This unit applies to an individual who is clearly and solely responsible for the management and leadership of a complex project, either as an employee of an organisation or an external consultant.

In the context of this unit a complex project is defined as a project which involves:

the need for a comprehensive and multi faceted project plan

the need for a formal internal or external communications strategy

a dedicated and diverse project budget

multiple administrative components

multiple operational components

a wide range of stakeholders

a project operations team.

The functions performed by a program manager to manage risk within multiple projects are addressed in BSBPMG608A Direct risk management of a project program.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine project risks

1.1. Identify, document and analyse risks, in consultation with stakeholders and higher project authority, as the basis for risk planning

1.2. Use established risk management techniques and tools, within delegated authority, to analyse risks, assess options and recommend preferred risk approaches

1.3. Develop risk management plans, secure agreement of stakeholders and communicate plans to ensure clarity of understanding and ongoing management of risk factors

1.4. Establish designated risk management processes and procedures to enable effective management and communication of risk events, responses and results

2. Monitor and control project risks

2.1. Manage project in accordance with established project and risk management plans to ensure a common approach to the achievement of objectives

2.2. Monitor progress against project plans to identify variances and recommend responses to a higher project authority for remedial action

2.3. Implement agreed risk responses and modify plans to reflect changing project objectives in an environment of uncertainty

3. Assess risk management outcomes

3.1. Review project outcomes to determine effectiveness of risk management processes and procedures

3.2. Identify and document risk issues and recommended improvements, and pass on to higher project authority for application in future projects

Required skills

literacy skills to write risk management plans

problem-solving skills to control risks

lateral thinking skills to identify risks

planning and organisational skills to monitor project progress

analytical skills to review project outcomes in terms of risk management.

Required knowledge

risk management framework

risk management techniques, tools and approaches.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

demonstrated evidence of effective risk management for multiple complex projects

knowledge of risk management techniques, strategies and tools.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to workplace risk management documentation

consideration of feedback from project stakeholders as to how risks were managed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skill and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the risk management framework

analysis of responses in addressing case studies and scenarios which present project scope management issues and problems

review of risk management plans

evaluation of monitoring of progress against project plans

assessment of identified and documented risk issues and recommended improvements.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

other units in the Diploma of Project Management.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Risks may be:

actual

likely/probable

perceived

potential

Risk management techniques and tools may include:

calling upon personal experience and/or subject matter experts

conducting or supervising qualitative and/or quantitative risk analysis, such as schedule simulation, decision analysis, contingency planning and alternative strategy development

using specialist risk analysis tools to assist in the decision making process

Delegated authority refers to planning and activities that may:

be conducted routinely or as changing circumstances dictate

be done independently within broad guidance or by taking the lead of a team

involve consultation with other project members, teams and internal stakeholders

involve the selection, use and supervision of appropriate risk management methods, tools and techniques

Risk management processes and procedures may include:

communication with stakeholders, dispute resolution and modification procedures

implementation of risk control trigger mechanisms

measurement of actual progress against planned milestones

recording and reporting of major variance

setting key milestones at significant points during the project and at completion

Recommended responses to variations may be made:

in consultation with project team members, section heads, project manager and stakeholders

independently or with higher project authority endorsement if necessary

regularly throughout the project life cycle

taking into account internal organisational change and external environmental change

Unit sector

Management and Leadership - Project Management

This unit contains employability skills.