Reesby Academy · Project Management
Project Risk Assessment Basics
Spot project risks early and plan simple responses.
About this course
Most project problems could have been foreseen if someone had looked for them early enough. This course introduces a practical risk register and shows how to identify, rate, prioritise and respond to risks in proportion to their impact. By the end you will be able to keep a register that the team actually uses, rather than one that is filed and forgotten.
What you will be able to do
- You'll be able to identify risks across scope, schedule, cost and people
- You'll be able to rate risks by likelihood and impact
- You'll be able to choose a sensible response for each priority risk
- You'll be able to maintain a risk register that is reviewed regularly
Course outline
- Why Risk Matters in Projects9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizA risk is an uncertain event that could affect the project's objectives if it happens. Managing risk early is cheaper and less disruptive than reacting to problems after they occur.
- Identifying Potential Risks9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizGood risk identification looks across the project's main areas. Structured prompts and a short workshop uncover risks that would be missed if people relied on memory alone.
- Rating Likelihood and Impact9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizRating risks by likelihood and impact helps the team focus on what matters most. A simple scale applied consistently is more useful than precise numbers that no one trusts.
- Choosing Responses9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizOnce risks are rated, you choose how to respond. The common responses are to avoid, reduce, transfer, or accept a risk, and each suits different situations.
- Maintaining the Risk Register9 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizA risk register is only useful if it is kept up to date. Regular reviews, clear ownership and honest reporting keep the register alive and useful to the team and sponsors.
- Tools you'll need5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizA risk register can be built with simple tools. Spreadsheets and shared documents are often enough, and specialist software is useful only for larger or regulated projects.
- Careers & next steps5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizRisk management skills are valued in project, operations and compliance roles. This lesson shows where they lead and how to check what they may be worth.
- Final quiz and certificate10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.