How do you handle risks and dependencies for problem changes?

1 What are risks and dependencies for problem changes?

Risks are uncertain events or conditions that can affect the outcome of a problem change, either positively or negatively. Dependencies are relationships or interconnections between a problem change and other elements, such as resources, processes, or stakeholders. Risks and dependencies can impact the scope, cost, quality, or schedule of a problem change, and they need to be considered throughout the change lifecycle.

2 How to identify risks and dependencies for problem changes?

The first step to handle risks and dependencies for problem changes is to identify them as early as possible. You can use various sources and methods to gather information, such as incident reports, problem records, configuration management databases, risk registers, stakeholder analysis, or brainstorming sessions. You should document the identified risks and dependencies in a clear and consistent way, using tools such as risk matrices, dependency diagrams, or change records.

3 How to assess risks and dependencies for problem changes?

The next step is to assess the impact and probability of the identified risks and dependencies for problem changes. You can use qualitative or quantitative techniques, such as scoring systems, risk ratings, or Monte Carlo simulations, to measure and prioritize the risks and dependencies. You should also consider the risk appetite and tolerance of your organization and stakeholders, and align your assessment criteria with your objectives and policies.

4 How to plan responses for risks and dependencies for problem changes?

After assessing the risks and dependencies for problem changes, you need to plan how to respond to them. You can choose from different strategies, such as avoiding, reducing, transferring, or accepting risks, or exploiting, enhancing, sharing, or ignoring opportunities. You should also define the roles and responsibilities for risk and dependency management, and allocate the necessary resources and budget. You should document your response plans in a risk and dependency management plan, or as part of your change plan.

5 How to implement responses for risks and dependencies for problem changes?

The implementation of your response plans for risks and dependencies for problem changes should be aligned with your change management process and framework, such as ITIL, COBIT, or ISO 20000. You should follow the agreed steps and procedures for approving, testing, deploying, and reviewing your problem changes, and monitor and control the risks and dependencies throughout the process. You should also communicate and collaborate with your stakeholders and teams, and use tools such as dashboards, reports, or alerts to track and update the status of your risks and dependencies.

6 How to review and improve risks and dependencies for problem changes?

The final step is to review and improve your risk and dependency management for problem changes. You should evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your response plans, and measure the outcomes and benefits of your problem changes. You should also identify and document the lessons learned, best practices, and improvement opportunities for your risk and dependency management, and apply them to your future problem changes. You should also update your risk and dependency registers, and share your feedback and recommendations with your stakeholders and teams.

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?