Risk Assessment Framework: Successfully Navigating Uncertainty

All initiatives start with uncertainty, creating consequences ranging from unfulfilled plans to total organizational failure. Yet ongoing research has shown risk management to be a frequently neglected area of project planning.

What is a framework, you ask?

A framework is a simple, basic conceptual structure of a process, adaptable to fit the needs and circumstances of initiatives (e.g., projects, programs, operations, even collections of activities). Robust frameworks (known as shikumi in Japanese) allow a company to change and weather changes quickly. A helpful framework is usable by a small initiative and usable across the organization and organizations.

This framework started nearly 20 years ago as a necessary process for the project management of complex software projects ($50M+ in value and typically lasting for one to five years). Risk assessment workshops, the recommended implementation of the framework were a requirement to improve project success. Although originating in the software industry, the framework includes best practices applicable to any industry or initiative. For example, implementing a good risk management plan is crucial in reducing construction claims, assuring quality manufacturing, and achieving business success. Users of the framework have applied it to other types of initiatives (e.g., enterprise risk management, manufacturing, operational risk management).

This newly revised edition of Risk Assessment Framework includes:

- an updated, scalable framework to proactively manage risk for any initiative
- a guide to tailoring and scaling the framework to put it to immediate use
- stress on positive risks as an encouragement to use it (hint: it can pay for itself!)
- a focus on a risk assessment workshop (the recommended framework implementation method)
- access to tools, techniques, templates, and guidance to continuously improve risk management
- alignment with the PMBOK® Guide and ISO 31000

This book provides a complete framework and a recommended means of implementation to establish a comprehensive, reusable, and sustainable risk management methodology for any initiative.

Tools and templates include:

- Risk Assessment Framework Implementation Checklist
- Risk Management Plan
- Risk Assessment Workshop Risk Profile
- Risk Assessment Workshop Agenda
- Risk Assessment Workshop Process Overview Presentation
- Risk Assessment Workshop Report
- Risk Registers (Simplified Risk Log and RAID Log)
- Sources of Risk Slide

It is up to the initiative manager to review the framework, tailor the framework to be appropriate for the initiative as needed, and choose tools and techniques to support the tailored framework.

All templates are available online and ready to use with pre-filled examples.

UPDATE MARCH 2020: Ray W. Frohnhoefer named as number 8 of 50 Top Global Thought Leaders on Risk Management by Thinkers 360: https://www.thinkers360.com/top-50-global-thought-leaders-and-influencers-on-risk-management-march-2020/

UPDATE DECEMBER 2020: Thinkers 360 named Risk Assessment Framework one of the 50 Books from Thought Leaders You Should Read in 2021: https://www.thinkers360.com/50-books-from-thinkers360-thought-leaders-you-should-read-in-2021/

UPDATE MARCH 2026: Ray remains in the top 10 Global Thought Leaders on Risk Management. Additional copy editing and minor changes to better align with the PMBOK Guide, Eighth Edition.

Ray Frohnhoefer is a passionate program management consultant, author, speaker, and educator with over forty years of experience managing software and technology projects, programs, and portfolios in multiple industries, including financial services and education.

In addition to managing his own company, PPC Group, LLC, Ray is also an instructor and faculty mentor at several Southern California learning institutions, including UC San Diego Extension and California Southern University. His mission is to help individuals and organizations improve their practice of project and program management, and many of his educational programs and consulting engagements focus on new and "accidental" project managers.

Ray is also a long-time PMI volunteer.  In 2001 he started as Director of Public Relations for PMI San Diego Chapter, served as Chapter President in 2005, and for the past six years, has been on Board Support Committees, serving the PMI Global Board of Directors. His current assignment is on the Ethics Review Committee.

Ray's project management strengths include planning, risk management, development of innovative methodologies and frameworks, conflict resolution, continuous improvement, and software implementation management.