How do you handle scope changes and uncertainties in your risk management plan?

1 Identify the sources

The first step is to identify the sources of scope changes and uncertainties in your project. These can include external factors, such as market conditions, customer feedback, regulatory requirements, or natural disasters, or internal factors, such as unclear requirements, incomplete design, resource constraints, or team conflicts. You can use tools such as brainstorming, interviews, surveys, or SWOT analysis to gather information and identify the potential causes and effects of scope changes and uncertainties.

2 Assess the impact

The next step is to assess the impact of scope changes and uncertainties on your project. You can use tools such as risk matrix, probability and impact analysis, or Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the likelihood and severity of each risk and prioritize them according to their potential impact on your project objectives. You can also use tools such as sensitivity analysis, decision trees, or expected monetary value analysis to estimate the possible outcomes and costs of different scenarios.

3 Plan the response

The third step is to plan the response to scope changes and uncertainties in your project. You can use tools such as risk register, risk response strategies, or contingency plans to document the actions and resources needed to prevent, mitigate, transfer, or accept each risk. You can also use tools such as change management plan, change control board, or change request form to define the process and criteria for approving and implementing scope changes in your project.

4 Monitor and control

The fourth step is to monitor and control the scope changes and uncertainties in your project. You can use tools such as risk audit, risk review, or risk report to track the status and performance of each risk and its response. You can also use tools such as variance analysis, earned value analysis, or trend analysis to measure the actual versus planned scope, schedule, and cost of your project and identify any deviations or issues.

5 Communicate and update

The fifth step is to communicate and update the scope changes and uncertainties in your project. You can use tools such as communication plan, stakeholder analysis, or communication matrix to determine the frequency, format, and content of communication with your project team, sponsors, customers, and other stakeholders. You can also use tools such as lessons learned, risk register update, or change log to capture the results and feedback of scope changes and uncertainties and incorporate them into your risk management plan.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth step is to learn and improve from scope changes and uncertainties in your project. You can use tools such as post-mortem analysis, root cause analysis, or gap analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your risk management plan and process. You can also use tools such as best practices, recommendations, or action items to implement the lessons learned and improve your risk management skills and capabilities for future projects.

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?