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Managing Project Risks and Changes

4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 9,105 ratings
see reviews
Margaret Meloni, MBA, PMP

This course will help you manage project risk effectively by identifying, analyzing, and communicating inevitable changes to project scope and objectives. You will understand and practice the elements needed to measure and report on project scope, schedule, and cost performance. You will be equipped with the tools to manage change in the least disruptive way possible for your team and other project stakeholders.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Define components of a communications management plan

2. Understand the importance of communications channels

Read more

This course will help you manage project risk effectively by identifying, analyzing, and communicating inevitable changes to project scope and objectives. You will understand and practice the elements needed to measure and report on project scope, schedule, and cost performance. You will be equipped with the tools to manage change in the least disruptive way possible for your team and other project stakeholders.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Define components of a communications management plan

2. Understand the importance of communications channels

3. Define the key elements needed to measure and report on project scope, schedule, and cost performance

4. Identify project risk events

5. Prioritize identified risks

6. Develop responses for a high priority risk

7. Identify and analyze changes to project scope

8. Describe causes and effects of project changes

9. Define the purpose of conducting a lessons learned session

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What's inside

Syllabus

Get Started!
Get started in this module by reviewing the course overview and participating in the course survey.
Project Communication
In this module, we will define components of a communications management plan, understand the importance of communications channels, and define the key elements needed to measure and report project scope, schedule, and cost performance.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches essential aspects of project management, such as scope, schedule, and cost measurement, and risk and change management
Suitable for students seeking to enhance their foundational project management knowledge and skills
Involves instructors with practical experience in project management, providing real-world insights
Covers essential elements of project communications, enabling students to effectively communicate and manage project information
Provides practical strategies for identifying and prioritizing project risks, allowing students to mitigate potential obstacles
Emphasizes the significance of lessons learned, guiding students in reflecting on completed projects to improve future project outcomes

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Reviews summary

Practical guide to project risk and change

According to learners, this course offers a class="positive">practical and applicable approach to managing project risks and changes. Many students found the content class="positive">clear, well-structured, and easy to follow, making complex topics like class="neutral">risk identification and change control accessible. The course is often highlighted for providing class="positive">tools and strategies that can be immediately implemented in a professional setting. While the majority of feedback is class="positive">highly favorable, a few reviews suggest that learners with extensive prior experience in project management might find some foundational concepts to be class="warning">a bit basic. Overall, the course is seen as a class="positive">valuable resource for enhancing skills in these critical project management areas.
Addresses risk, change, and communication.
"It effectively covered communication plans, risk management, and change control."
"I gained a solid understanding of identifying and prioritizing project risks."
"The module on handling changes was very insightful and comprehensive."
"Successfully delivered on its stated learning objectives."
Well-organized and easy to understand.
"The course was well-structured and easy to follow."
"Explanations were clear and concise."
"The content flowed logically from one topic to the next."
"I appreciated how well the material was organized."
Content directly applicable to work.
"I found the material on identifying risks immediately applicable to my current projects."
"This course provided practical tools and strategies I could immediately apply."
"The concepts for managing change were very useful in my job."
"I learned skills I could directly implement."
May be basic for experienced pros.
"For someone experienced, some parts felt like a review."
"Might be too basic for advanced project managers."
"Good for those newer to project management, but less so for experts."
"I was hoping for more advanced techniques in risk analysis."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Managing Project Risks and Changes with these activities:
Find a Mentor in the Project Management Field
Finding a mentor can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your project management career.
Browse courses on Project Management
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors.
  • Contact potential mentors and ask for their guidance.
Review Basic Probability and Statistics
This course heavily leverages probability
Browse courses on Probability
Show steps
  • Review probability distributions
  • Review basic hypothesis testing
  • Review confidence intervals
Review Project Management Fundamentals
Refreshes understanding of project management principles and their related terminology, which will help you immediately understand the course materials from the get-go.
Browse courses on Project Management
Show steps
  • Review your notes from a previous course
  • Read through project management case studies online
  • Participate in a project management simulation
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Read 'Project Management for Dummies' by Stanley Portny
Reading this book before the course starts will provide a solid foundation in project management concepts.
View Project Management For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase the book.
  • Read the book.
  • Take notes on key concepts.
Practice Project Communication Techniques
Practicing project communications will solidify the elements learned in the Project Communication module.
Show steps
  • Identify the key stakeholders for a project.
  • Develop a communications plan.
  • Practice using different communications channels.
  • Get feedback on your communications from other team members.
Create a Risk Management Plan
Creating a risk management plan is a rigorous process that will ingrain the skills learned in the Managing Project Risks module.
Browse courses on Project Risk Management
Show steps
  • Identify and analyze project risks.
  • Develop risk response strategies.
  • Create a risk management plan.
  • Monitor and evaluate risks.
Write a Change Request Document
Writing a change request document will solidify the understanding of change management techniques learned in the Change Happens module.
Browse courses on Project Scope Management
Show steps
  • Identify the need for a change.
  • Describe the proposed change.
  • Analyze the impact of the change.
  • Obtain approval for the change.
Volunteer on a Project Management Team
Volunteering on a project management team will provide practical experience and reinforce knowledge learned throughout this course.
Show steps
  • Find a volunteer opportunity.
  • Join the project management team.
  • Participate in project planning, execution, and closure.
  • Learn from experienced project managers.
Complete the PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Certification Course
Completing the PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) certification course will provide a comprehensive review of risk management concepts and provide a valuable credential.
Browse courses on Project Risk Management
Show steps
  • Enroll in the PMI-RMP certification course.
  • Complete the course modules.
  • Pass the PMI-RMP certification exam.
Compile a Portfolio of Project Management Artifacts
Compiling a portfolio of project management artifacts will help you organize and showcase your skills and experience.
Show steps
  • Gather project management artifacts from your work experience.
  • Organize the artifacts into a portfolio.
  • Share your portfolio with potential employers.

Career center

Learners who complete Managing Project Risks and Changes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and manage project risks. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Project Manager. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization. They work with stakeholders to develop risk management plans and implement risk controls. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Risk Manager. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager
Project Analyst
Project Analysts gather and analyze data to help project managers make informed decisions. They work with stakeholders to identify project risks, develop project plans, and measure project performance. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Project Analyst. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Analyst
Change Manager
Change Managers help organizations manage change effectively. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess change impacts, develop change management plans, and implement change initiatives. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Change Manager. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project changes, develop change response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Change Manager
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations define and improve their business processes. They work with stakeholders to gather and analyze data, identify business needs, and develop business solutions. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Business Analyst. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinators assist project managers with the day-to-day operations of a project. They work with stakeholders to schedule meetings, track project progress, and manage project risks. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Project Coordinator. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator
Program Manager
Program Managers oversee multiple projects and ensure that they are aligned with the organization's strategic goals. They work with stakeholders to develop program plans, manage program risks, and measure program performance. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Program Manager. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Managers oversee a portfolio of projects and ensure that they are aligned with the organization's strategic goals. They work with stakeholders to develop portfolio plans, manage portfolio risks, and measure portfolio performance. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Portfolio Manager. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager
Risk Consultant
Risk Consultants help organizations identify, assess, and mitigate risks. They work with stakeholders to develop risk management plans and implement risk controls. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Risk Consultant. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Consultant
Change Consultant
Change Consultants help organizations manage change effectively. They work with stakeholders to identify and assess change impacts, develop change management plans, and implement change initiatives. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Change Consultant. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project changes, develop change response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Change Consultant
Business Process Analyst
Business Process Analysts help organizations define and improve their business processes. They work with stakeholders to gather and analyze data, identify business needs, and develop business solutions. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Business Process Analyst. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Process Analyst
Project Controller
Project Controllers are responsible for managing the financial aspects of a project. They work with stakeholders to develop project budgets, track project costs, and prepare financial reports. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Project Controller. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Controller
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. They work with stakeholders to develop quality assurance plans, conduct quality audits, and report on quality findings. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Quality Assurance Analyst. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst
Test Manager
Test Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and managing software testing activities. They work with stakeholders to develop test plans, track test progress, and report on test results. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Test Manager. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Test Manager
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. They work with stakeholders to gather information, develop content, and ensure that documentation is accurate and up-to-date. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful Technical Writer. You will learn how to identify and prioritize project risks, develop risk response plans, and manage project changes. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and measure and report on project performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Managing Project Risks and Changes.
Cover image
Practice Standard for Project Estimating - Second...
Save
This foundational reference for project management best practices, terms, and processes. The course builds upon many concepts presented in the PMBOK Guide.
Practice Standard for Project Estimating - Second...
Paperback
$$
Practice Standard for Project Estimating - Second...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Risk/Benefit Analysis in Water Resources Planning...
Save
Comprehensive guide to risk management in projects. It covers the identification, analysis, and management of risks, and provides tools and techniques for managing risks effectively.
Risk/Benefit Analysis in Water Resources Planning...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Project Management
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of project management from inception to closeout. It covers the concepts and tools needed to manage projects effectively.
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning,...
Hardcover
$$$
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Effective Project Management
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management. It covers the traditional, agile, and extreme approaches to project management.
Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile,...
Paperback
$$
Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Writing in the Elementary Classroom Community of...
Save
Provides a practical guide to managing change in projects. It covers the different types of change, the causes of change, and the tools and techniques for managing change effectively.
Writing in the Elementary Classroom Community of...
Hardcover
$$
Writing in the Elementary Classroom Community of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Capturing Upside Risk
Save
Comprehensive guide to risk management. It covers the different types of risk, the risk management process, and the tools and techniques for managing risks effectively.
Capturing Upside Risk: Finding and Managing...
Hardcover
$$
Capturing Upside Risk: Finding and Managing...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Making Things Happen
Save
Provides a different perspective on project management. It covers the human side of project management, and provides advice for managing people and projects effectively.
Making Things Happen: Mastering Project Management...
Paperback
$$
(中文) 项目管理之美 (O'Reilly精品图书系列) (Chinese Edition)
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Head First PMP
Save
Provides a practical guide to conducting lessons learned sessions. It covers the different types of lessons learned, the lessons learned process, and the tools and techniques for conducting lessons learned sessions effectively.
Head First PMP: A Learner's Companion to Passing...
Paperback
$$
Head First PMP: A Brain-Friendly Guide to Passing...
Paperback
$$
Head First PMP: A Learner's Companion to Passing...
Paperback
$$
Head First PMP: A Brain-Friendly Guide to Passing...
Paperback
$$
Head First PMP: A Learner's Companion to Passing...
Paperback
$$$
Head First PMP: A Learner's Companion to Passing...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
5 hours to complete
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Irvine
Instructor
Margaret Meloni, MBA, PMP
Language
English
Transcripts
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Managing Project Risks and Changes belongs to the following collections:
  1. Project Management & Other Tools for Career Development
  2. Project Management Principles and Practices
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches essential aspects of project management, such as scope, schedule, and cost measurement, and risk and change management
Suitable for students seeking to enhance their foundational project management knowledge and skills
Involves instructors with practical experience in project management, providing real-world insights
Covers essential elements of project communications, enabling students to effectively communicate and manage project information
Provides practical strategies for identifying and prioritizing project risks, allowing students to mitigate potential obstacles
Emphasizes the significance of lessons learned, guiding students in reflecting on completed projects to improve future project outcomes
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