The Value of Analysis and Risk Assessment
2160 Kharbanda on Project Management
The Value of Analysis and Risk Assessment
Word Count:
7,909 net
Executive Summary:
The process of managing a project, large or small, is fraught with danger, especially for the project manager. Too many projects are undertaken without sufficient prior analysis of the needs of the ultimate customer, nor proper assessment of the anticipated risks. The odds of failure are enormous in any project. Knowing when to start, or when to cut-and-run, is as essential as understanding the features and cost elements of the project. This document utilizes a project the author is currently analyzing and addresses the functional and risk elements uncovered prior to the client’s acceptance of the endeavor. It also provides a blueprint for managing and implementing the project, drawn from both personal experience and lessons from failed projects gleaned from various authors. Submitted 2-Dec-2001, © 2001 Daniel L. James
Page 1
2160, Kharbanda on Project Management, Dan James
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:................................................................................................... 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................. 2
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 3
PROJECT FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................ 4
DISCOVER ....................................................................................................................... 4
DESIGN............................................................................................................................ 6
DEVELOP ......................................................................................................................... 7
DOCUMENT
The Value of Analysis and Risk Assessment
Word Count:
7,909 net
Executive Summary:
The process of managing a project, large or small, is fraught with danger, especially for the project manager. Too many projects are undertaken without sufficient prior analysis of the needs of the ultimate customer, nor proper assessment of the anticipated risks. The odds of failure are enormous in any project. Knowing when to start, or when to cut-and-run, is as essential as understanding the features and cost elements of the project. This document utilizes a project the author is currently analyzing and addresses the functional and risk elements uncovered prior to the client’s acceptance of the endeavor. It also provides a blueprint for managing and implementing the project, drawn from both personal experience and lessons from failed projects gleaned from various authors. Submitted 2-Dec-2001, © 2001 Daniel L. James
Page 1
2160, Kharbanda on Project Management, Dan James
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:................................................................................................... 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................. 2
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 3
PROJECT FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................ 4
DISCOVER ....................................................................................................................... 4
DESIGN............................................................................................................................ 6
DEVELOP ......................................................................................................................... 7
DOCUMENT
References: Kharbanda, O.P. and Pinto, J.K. 1996. "What Made Gertie Gallop: Learning from project failures." Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, NY. Merrow, E., Phillips, K., Myers, C. 1981. "Understanding cost growth and performance shortfalls in pioneer process plants." Santa Barbara, CA; Rand Michael Eisner, Chairman and CEO, Disney Corporation, 1995; quoted in Henkoff, R Pinto, J.K. and S.J. Mantel, Jr. 1990. "The Causes of Project Failure," IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, EM-37, no Lambrix, R.J. and Singhvi, S.S. 1984. "Preapproval audits of capital projects," Harvard Business Review, Vol 62, March/April, pp Clavell, James, editor. 1983. "The Art of War: Sun Tzu" Dell Publising, New York, NY; edited from translation by Lionel Giles, 1910, Shanghai.