Project risk management is the application of tools, techniques, and practices to both increase the likelihood of positive project outcomes and reduce the likelihood of negative ones. It requires constant vigilance from the earliest stages of a project through planning and execution and even beyond its completion.
Students in this course will learn risk management practices as they apply to traditional (waterfall) projects and Agile projects, and ultimately to the realization of a project’s intended benefits.
The course reviews basic risk management concepts for waterfall projects and introduces techniques for quantitative risk analysis, incorporating analysis insights into project plans, developing effective risk response plans, and creating project reserves. It also examines Agile practices such as backlog management, sprint planning, and quality management to reduce project risk.
Additionally, the course includes two key risk management topics – root cause analysis and organizational risk management. Root cause analysis helps teams identify potential risks during planning and how to manage them after they occur. Organizational change management assures a higher rate of adoption of project deliverables and realization of benefits to project stakeholders.
Coursework includes in-class team assignments, take-home assignments, and a final project, providing students with practical experience in applying risk management principles.
Basic level training or experience in waterfall project management and agile.
This class meets in real time in a classroom and via a remote learning platform via Zoom. Students may choose their preferred method of instruction—an in-person classroom setting or a remote format. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and time that are specified on the course schedule. Students who choose to attend remotely, will log into the course via Canvas at the start time of scheduled meetings and participate for the duration of each scheduled class meeting. Just like a traditional in-person class meeting, you are expected to attend and participate in the discussion. Students are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience.
Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop / tablet to each class meeting.
To see all meeting dates, click “Full Schedule” below.
Electronic Course Materials: You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
Required Text:
Standard for Change Management, Association of Change Management Professionals, 2014. Download at:
