Clear-Cut Ways to Manage Project Risk If you're a typical project manager, you're probably aware of the importance of risk management but may not have the time or expertise to develop a full-blown plan. This book is a quick and practical guide to applying the disciplines of proven risk management practices without the rigor of complex processes.
Part of the Project Manager's Spotlight series from Harbor Light Press, this straightforward book offers solutions to real-life risk scenarios. Inside, best-selling author Kim Heldman highlights critical components of risk management and equips you with tools, techniques, checklists, and templates you can put to use immediately. By following a realistic case study from start to finish, you'll see how a project manager deals with each concept. Ultimately, this book will help you anticipate, prevent, and alleviate major project risks.
Project Manager's Spotlight on Risk Management teaches you how to
Look for and document risk
Anticipate why projects fail
Prevent scope and schedule risks
Analyze and prioritize risks
Develop, implement, and monitor risk response plans
And much more!
Foreword ix
Acknowledgments x
Introduction xiii
Chapter 1: What Is Risk Management? 1
Defining Risk 1
Purpose of Risk Management 6
A Practical Risk Management Approach 12
Communication Is the Key 20
Case Study 26
Chapter 2: Identifying and Documenting Risks 29
Identifying Risks 29
Common Risks 34
Where to Look 40
How to Look for Risk 45
Documenting Project Risk 53
Case Study 58
Chapter 3: Why Projects Fail-More Risks and How You Can Prevent Them 61
The PMINO Syndrome 61
Absentee Sponsor 70
Disengaged Teams 80
Case Study 91
Chapter 4: Preventing Scope and Schedule Risks 95
Scope Risk 95
Schedule Risks 108
Change Management 118
Case Study 120
Chapter 5: Analyzing and Prioritizing Risks 123
Qualitative Risk Analysis 123
Quantitative Risk Analysis 136
The Analysis Method of Choice 142
Listing and Ranking Project Risk 142
Case Study 146
Chapter 6: Defining Risk Response Plans 149
Risk Response Planning 149
Risk Response Techniques 153
Developing Risk Response Plans 160
Planning for the Unknown 164
Case Study 169
Chapter 7: Implementing and Monitoring Risk Response Plans 171
Monitoring and Control 171
Implementing Response Plans 177
Risk Audits 185
Case Study 189
Appendix A: Nine Knowledge Areas Refresher 191
Project Management Process Groups 191
Project Management Knowledge Areas 197
Appendix B: Risk Management Templates 203
Glossary 211
Index 217
