

EngCon Project Risks
In Guidelines section - Model Guideline #18 on Risk, you mentioned "Controllable" & "Uncontrollable" Risks Can you give me examples?
Project Risks - 1
·
Project risks may be categorized in many
different ways
·
For example
· By size, by impact, by source, or by responsibility
·
We think the most useful categorization
is by source
· Because this should determine who is responsible
Project Risks - 2
·
The following lists take a simple
approach
· I.e. whether or not they appear to be the responsibility of the project team
·
They are most likely associated with
large infrastructure projects of long duration
· But they serve as examples
Normal Evolutionary Project Risks
· Normal expected variation in estimated quantities
· Normal variations in seasonal weather
· Typical variations in labor performance (productivity)
· Minor variations to Project Plan Assumptions (Scope unchanged)
· Normal escalation
· These should all be part of the project team's mandate to manage
Controllable Event-type Risks
Typical controllable risks (included as part of the Project Plan)
· And hence also the responsibility of the project team
· Variations in actual material costs, labor rates, or contract prices, from those estimated
· Design refinements or modifications to make the system work correctly
· Re-work and supervision not related to changes in scope
Uncontrollable Risks - 1
Typical uncontrollable risks (not included as part of the Project Plan)
· That should be the responsibility of the project's sponsoring management
· Changes in project concept, scope, or operating criteria
· And for which changes must be approved
· Changes in government policies and regulations at all levels, including environmental, social and safety
· And which must be processed
Uncontrollable Risks - 2
· Exceptional financial court settlements in favor of contractors or suppliers, including legal expenses
· Financial difficulties of contractors or suppliers
· Strikes and work stoppages
· Labor unrest
· Major changes in working conditions
· Seismic event
· Serious accidents or other catastrophes causing temporary cessation of work at site
Uncontrollable Risks - 3
· Unavailability of Capital as scheduled
· Unavailability of Resources as agreed earlier as part of the Project Plan
· Material shortages
· Unduly severe weather
· Unforeseen delays due to priorities of other projects taking precedence
· Unforeseen exchange rates
Unforeseen significant changes in inflation, interest rates, foreign exchange, taxation or duties