How do you handle risk escalation and resolution in ALM?

1 What is risk escalation and resolution?

Risk escalation and resolution are the processes of communicating and addressing risks that exceed a certain threshold or impact level. Risk escalation involves notifying the relevant stakeholders, such as project managers, sponsors, developers, testers, or customers, about the nature, severity, and implications of a risk. Risk resolution involves taking appropriate actions to eliminate, reduce, or transfer the risk, or to accept it as part of the project scope. Both processes require clear and timely communication, collaboration, and documentation.

2 Why are risk escalation and resolution important in ALM?

Risk escalation and resolution are important in ALM because they help ensure that the project goals, expectations, and quality standards are met. By escalating and resolving risks, you can avoid or minimize the negative consequences of risks, such as delays, defects, errors, breaches, or failures. You can also ensure that the project stakeholders are informed and involved in the decision-making process, and that the project scope, budget, and schedule are aligned with the risk exposure.

3 How do you identify and assess risks in ALM?

Identifying and assessing risks in ALM involves conducting a risk analysis at different stages of the application lifecycle, such as planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. You can use various tools and techniques to identify and assess risks, such as brainstorming, checklists, interviews, surveys, audits, reviews, or testing. You should consider both internal and external factors that may affect the application, such as requirements, resources, dependencies, technologies, regulations, or user feedback. You should also assign a probability and an impact score to each risk, based on the likelihood and the severity of its occurrence.

4 How do you define risk thresholds and impact levels in ALM?

Defining risk thresholds and impact levels in ALM involves establishing the criteria and the scale for determining when a risk needs to be escalated or resolved. You can use a risk matrix or a risk register to define and categorize risks according to their probability and impact scores. You can also use a risk tolerance or a risk appetite to define the acceptable level of risk for the project or the organization. You should align the risk thresholds and impact levels with the project objectives, scope, quality, and constraints.

5 How do you escalate risks in ALM?

Escalating risks in ALM involves notifying the appropriate stakeholders about a risk that exceeds a predefined threshold or impact level. You should follow a predefined communication plan or protocol that specifies who, what, when, how, and why to escalate a risk. You should provide relevant and accurate information about the risk, such as its description, source, status, probability, impact, triggers, and mitigation strategies. You should also document the escalation process and the outcomes in a risk log or a report.

6 How do you resolve risks in ALM?

Resolving risks in ALM involves taking appropriate actions to address a risk that has been escalated or identified. You should follow a predefined resolution process or procedure that specifies who, what, when, how, and why to resolve a risk. You should evaluate and select the best option for resolving a risk, such as avoiding, reducing, transferring, or accepting it. You should also implement and monitor the resolution actions, and measure and report the results. You should also document the resolution process and the outcomes in a risk log or a report.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?