your … [Read more...]
Risk is inherent in all projects because projects, by definition, represent a one time improvement to an operational process. There is usually some sort of primary risk factor under which the project was defined, such as market risk for the development of a new product, or technical risk for an assembly line improvement project (will it speed up the line, etc?). After … [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 and know that we have them under control. But a small amount of risk management planning at the outset of every project will reap disproportionate dividends … [Read more...]
