In the past I have used some pretty dodgy approaches to defining risks in a project, from formal approaches like fault tree analysis through to informal approaches like "the evil genius" and "an international standard for being scared". So this article is not really a new one. It is more a combination of evil geniuses… Continue reading A prophets of doom workshop
Category: Risk
An international standard for being scared?
I sometimes quote ISO90210 (not a real standard) to represent a common approach that, while often used, is not a formally recognised standard. It is more a common but informal way people approach something. In this case I am looking at how to be scared. Apparently there is a standard approach to being scared that… Continue reading An international standard for being scared?
How to use force field analysis
Force field analysis is a good way to analyse the constraints and the drivers of success when leading change, delivering projects or problem solving in general. You begin by writing your objective on the top of a sheet of paper and then putting a long line under it: Next, draw a line down the middle… Continue reading How to use force field analysis
A risk register for lazy project teams
I told someone this article was already up on my blog and then realised I never got around to publishing it. Sorry about that. Successful projects are generally successful because of the way they managed their risks; so I generally try to hire lucky project managers and surround them with a team of people who… Continue reading A risk register for lazy project teams
Unusual risk analysis techniques
I think risk management is really cool … and certainly more fun than the alternative. Unfortunately many people find the traditional approaches to analysing risks dry and un-innovative; which is a problem because identification and analysis of risk is actually a creative process. So here are a couple of “unusual” approaches that might work for… Continue reading Unusual risk analysis techniques
Risks in IT Operations – some analysis tools
Not long ago an airline (Virgin Blue) had a complete meltdown of their ticketing system and just last week a major Australian bank (NAB) had a full on disaster where they couldn’t pay people money they owed for several days. Both were apparently due to failures in IT operations (IT systems and IT processes) and… Continue reading Risks in IT Operations – some analysis tools
Risk outrage – look out for falling coconuts
A participant in a workshop alleged that coconuts are more dangerous in some parts of the world than sharks. Apparently he has seen statistics showing that in the South Pacific there are substantially more deaths related to falling coconuts than shark attacks. So at a typical resort by the beach, people will be worried about sharks when in… Continue reading Risk outrage – look out for falling coconuts
Questions for project audits – part two
When auditing a project (or taking over a project or even taking on a senior role in a team) I like to go and talk to everyone in the team. When I do, I generally ask them the same questions to get a better feel for what is going on. I really liked a set… Continue reading Questions for project audits – part two
Questions for project audits – part one
I was talking to a colleague recently and promised to share some of the questions I ask when auditing a project (or taking one over). My first question is generally "what is the project about?" But that generally leads to a vague answer. So I use my "question compass": These are the questions I use… Continue reading Questions for project audits – part one
Finally launched my agile training game
We set up a stand at the recent Software Development Conference to run the Agile Release Planning Game I designed. It seemed to go down really well, so I have decided to make the game available publicly if anyone is interested in using it. In the game, participants are a group of scientists and engineers… Continue reading Finally launched my agile training game
James King 