Week 9 Discussion – Post-Project Review
Please respond to the following:
- Compare and contrast the differences in the ATOM methodology for large versus small projects. Analyze the key reasons why it is important to address these differences when preparing the initial project plan.
Be sure to respond to at least one of your classmates’ posts..
Respond to student below
Ashley Lawson
3:50pm Sep 1 at 3:50pm
Hi Class and Professor,
ATOM, or Active Threat and Opportunity Management, methodology can be done for any size project because of its scalability to adjust to the needs of the project. Assessing uncertainty, minimizing threats, and maximizing opportunities can help make the project successful no matter the size. There are some alterations that project teams make depending on size when using the ATOM methodology.
Smaller projects tend to have smaller risk factors, staff, tools, and time. Smaller projects are able to simplify the process. In the Practical Project Risk Management : The ATOM Methodology, Hillson warns that small projects have “to simplify without being simplistic” (1). The important steps like defining the scope during the initiation still needs to be done correctly but can be done with less meetings and fewer people.
Another difference between the ATOM methodology for small and large projects is staffing. Smaller projects usually do not have the staffing to accommodate all the roles like a large project would. A risk champion is usually forgone for smaller projects or the project manager fulfills the role (2).
Because the projects are smaller with smaller needs, usually the project management tools they need are not as advanced as those for larger projects. The risks and opportunities are still gathered and documented however they may be documented using a simple spreadsheet instead of a project management risk software.
While small projects may have less time, staff, tools, and risks it is important to be efficient with the time. The project risk management steps still need to be completed and done properly but can be scaled down in comparison to larger projects.
Sources:
1) David Hillson. 2012. Practical Project Risk Management : The ATOM Methodology. PG. 197. https://search-ebscohost-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1672297&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_197
2) David Hillson. 2012. Practical Project Risk Management : The ATOM Methodology. PG. 200. https://search-ebscohost-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1672297&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_200