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What are the most effective methods for testing assumptions in a project plan?

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A project plan is a document that outlines the scope, objectives, tasks, resources, and deliverables of a project. However, a project plan is not a static or flawless document. It is based on certain assumptions that may or may not be valid, realistic, or consistent. Therefore, testing the assumptions in a project plan is a critical thinking skill that can help you identify and mitigate potential risks, gaps, or errors in your project execution and evaluation.

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Ricardo Chang

| Strategic Business Manager | BDM | Sales & Commercial | B2B & B2C | Disruptive Innovator | Mentor

1 Why test assumptions?

Testing assumptions is not only a good practice for improving the quality and accuracy of your project plan, but also a way to enhance your communication and collaboration with your stakeholders. By testing your assumptions, you can clarify your expectations, assumptions, and criteria with your team, clients, sponsors, and other parties involved in the project. You can also solicit feedback, suggestions, and insights from them to refine your project plan and align it with their needs and preferences. Testing assumptions can also help you avoid conflicts, misunderstandings, or disputes that may arise from unspoken or unrealistic assumptions.

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Gilbert Oteki

Dedicated Internal Auditor |Enhancing Financial Integrity |Risk Management | Delivering Impactful Solutions | Strengthening Internal Controls
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In a recent project, our team assumed that a certain software tool would meet all our needs for data analysis. However, as we started using the tool, we encountered several limitations that hindered our progress. Rather than persisting with our initial assumption, we decided to test it by seeking feedback from team members and stakeholders. Through open discussions and feedback sessions, we discovered that while the tool was useful for basic analysis, it lacked advanced features required for our project. This realization prompted us to explore alternative tools and solutions. This experience taught me the importance of testing assumptions in project planning.

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2 How to identify assumptions?

In order to test your assumptions, you need to identify them first. Assumptions are statements that you believe to be true but cannot verify or guarantee; they are often based on experience, knowledge, intuition, or estimation. To determine your assumptions, you can review your project plan and ask yourself questions like: what are the key factors that affect your project outcomes or performance? What sources or evidence support your statements or claims? What conditions or constraints limit your project scope or options? What dependencies or relationships influence your project activities or resources? What potential changes or uncertainties may impact your project plan or environment? Additionally, you can use tools such as assumption logs, SWOT analysis, or risk registers to document and categorize your assumptions.

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3 How to test assumptions?

Once you have identified your assumptions, you need to test them to determine their validity, relevance, and impact on your project plan. There are various methods for testing assumptions, depending on the type, nature, and complexity of your assumptions. To challenge your assumptions and expose their assumptions, biases, or gaps, you can use the 5 Whys technique, the Socratic method, or the SMART criteria. Additionally, you can seek feedback from stakeholders, experts, peers or users by using surveys, interviews, focus groups or reviews. You can also conduct experiments or tests to verify or falsify your assumptions by using prototypes, simulations, pilots or A/B testing. Finally, you can analyze data or information to support or refute your assumptions by using statistics, benchmarks, trends or best practices.

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Ricardo Chang

| Strategic Business Manager | BDM | Sales & Commercial | B2B & B2C | Disruptive Innovator | Mentor
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La auditoría de suposiciones consiste en revisar y evaluar críticamente cada supuesto planteado en el plan de proyecto para determinar su validez y coherencia con la realidad. Esta auditoría implica un análisis detallado de cada supuesto y su fundamentación. Otra técnica es juicio de expertos, consiste en consultar a expertos en el campo relacionado con los supuestos del proyecto para obtener opiniones y evaluaciones especializadas sobre la viabilidad y precisión de dichas suposiciones. El juicio de expertos aporta una perspectiva externa valiosa. También puedes emplear herramientas de simulación y modelado para probar diferentes escenarios basados en los supuestos del proyecto.

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Gilbert Oteki

Dedicated Internal Auditor |Enhancing Financial Integrity |Risk Management | Delivering Impactful Solutions | Strengthening Internal Controls
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In a recent audit, we assumed that a department's controls were sufficient based on their documentation. However, during testing, we found that key controls were not operating effectively. This experience taught me the importance of validating assumptions through thorough testing, even when initial indicators seem positive. It's crucial to dig deeper to uncover any underlying issues that could impact the project's success

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4 How to use the results?

After you have tested your assumptions, you need to use the results to improve your project plan and decision making. Depending on the results, you may need to confirm them, modify them, or reject them. If valid or partially valid, adjust your project plan accordingly. If invalid or irrelevant, revise your project plan completely. Additionally, it's important to document and communicate your results and actions to stakeholders and team members, as well as update related documents.

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Gilbert Oteki

Dedicated Internal Auditor |Enhancing Financial Integrity |Risk Management | Delivering Impactful Solutions | Strengthening Internal Controls
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In a recent audit, we tested assumptions about a company's inventory valuation methods. After rigorous analysis, we found discrepancies in their approach. We confirmed our findings through multiple checks and presented our results to management. As a result, the company revamped its inventory management practices, leading to more accurate financial reporting and cost savings. The experience taught me the value of thorough testing and the impact it can have on organizational decision-making.

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5 How to improve your skill?

Testing assumptions is a skill that you can refine with practice and feedback. To improve, it’s important to be aware of your own assumptions and biases, and challenge them regularly. Additionally, you should be curious and open-minded, seeking different perspectives and sources of information. When testing your assumptions, it’s beneficial to be systematic and rigorous, using appropriate methods and tools. Furthermore, you should be flexible and adaptable, ready to change your assumptions and project plan when needed. Testing assumptions in a project plan is a critical thinking skill that can help you ensure the quality and success of your project. By doing so, you can identify and mitigate potential risks, gaps, or errors in the execution and evaluation of the project. Plus, it can enhance communication and collaboration with stakeholders while improving the project plan and decision making.

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Gilbert Oteki

Dedicated Internal Auditor |Enhancing Financial Integrity |Risk Management | Delivering Impactful Solutions | Strengthening Internal Controls
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In a project, I assumed a certain software feature was essential based on past experiences. However, after discussing with the team, we realized it wasn't a priority for users. By challenging my assumption and seeking feedback, we saved time and resources, focusing on what truly mattered.

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6 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?

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What are the most effective methods for testing assumptions in a project plan?

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6

1 Why test assumptions?

2 How to identify assumptions?

3 How to test assumptions?

4 How to use the results?

5 How to improve your skill?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Critical Thinking

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What are the most effective methods for testing assumptions in a project plan?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Why test assumptions?

2 How to identify assumptions?

3 How to test assumptions?

4 How to use the results?

5 How to improve your skill?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Critical Thinking

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