A work-around is a temporary solution designed to overcome obstacles in operating or executing a project. It’s not a perfect solution, and it doesn’t eliminate the problem, but it helps you continue with your tasks until a better solution is at hand. Work-around strategies are vital since they can help mitigate unexpected risks and disruptions that could derail an entire project’s progress and impact overall objectives and deliverables.
Understanding Work-around Strategy in Risk Management
Work-around strategy refers to the set of actions or measures implemented to deal with unforeseen risks that were not previously identified in the risk response planning process. It is typically used as an immediate response to a sudden unexpected event or situation when a pre-planned response is not available. It is critical to understand that workarounds are not solutions but only temporary measures until an appropriate solution is found.
For instance, if a vital member of your project team falls ill and is absent during a critical phase, you may put a work-around strategy into action. You can temporarily assign their tasks to other members, redistribute the work, or draft in a short-term replacement.
Importance of Work-around Strategy in PMI-RMP Exam
The PMI-RMP exam requires candidates to demonstrate a solid understanding of all aspects of risk management. This includes developing, implementing, maintaining, and communicating an effective risk management plan. Part of this responsibility is ensuring that a work-around strategy exists when dealing with unforeseen risks.
Exam questions may present a hypothetical scenario where an unexpected event or risk occurs in your project. Candidates will then need to identify the best work-around strategies indicating their strength in crisis management. It’s important that candidates prove their ability to sustain project execution even in times of volatility.
Key Steps in Developing a Work-around Strategy
- Risk Identification: As soon as the unexpected risk emerges, immediately identify and acknowledge it to prevent further disruptions.
- Examination and Evaluation: Evaluate the extent and potential impact of the risk, as well as its possible implications for the project.
- Develop an Immediate Plan: Conceptualize an immediate temporary response to mitigate the risk’s impact on the project execution.
- Implement the Work-around Plan: Implement the temporary solution quickly and efficiently to minimize the disruption and ensure that things continue to function as best as possible.
- Monitoring: Observe the implementation and gauge its effectiveness, making adjustments as required.
- Long-term Strategy Development: While the work-around strategy is in place, the team should start working on devising a permanent solution to the problem.
| Key Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Risk Identification | Identify and acknowledge the unexpected risk |
| Examination and Evaluation | Evaluate the potential impact of the risk |
| Develop an Immediate Plan | Conceptualize a temporary response |
| Implement the Work-around Plan | Implement the temporary solution |
| Monitoring | Observe the implementation and gauge its effectiveness |
| Long-term Strategy Development | Work on devising a permanent solution |
It is essential to remember that a work-around strategy is temporary and should not replace rigorous risk management processes and regular risk assessments. The primary goal of a work-around strategy in risk management is to ‘keep the ball rolling’, ensuring that the project progresses despite disruptions or obstacles.
Ultimately, an effective work-around strategy exhibits your capability to deal with unexpected situations, a skill highly valued in the PMI-RMP exam. Demonstrating aptitude in this particular area not only enhances your chance of passing but also equips you with a practical skill for real-world project management situations.
Practice Test
A workaround is a temporary solution to deal with a risk or problem until a permanent solution can be found.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Workarounds are temporary measures designed to keep project activities moving forward in the face of risks or problems, until a long-term solution can be implemented.
A workaround strategy should ideally be prepared during the risk response planning phase of the project.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: While workarounds are typically unplanned responses developed on the fly, it’s prudent for a project manager to consider potential workarounds during the risk response planning stage.
Which of the following is NOT a condition where a workaround might be utilized?
- The occurrence of an unplanned risk
- When an identified risk occurs and the contingency plan is ineffective
- When the risk management process is successfully mitigating all risks
- When an identified risk occurs and there are no contingency plans
Answer: When the risk management process is successfully mitigating all risks
Explanation: Workarounds are typically used when unforeseen risks occur, or when contingency plans for known risks prove ineffective. If the risk management process is successful in mitigating all risks, there would be no need for a workaround.
All workarounds should be documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Documenting and communicating workarounds is crucial for maintaining transparency, ensuring everyone is up-to-date with the current state of the project, and preventing the same issues from recurring.
Applying a workaround to a problem implies the problem is permanently resolved.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A workaround is generally a temporary solution designed to address an issue until a more permanent solution can be found.
The crucial aspect of a workaround is its effect on project cost, not project time.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Workarounds can affect both cost and time. They may lead to increased costs or schedule adjustments.
Following a workaround, the risk should be closed in the risk register.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The risk should not be closed but re-evaluated, as workarounds are temporary and the risk could still exist.
Multiple Choice Question: In the risk response planning phase, workarounds refer to:
- Planned responses for unidentified risks
- Unplanned responses for identified risks
- Unplanned responses for unidentified risks
- Planned responses for identified risks
Answer: Unplanned responses for unidentified risks
Explanation: Workarounds are typically unplanned responses that are devised if and when an unidentified risk occurs.
The primary objective of a workaround is to ensure that the project does not deviate from its objectives.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The main goal of a workaround is to ensure the project remains on track despite evident risks or problems.
The workaround method is a proactive risk response strategy.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A workaround is typically a reactive strategy, used when an unforeseen risk has already occurred and immediate action needs to be taken.
Interview Questions
What does the term “Workaround” mean in terms of project management?
A workaround refers to a strategy or method utilized to overcome a problem or limitation in a project without necessarily eliminating the problem. It can also be seen as a plan B or temporary solution to address unforeseen situations or risks that were not identified during the risk planning process.
What is the difference between a workaround and a contingency plan?
A workaround is a responsive measure to an unknown risk that was not earlier identified during the risk planning process, while a contingency plan is a proactive plan designed to address known risks that might impact the project.
Is a workaround a part of risk responses in project management?
Yes, a workaround can be considered a type of risk response, but it is used for unidentified risks. They typically occur in the Monitor Risk process of project management.
What is the main disadvantage of a workaround?
The main disadvantage of a workaround is that it is typically not as resource-efficient as the initial plan, because it is an unplanned, reactionary measure.
What role does workarounds play in risk management?
Workarounds help project teams to respond effectively to risks which were not identified in the initial risk planning. They provide a quick temporary solution to ensure continuity of the project activities without disrupting the project timeline.
In which process of project risk management is a workaround identified?
A workaround is usually identified during the “Monitor Risks” process of project risk management.
Are workarounds temporary measures for risk response?
Yes, workarounds are considered as temporary responses to risks and they are usually replaced by long-term solutions which are included in corrective actions.
Does a workaround eliminate a risk permanently from a project?
No, a workaround doesn’t necessarily eliminate a risk permanently. It is a temporary measure taken to keep the project moving forward until a more sustainable solution is set in motion.
Can a workaround be used for any type of risk in a project?
Not exactly, a workaround is used for unknown risks that were not identified during the risk planning process.
Should workarounds be documented in risk management?
Yes, it’s important to document workarounds as part of the risk management process. Proper documentation can provide valuable insights for future reference and risk management planning.
How are workarounds different from corrective actions?
While both are responses to risks, workarounds are immediate but temporary solutions to risks that were not foreseen, corrective actions are longer-term solutions, addressing identified issues that are impacting project performance.
Does every workaround require additional resources?
While not every workaround requires additional resources, many do due to their reactive nature and the fact they were not included in the initial project plan.
How effective are workarounds in managing project risks?
Workarounds are effective in mitigating the impact of unforeseen risks on the project. They act as a bridge to keep the project going until a more permanent solution is found.
Is a workaround always a part of the initial risk management plan?
No, workarounds are not part of the initial risk management plan. They come into play when an unexpected risk event occurs that was not identified during the risk planning process.
What is the connection between the project risk register and workarounds?
The project risk register is a document where all the project risks are recorded, including their responses. When a workaround is identified, it should also be updated in the risk register with the details of the workaround and any consequent changes to the project plan.
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