Leading Questions for Risk Identification
Purpose Use the following as examples of project risks to assist in identification of risks. This is not an all-inclusive list, but rather to serve as memory joggers for Project Management Phases. Review the risks below. Once you have identified the risk, then document on the Risk Log.
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Initiating Phase
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Are the deliverables clearly understand by all?
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Are the critical success factors clear and measurable?
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Is the business sponsor / business team committed to the success of the project?
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Are the expectations of the teams involvement clearly laid out?
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Has the business sponsor changed during the project?
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Does the business and/or IT senior leadership believe in the business case for the project?
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Planning Phase
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Is the schedule realistic or are activities and tasks set in overly optimistic?
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Is the budget realistic or based on unrealistic estimates?
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Does the project involve a large number of users?
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Is the project heavily reliant on third party resources to complete key deliverables on time?
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Does the team have prior experience with this company?
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Is there a high level of turnover in the business area affected? Is there a contingency plan?
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Are team members' roles clearly laid out and documented?
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Is there any slack time or contingency built into the plan?
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Is there adequate Change Enablement / Communication plan in place?
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Does the project manager have enough time to focus on this project?
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Executing/Controlling Phase
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Are there multiple third party companies involved in the project?
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Does the current team have prior experience with this type of project?
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Are there geographical constraints that will inhibit the success of the project?
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Is the budget being managed?
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Is the schedule being managed?
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Have key project resources turned over or changed during the course of the project?
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Closing Phase
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Have all deliverables been met?
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Are the customers satisfied with the product / service?