Revision as of 20:09, 16 February 2018

Uncertainty is a fundamental factor of projects. We know that we cannot predict the future with certainty. Uncertainty converse all of the environmental conditions in which a project has to operate, e.g. costs of people or materials, etc. ^[1]

There are two types of uncertainty; uncertain effectiveness and uncertain efficiency. These uncertainties have different effects on a project. Uncertain effectiveness can affect the quality of the project, such as the understanding of requirements, prioritization of conflicting requirements or reasonableness of requirements. While uncertain efficiency can affect the quality of process performance against the plan, such as the availability of resources, quality of the planning process, technological capabilities, the ability and drive of the people.^[2]

Risk is an uncertain event or condition which can have a positive or negative effect on one or more objectives in a construction project, such as; scope, schedule, cost, performance and quality. One or more of these can be of impact on the project, and have both positive and negative outcomes. Positive- and negative-outcome risks are referred to as opportunities and threats for the project, and it is the management of all these that constitute the Risk Management in Construction Projects.

Risks are present already from the time a project starts. Therefore it is important to prioritize risk management, since it will likely lead to more problems if handling the risks is procrastinated.

The goal of risk management is to increase the likelihood and impact of positive events and meanwhile decrease the likelihood and impact of negative events in construction projects. ^[3]

For understanding risk, we have to look at the four fundamental elements, which are defined as risk management process:

1. Identify
2. Assess
3. Respond
4. Control

Risk management is a learning process through time and through the whole project life cycle. ^[4]

Identification

Rumsfeld known-known concept

Assessment and Analysis

Probability/Impact Matrix

Response

ARTA grid

Control

References

1. ↑ Taylor, Harvey | 2010 | Project Management | (4th Edition)
2. ↑ Geraldi, Joana | Thuesen, Christian | Oehmen, Josef | 2016 | "How to DO projects" | Uncertainty |(Version 0.5)
3. ↑ Project Management Institute | 2013 | "A Guide to Project Management Body of Knowledge" | (5th Edition)
4. ↑ Winch, Graham M. | 2010 | "Managing Construction Projects" | (2nd Edition)