Risk Identification

 "Risk, which is uncertainty that has been defined, is a simple concept, a way of thinking through and planning a program or project".  Barkley, Bruce T. (2004) Project Risk Management, 6th Edition

As we look at risks and identify what they are it is important to remember that risks come in all forms.  There are people risks, the human factor; there are equipment risks, weather / climate risks; financial risks; technology risks; and the unknown, the risks we never see coming.   No one can plan for everything, but you can be prepared. 

Reread the quote above and think about how risks are being handled now within your organization, your team, your home, your family and identify ways to mitigate the risks.  If you are one of those people who just go by the seat of your pants without thinking about all the things / possibilities this may be a difficult task.  However, if you are used to planning and creating contingencies then this should be relatively straight forward for you. 

If you find that you need assistance on creating the risk plan and contingencies or identifying the risks,  I have created a Risk Identification Tool that you can use now that will help. 

 

 

RISK IDENTIFICATION TOOL

This sheet is to help to identify risks or challenges in your project, program, or event.  It is only a guide to get you think about where problems may potentially arise.  Read through each section carefully and begin to put your own risk management plan together.

FINANCIAL

·         Have you created a budget?

·     Has the budget been approved? Do you have enough funds to complete this project?

·     Who are the people that will approve the budget, and have you established communication methods?

·    Do you have a contingency money for things like overages, or permit fees, staffing or weather- related issues?

·     If you need people to invest, have you already identified who they are and how much you need?

PROJECT / PROGRAM / EVENT

§  Do you need a business plan? Program scope? Event details?

§  If doing it yourself, are you skilled at this task?  Do you need additional training?  If hiring someone, have you compared pricing, scope, or transition requirements?

§  Have you allowed enough time to complete the project?  (One of the factors that contribute to project failure is time).

§  What method of documentation have you chosen?  (i.e., pictures, blog, web, word, excel, email, pdf, or a combination of documentation types).

STAFF / TEAM / CONTRACTORS / VENDORS

·         Do you have or need a team or staff?  If hiring 3^rd party professionals, have they already been  properly vetted?

·         Does your current staff need training for this project?

·         Do you know how to properly hire staff?  Temporary staff, contractors, or vendors? 

·         Are you familiar with negotiating contracts?  Do you need a contract created?   

·         Do you know if this project requires any form of permit or license?

COMMUNICATION

§  Have you received contact information from everyone associated with this project, event, or program?

§  Are there restrictions surrounding your communication?

§  Is your team or staff all in the same time zone?

§  Have you allotted enough time for planning?

§  Have you established meeting dates? Deliverables?

There are other factors that can contribute to risks.  Remember a risk can be anything.  If you can identify you can mitigate it and plan around it, so your project has a better chance of success.  For additional help contact Blueprint Project Management – www.blueprintproject.net  

Have you been BLUEPRINTYD?  To get more information contact Blueprint Project Management.  We are here to assist and guide you through your project, program or event.