Project Managers have ever increasingly had to assume the role of Risk Manager, In larger scale projects – often at the enterprise level it is not uncommon to have a person or people responsible for risk management. In smaller projects, the PM role becomes more generalized. More often than not on smaller projects, Risk Management is one of many functions. In some cases a Risk Management template is completed at the beginning of the project and if reviewed at all, usually left until the end.

Risk Management Plans are an excellent opportunity to work with project staff to pre-define weaknesses in the project plan, methodologies. A simple SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) project team brainstorming exercise will bring a seasoned project manager to within 90% of a real view of the project life and outcomes.

Some key Risk points for projects are outline here. For information on the Potential Problems and Risk Management strategies log on to ISTCL’s secure "client resources" or "consultant services" portals.

Risk: The business benefit of the project is poorly defined
Risk: The scope of the project is poorly defined
Risk: The project sponsor is not identified or not enthusiastic
Risk: Customer commitment level is passive/hard to engage
Risk: Project management experience is light
Risk: Project team is located in dispersed locations
Risk: Project management processes are unfamiliar or will not be used
Risk: The business requirements of the project are vague or complex
Risk: The system availability requirements are 24/7
Risk: The technical requirements are new and complex
Risk: Many locations to deploy to
Risk: Many system interfaces
Risk: A high number of organizations are affected
Risk: High number of estimated effort hours
Risk: Long estimated project duration
Risk: Subject matter is not well known by the project team
Risk: High dependency on outside projects or teams
Risk: Business processes and policies require substantial change
Risk: Changes to organization structure are substantial
Risk: The project is new and unfamiliar (or new releases)
Risk: The Quality of current data is poor and difficult to convert
Risk: Package implementation requires heavy customization
Risk: Package implementation is a new product or release
Risk: Package implementation is from a new vendor

For general information on how ISTCL as one of Canada’s Leading Technology Company’s Staffing Solutions can assist your business succeed, contact Jessica Bouchard at 1.800.457.4123 ext 2801 or email Jessica Bouchard