What You Can Expect if You are Asked to Participate in a Risk Analysis Session

What is a “Risk Analysis” Session?   A risk analysis session is very similar to a focus group.  In the risk analysis session a select group of stakeholders will meet to identify the serious and likely project risks, along with preventive action steps, contingency plans, and contingency plan “triggers.”

What is the purpose of this session? The purpose of this session is to (1) rate each risk on likelihood of occurrence; (2) rate each risk on seriousness (degree of negative impact); (3) prioritize the list of risks by focusing only on problems that are seen to have an above average probability of occurring and that would also have an above average negative impact on the project; (4) develop preventative measure for each of these “priority” risks and assign responsibilities; (5) develop contingency plan for each risk in the event the preventative measures don’t work; (6) decide on “triggers” for executing the contingency actions.

How long will it take?  Two and a half hours. 

When and where will it be?  The time and place of the session will be included in the email that each participant will receive.

Why was I selected to participate? Participants in the risk analysis session are selected to best represent executive level staff from the technical, functional, and academic departments. There will probably be around five to ten participants in this focus group experience.

Who will facilitate this session?  Two staff members from Collegiate Project Services will facilitate the session. 

Do I need to prepare for this session?  No.  The session will use risk data collected during the critical issues session conducted prior to the risk analysis session.

What will happen during the session? The facilitators will take you through a structured process to collect your input.  The group will rate each of the risks or potential problems collected during the critical issues session based on probability of occurrence and seriousness.  The outcome of this rating will be used in prioritizing the list of risks, developing preventative measures, developing contingency plans and deciding on “triggers” for the risks.  

Will I get feedback after the session?  Yes, when the assessment project has been completed, all risk analysis session participants will receive a copy of the final readiness assessment report as well as a copy of a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the key findings from the readiness assessment which will include risk analysis.

We look forward to working with you in this important session!

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