Project Management ( Part 3 )

Managing Risk

Risk Management Process

Risk Defined:

  • An uncertain event or condition that if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on project objectives.
  • No amount of planning can overcome or control risk.

Risk Management Defined:

An attempt to recognize and manage potential and unforeseen trouble spots that may occur when the project is implemented.

  • What can go wrong (risk event)
  • How to minimize the risk event’s impact (consequences)
  • What can be done before an event occurs (anticipation)
  • What to do when an event occurs (contingency plans)

Benefits of Risk Management

  • A proactive rather than reactive approach
  • Reduces surprises and negative consequences
  • Prepares the project manager to take appropriate action
  • Provides better control over the future
  • Improves chances of reaching project objectives on time, within budget, and of meeting required performance.
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Project Management ( Part 2 )

Cost and Time Estimation

Is a trade-off, balancing the benefits of better accuracy against the costs of secured increased accuracy.

Types of Estimates

Top-down (macro) estimates

  • Analogy
  • Group consensus
  • Mathematical relationships

Bottom-up (micro) estimates

  • based on estimates of elements found in the work breakdown structure

Why Estimating Time and Cost Is Important

  • To support good decisions.
  • To schedule work.
  • To determine how long the project should take and its cost.
  • To determine whether the project is worth doing.
  • To develop cash flow needs.
  • To determine how well the project is progressing.
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