Risk Analysis Techniques | Risk Register Sample | Strategies

Risk is all about uncertainty. A risk is regarded as an uncertain event that may impact project objectives (positive or negative).

There is a misconception that risk can only harm a project. Rather, it can have both negative, positive effects to project goals.

Project risk management is unavoidable nowadays to negatively affect the project objectives and get maximum out of opportunities.

Read More: Pareto Diagrams with a Simply Example

Purpose of Risk Assessment

Risk analysis techniques help forecast these threats and opportunities smarter to get maximum benefits or avoid any negative effects or even mitigate these risks.

Risk Analysis Techniques

These are the two most common techniques used for risk analysis on any project.

1. Qualitative Risk Analysis
2. Quantitative Risk Analysis

We use these techniques to make it a priority for dealing with that particular risk.

When I was in my PMP preparations, I use to get confused on both terms, but finally, I cracked it, as I am explaining to you below.

First, we prepare a Risk Register of overall possible identified risks on a project.

Risk Register is a tool used in risk project management that records the risks of any project. A risk register contains information like a description of the risk, risk assessment, and response strategy. Below is an example of a risk register.

Qualitative Risk Analysis

This is done at the risk level. The probability of occurrence and impact of all the risks is analyzed. The main purpose here is not to do a complete analysis of every risk register as we need huge resources and more time; hence, we filter out as many as possible here for further analysis.

There are many techniques to perform a qualitative risk analysis, but the most commonly used are

• Brainstorming
• Interviewing, Delphi Technique
• Historical Data
• SWOT Analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis)
• Risk Rating Scales

Quantitative Risk Analysis

This is done on the project level. Here, we estimate based on time and cost. We will see a combined effect hereafter analyzing the filtered-out risk after qualitative analysis. We will categorize the overall effect on project objectives.

To perform Risk Analysis quantitatively, we need to do it with appropriate software as it involves complex calculations and simulations.

Risk Response Strategies for Threats

You have categorized all the risks in your risk register after careful quantitative analysis. It’s time to define the Risk Response process. Here, you will define the response/s to any risk.

There are different strategies to deal with negative risks; we call it Threats, and positive risks we call opportunities.

Every risk should be ranked on a scale of Probability and Severity (1-10 or similar) in a risk register log.

Use this formula in the risk register (Risk = Probability x Severity)

Below are the strategies to deal with both threats and opportunities;

1. Avoidance / Exploit
2. Transferring / Share
3. Mitigation / Enhance
4. Acceptance

 Let’s explore these terms one by one in more detail.

Avoidance / Exploit

A threat can be avoided by just removing a small part without affecting project goals. It should be the first strategy to deal with threats.

Suppose you find any golden opportunity having high probability and impacts. That will help them exploit it, and we call it an aggressive response strategy.

Transferring / Share

Insurance is the best example to transfer any risk.

Share is when you find the other entity can exploit the opportunity better to get maximum output.

Mitigation / Enhance

Mitigation reduces the impact of risks with high probability and impacts to below the threshold.

On the other hand, opportunities are enhanced by increasing their probability and impact to get maximum results.

Acceptance

These are risks that the aforementioned strategies cannot handle, and you have to accept them.

A contingency plan, workaround plan, and/or contingency reserve may be developed for that eventuality.

Here, we prepare a contingency plan, a contingency reserve, or a workaround plan.

Wrap Up

The purpose of the risk management planning process is to avoid threats and get maximum out of opportunities. It is clear, nowadays, Risk Project Management is an integral part of any successful project. A qualified person should have to handle this position. A risk manager should have risk management certification from any reputed institute of risk management. He/she should know the purpose of a risk assessment and effective implementations or response strategies.

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