Risk Identification Techniques
Methods for identifying project risks.
Risk identification techniques are systematic approaches used to identify potential risks that could impact project objectives. These techniques help project teams uncover risks early in the project lifecycle. Documentation review involves examining project plans, historical records, and assumptions to find potential risks. Brainstorming brings together cross-functional team members to generate a comprehensive list of project risks. The Delphi technique collects anonymous expert opinions through questionnaires, reducing bias and groupthink. Interviewing experienced project participants, stakeholders, and subject matter experts helps identify risks they foresee. SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) provides structure for identifying internal and external risks. Checklists based on historical information and accumulated knowledge ensure common risks aren't overlooked. Assumption analysis identifies risks from inaccurate, inconsistent, or incomplete assumptions. Diagramming techniques like cause-and-effect diagrams, system flowcharts, and influence diagrams help visualize how risks might occur. Root cause analysis identifies underlying causes of risks rather than just symptoms. Strengths and weakness analysis examines organizational capabilities related to project work. Expert judgment leverages experience from individuals with specialized knowledge. Prompt lists provide pre-established categories of potential risks to consider. Additional techniques include nominal group technique (structured brainstorming with voting), affinity diagrams (grouping similar risks), force field analysis (examining forces for and against objectives), and process analysis (understanding technical process risks). Risk identification should occur throughout the project lifecycle, not just during planning. It's essential to document identified risks in the risk register for subsequent analysis and response planning. Effective risk identification requires diverse stakeholder involvement to ensure comprehensive risk coverage from multiple perspectives.
Risk identification techniques are systematic approaches used to identify potential risks that could impact project objectives. These techniques help project teams uncover risks early in the project …
Concepts covered: Expert Interviews, Brainstorming, Delphi Technique, SWOT Analysis, Checklist Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Checklist Analysis, Prompt Lists, Cause and Effect Diagrams (Fishbone/Ishikawa Diagrams), Assumption and Constraint Analysis, Assumption Analysis, Interviews
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