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Helps to understand the possible threats that might impact on implementation

Risk and assumptions helps us understand events and conditions that cant be seen at the start of a project,that may later affect our implementation hence giving enough time to make decisions at the right time.
We ask ourselves questions like;what could go wrong ?Is there anything that may prevent us from providing the inputs?
Thus its of great impart that we identify them before we start our implementation.

Hi...
What if there were no past events for the sake of first timers?

One risks and assumptions are identified, you can avoid these problems and take counter measures.

I have really understood this topic
In this context, a risk is defined as an uncertain threat that, in case of occurring, could have a negative impact in the completion of the Goal or Activity. An assumption, on the other side, is the necessary condition that will enable the successful completion of the Goal or Activity.
There are different types of risks that a firm might face and needs to overcome. Widely, risks can be classified into three types: Business Risk, Non-Business Risk, and Financial Risk.

First, it is critical to understand why unrealistic targets have been set. Some reasons you may encounter include:

Not knowing the baseline historical data well
Relying on performance targets used in other jurisdictions
Trying to inspire aggressive change
Setting an impossible target in the hope the program will get halfway there or further than it would have gone otherwise
Once you understand the underlying reasons for any unrealistic targets, you can let go of these goals or correct them. Correcting unrealistic targets is easy. By relying on available data, program managers can quickly make the case for more reasonable targets that still drive performance improvement by:

Identifying actual past performance
Confirming all trends and anomalies
Showing (not just saying) what it would take to reach the unrealistic target
Finding middle ground
Adjusting timeline for achieving the goal, if the target setter is unwilling to change the target
When leadership sets unrealistic targets, don’t get defensive. Aggressive targets are usually set by aggressive leaders who want aggressive improvement. That can be intimidating. It is not unusual for people to be hesitant when it comes to challenging an aggressive leader’s assumptions. No one wants to disappoint leadership or seem like a naysayer. When working for such a leader, keep focused on providing competent analysis your leader can rely on to recalibrate high expectations.

Leaders may also set unrealistic targets without having seen the baseline data, so be sure to show them the baseline and how it relates to existing targets. Be careful not to overcorrect unrealistic goals, especially during a change in leadership, nor to steer your recalibrated goals toward mediocrity.

Some girls will be refused by their parents

Religious leaders may refuse girls from their sectors to attend

Key members availability
Member's availability
Vendor delivery time

Some girls will be refused by their parents

Religious leaders may refuse girls from their sectors to attend

Key members availability
Member's availability
Vendor delivery time

this part is final stage in planning and is very important for risk mitigation.

Risks and Assumptions are vey good tool to illustrate the bias that can be occurred during the design phase. I prefer always to rule out the assumptions by looking for evidence for the relation between the inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact. And that what I have done in my current project, where evidence was used to show the positive relation between output and outcome.

Risk And Assumptions identification is really very important for project. With the help of this tools we will identifying our upcoming hindrance in the project. And ready for upcoming obstacles. Thanks.

Risks and assumptions may not be in our control but when they are identified earlier we are able to prevent them in disrupting the plan of the project.

Risk and assumptions are critical aspects of the project design, therefore should not be taken with levity. It would form a great heads-up for the organization such that future surprises would be quickly taken care of.

Thanks a lot for this topic of risks and assumptions. they apply to almost all projects am undertaking

it is of importance to plan for risks and assumptions ahead of time is so that one can understand events and conditions that are unforeseeable. As these may affect your implementation, therefore giving you enough time to make decisions at the right time. A perfect example is testing for our assumptions and risks within our logframe by looking at our past events and seeing out of those activities we
had implemented some of the common assumptions and risks.
Then go through our beneficiaries and ask them what would be some of the assumptions that we had put along whether they fitted and finally look at the list
of activities that we did and listed some of our assumptions.

Risk and Assumptions is very important. The purpose of risk management is not to eliminate all risks. It is to minimize the potential negative consequence of risks. By working with risk managers, employees can make smart risk decisions to improve the chance of reward. It can help in the success of once project by all means.

risk:these are the positive effects of your projects.
assumption:these are things that you believe but that are not supported by evidence

Some of the logic model templates I have used in the past don't require risks and assumptions to be laid out, but I think it's very important. Knowing the risks can help you to address them, and understanding your assumptions can help you think critically about your project and if it's really viable.

Outcomes: The changes measured at the population level in the program’s target population, some or all of which may be the result of a given program or intervention. Outcomes refer to specific knowledge, behaviors, or practices on the part of the intended audience that are clearly related to the program, can reasonably be expected to change over the short-to-intermediate term, and that contribute to a program’s desired long-term goals. Examples would be “the percentage of clients in a stop-smoking program who are nonsmokers six months after the program ends” or “the percentage of married women, ages 15–44, using contraception one year after a family planning intervention.”
Outputs: The results of activities achieved at the program level, in two forms: the number of activities performed (e.g., number of service providers trained) and measures of service utilization (e.g., number of contraceptives distributed).
Problem statement: A statement in an M&E plan that describes the nature and extent of the problem to be addressed by an intervention. It clearly states the specific problem and includes a quantitative element that describes the magnitude of the problem and its impact on society. The statement should also include a description of other efforts that are addressing the problem and definitions of relevant terms. An example of a problem statement is: A recent situation analysis of District A demonstrated limited access to young adult reproductive health services. Young adults (ages 15–24) account for 30% of the population in District A, yet reproductive health service statistics show that only 5% of the people using the services were in this age range. Anecdotal evidence from district health workers suggests a high incidence of unwanted pregnancies and a high prevalence of HIV among young adults. As part of the national commitment to improve the reproductive health of young adults, the Ministry of Health will implement a five-year project aimed at increasing access to youth- friendly health services, by improving the infrastructure necessary to deliver such services, and —in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth—by focusing on reproductive health education for young people ages 10–24.

However, is it really an assumption? Can you imagine starting a project where the people and equipment were not available and there was a realistic possibility that they would not be ready when you need them – perhaps because another project needed to finish first? It is not too difficult to imagine that scenario. In that case, the same statement would definitely be a risk – not an assumption.

The same statement might be an assumption or a risk depending on the circumstances of your particular project. There is some degree of uncertainty to an assumption. If the event is negative and there is a low probability that it will happen, it can be stated as an assumption. If the event is positive and there is a high likelihood it will happen, it is also an assumption. One way to identify important assumptions is to perform a risk assessment and look at all the low-risk items. Most of these low risks are not worth mentioning, but some will have significant implications if events do not turn out as you think. These are the ones that you can document as assumptions.

There are two key characteristics of risks and assumptions. First, there must be some uncertainty to the event. If there is 100% chance of an event occurring, it is simply a fact. If there is a 0% chance of the event occurring, it is fiction. Neither are risks or assumptions.

Second, assumptions and risks are both outside the total control of the project team. If the event is within the control of the project team it is neither an assumption nor a risk. It should simply be managed to make it happen.

Risks and assumptions help us follow a realistic approach towards our project and lookout for misinformation/ insufficient information ahead of time in order to mitigate for it in our project. Addressing this will lessen the amount of unforeseeable outcomes we may encounter during the progression of our project.

Risks and assumptions help us follow a realistic approach towards our project and lookout for misinformation/ insufficient information ahead of time in order to mitigate for it in our project. Addressing this will lessen the amount of unforeseeable outcomes we may encounter during the progression of our project.

Risks and assumptions are a key part of project design because skipping this part may lead to back and forth errands when the project has been rolled out. Assessing the risk and putting down some assumptions also shows that the project manager is open minded and is ready to put their bias aside.
Having said this, dwelling too much on risk and assumptions may delay the project kick-off or create unnecessary fear of unknown.

I have learnt the importance of identifying risks and assumptions. They may be beyond one's control but the can still be identified and measured.
Risks and assumptions will also help me to assess whether they are hurting my project.

I have learnt the importance of identifying risks and assumptions. They may be beyond one's control but the can still be identified and measured.
Risks and assumptions will also help me to assess whether they are hurting my project.

Risks and assumptions are a key part of project design because skipping this part may lead to back and forth errands when the project has been rolled out. Assessing the risk and putting down some assumptions also shows that the project manager is open minded and is ready to put their bias aside.
Having said this, dwelling too much on risk and assumptions may delay the project kick-off or create unnecessary fear of unknown.

This module has been very effective and eye opening. It has been brought out in a way that is easily understandable. The method used enables ones to test their understanding and ensure they have mastered it well before moving on to the next module.

A risk is an assumption with a higher level of failure. It is an event that could happen with a notable probability and could affect the outcome of your project substantially. You have to take risks into account when planning your project as they might change the entire setup if the event actually occurs.

assumption is a statement that you assume to be true. Without assuming certain things planning would be impossible, as we never know for certain how the future will look like. We have to assume our government keeps working, our organization will keep existing and the weather will follow its usual pattern. Sometimes we look at these things as if they were facts, but in reality they are just assumptions, as we cannot be 100% sure. Here are a couple of examples of assumptions in a project proposal.

A risk is an assumption with a higher level of failure. It is an event that could happen with a notable probability and could affect the outcome of your project substantially. You have to take risks into account when planning your project as they might change the entire setup if the event actually occurs. They might even end your entire project if the occur. Here are a couple of examples of risks in a project proposal:

I understand that risks and assumptions are derived from th outcomes, impact and activities

One of the challenges that our team encounters is understanding of the if, then statements. We have to look at our logframe more closely and make sure that there are inputs, outputs and outcomes that directly lead to the goal. The if, then process was very helpful. We also determine tht we needed fewer goals.

Right now our program is also facing COVID-19 as a significant risk since our projects are in schools.

Risks and assumptions are popularly found in project and if not well monitored and controlled will definitely hurt the project leading to achievement of undesired goal

The two primary attributes of a risk are the probability of it happening and the impact (negative or positive) that it might have on a project. Assumptions are “factors that, for planning purposes, are considered to be true, real, or certain without proof or demonstration”.

The community may pose resistance to the change brought by our project since they are used to their old ways and lack education on the benefits brought by our project.

The project may run short on funds since the community has tendency of stealing bins that are installed to collect the dirt throughout the province.
we may have difficulty accessing certain areas since we do not have the means of transportation.

Has anyone read up to this point. I'd love to hear what your views are on the topic.

Assumption of Risk” is a legal theory that basically means a person knew a situation could be dangerous but voluntarily entered the situation anyway, knowing the risks. ... In situations where your injury is caused by a risk you voluntarily assumed, you are responsible.

• Risks and assumptions help me plan well for my activities
• Risks are the foreseen events that can affect and hurt implementation of the project.

it is important to identify the risks and assumptions at every stage of the logfrem, from the inputs, outputs, outcome and impact, proper identification of risk and assumptions in the project design will help in removing biases that can happen. therefore it is very important as an M&E expert to spend some quality time during project design trying to identify the risks and assumptions.

Then from this case to me it means if we had properly identified these risks we could have known how to control and make sure that we get to our outputs and then outcomes, therefore we need to spend enough time during project design trying to ask ourselves some questions as to what might hurt our project at every stage

Yes through indications and means of verification.
Indicators are what you will measure. Means of Verification are the tools that decide how you will measure progress. These tools could be surveys that participants fill out or record sheets that volunteers fill out.

To undestand about the problem,make a plan for changes et take a decision for the future

This module help us to understand more on how to design our projects and identify all possible risks

Nice Fact

impact :To improve food security of rural smallholders in Northern Bahr el Ghazal
Assumption: The security situation remains stable and the project areas remain accessible to the project staff and implementing partners.
Risk: the attitude of the local authority towards the project

An assumption is any project factor that is considered to be true, real, or certain without empirical proof or demonstration.
Risk is any unexpected event that can affect your project — for better or for worse. Risk can affect anything: people, processes, technology, and resources. Risks are events that might happen, and you may not be able to tell when.
The main difference between an assumption and a risk is that when a project manager makes an assumption, the project manager expects this assumption to happen. If the assumption is true, the project will be OK. If the risk happens, then the project may not be OK.

There are two key characteristics of risks and assumptions. First, there must be some uncertainty to the event. If there is 100% chance of an event occurring, it is simply a fact. If there is a 0% chance of the event occurring, it is fiction. Neither are risks or assumptions.
Second, assumptions and risks are both outside the total control of the project team. If the event is within the control of the project team it is neither an assumption nor a risk. It should simply be managed to make it happen.

Risks and assumptions help you to know how to maneuvere through the project by curbing them so that they have little to no effect on the project.

I really appreciate this module cause it has given me a deeper understanding on log frame and how to easily create it.

I have learnt a lot

Risks these are probably possible to happen during the project implementation but i might not be able to have control over them, but if in any way during the baseline survey i was able to anticipate them maybe i would have some remedies of how to overcome them.

Assumptions, i might not be sure they will happen but if at all they happen how am i handling them so that they hardly affect the projects implementation.

Knowing that is likely to make you fail is half way of passing.

Risk and assumption are imported in every projects. We always think risk and assumptions.

In this context, a risk is defined as an uncertain threat that, in case of occurring, could have a negative impact in the completion of the Goal or Activity. ... An assumption, on the other side, is the necessary condition that will enable the successful completion of the Goal or Activity.

Identifying risks and assumptions serves to assess whether the Goals and Activities proposed are realistic and achievable in the given time frame and within the given available human and financial resources.
In this context, a risk is defined as an uncertain threat that, in case of occurring, could have a negative impact in the completion of the Goal or Activity. An assumption, on the other side, is the necessary condition that will enable the successful completion of the Goal or Activity.
In order to avoid repetition and redundancy, risks and assumptions should be defined at two levels: general and specific level.

General risks and assumptions can be either related to the overall implementation of the Roadmap or common to all Goals included in the Roadmap. Specific risks and assumptions will be related to a concrete Activity, i.e. a particular risk that could hinder the successful implementation of a concrete Activity or an assumption that is key to the implementation of a specific Activity. For instance, a specific assumption for the Activity "establishing an Authorised Economic Operators Scheme" is that incentives granted to AEOs are enough to motivate private traders to invest in the time and resources to get the certification.

If described negatively, an assumption can become a risk. On the contrary, if defined in positive terms, a risk can be transformed into an assumption. Thus, it is very important to pay attention to redundancy.
Assumptions that were considered in the form of risks do not need to be noted again and vice-versa. Similarly, risks and assumptions that were defined at general level, do not need to be mentioned again at specific level. If resistance to change is a major risk for the overall completion of the Roadmap's Goals, it would be also risk for the different Activities considered.

I think by identifying risks and assumptions for your project will actually help you figure out how to minimise them or work around them to ensure that you still have results or the desired impact at the end of the day.

Risk and Assumption are important part of the logical framework and the project as a whole. The risk involved are factors that prevents the project from having the desired impact.
Outlining this would aid making the right decision and proffer solutions.
While assumptions are refered to as our own bias. What we think would happen without evidences or facts to back them up.

Yes you are right, Those are risk pointed out by your mum and your assumptions?
I guess were your initial plan of thinking everything will go as planned . Nice

It's true . How to combat or avoids the risk plays an important part in a project. I like the idea of a survey through questionnaire and other possible mode of feed back from the workers or the environment.

Risks and assumptions can make me as a research be aware of the loopholes that might cause the goals not to be achieved, hence it's important for me to pay great attention to them before beginning my project

Risks are factors that are outside the team members' control. They sometimes lead to shortcomings within the project. Assumptions are one's own biases; often based on little to no evidence. If applied to inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts, both risks and assumptions can help improve these components and lead to stronger results.

Risks and Assumptions are very essential for a project design and for M&E process. These help to think about critically for the smooth operation of the M&E and Project work.

The risks and assumptions of the logical framework describe the situations, events, conditions or decisions which are necessary for the success of the project but which are largely or completely beyond the control of the project's management. Risks are events that may have a negative impact on the project but if the risks do not occur, then the project will be successful.

Crisis settings (both relating to conflicts and disasters) are ‘not normal’.This has ramifications on
all aspects of programming including planning, monitoring and evaluation. In general,‘normal’
planning, monitoring and evaluation methods and mechanisms presented in this Handbook
are transferable to crisis settings, with several important caveats:
! Crisissituations are dynamic and UNDP programming should quickly respond to radical changes
that often take place in such circumstances.Therefore,the situation should continually be
analysed and monitored to ensure that programming remains relevant. Changes should be
documented so that monitoring and evaluating of the relevance and appropriateness of
development initiatives takes into consideration the fluid situations in which they were
conceived and implemented.This will involve continuous situational and conflict analysis.
! At the same time, crisis situations are characteristically ones of raised (or potentially raised)
tension between different parties.Thus crisis and conflict-sensitivity should be exercised in
all aspects of programming—including planning, monitoring and evaluation—to ensure
that both the substance and process of programming is conducted in a way to reduce, or
at the least not heighten,tensions between different parties. Security of programme staff,
beneficiaries, and M&E staff can be a constant concern, and risk analysis for all those
involved should be constantly monitored and factored into M&E activities.
! It is important to keep a ‘big picture’ perspective: The connectivity of projects and
programmes to the wider peace process is critical, particularly for conflict prevention and
peace-building programming. Planning, monitoring and evaluation should always include
this aspect to avoid a situation where a project is‘successful’ in terms of meeting the desired
results, but either doesn’t have an impact on the wider peace or negatively impacts it.

I now clearly understand that in order to establish a well defined logical framework the overall goal or impact has to be realistically determined so that the inputs, the outputs and the outcomes can then be projected. Similarly, the risks and assumptions can then be defined. This clearly demonstrates the "vertical" and "horizontal" logics of developing a logical framework. It is obvious that developing a logical framework is a crucial task in project design.

Great module!!!!! So what happens when you are already in the implementation stage of a national project and something like the Covid-19 global pandemic comes to picture???

In this context we look at risk as an uncertain threat, that in case of occuring could have a negative impact in the completion of the goal or activity. while Assumptions on the other side is the necessary conditionthat will enable the successful completion of a the goal or activity.

Risk involves taking action even when you are aware of all the consequences and benefits that might occur but one still goes a head to do the thing.
Assumption involves having a notion that an action is dangerous or an action is good yet one doesn't have the courage to pertake and act.

I think risks and assumptions should be broken down by short term and long term R&A, as mitigating them would require different strategies.

WHAT IS REASON FOR DETERMINING ASSUMPTIONS DURING PROJECT DESIGN?

Outcomes clearly shows the effects of a program or project. it is a determinant for impact

knowing your risks would help you to tread cautiously when performing your activities and strategies to achieve the specific objectives of the project

my project M&E plan is education for poor children and we setup a school so the impacts or Goal are al children must learn end of school year a Numeracy and literacy , risk and assumption are , maybe children cannot come on time because of luck of transportation, they are sick ,parent's less awareness of education, volunteers don't come .

Risks usually are usually those things that are capable of happening and affect the implementation negatively buy if earlier on predicted can be worked upon.

Assumptions are normally are thoughts or beliefs that can not be supported with evidence for example boys are more illiterate compaired to girls,

Yeah what have discovered about risks is that you identify them prior and then plan ways of how to overcome or surpass them. One doesn't need to get discouraged by them rather to find solutions

Yeah that is so true and the assumptions helps one not to rely on their thoughts lest it could be a paradigm shift.

Risk and assumptions are a important part of project design. It gives you chances to prepare for possible challenges, develop mitigation plans, and ensure success of project.

@shadrecksamungu said in Module 2 Discussion: Risks and Assumptions:

Great module!!!!! So what happens when you are already in the implementation stage of a national project and something like the Covid-19 global pandemic comes to picture???

I think at this stage one needs to get back to the log frame and see what to be changed so to implement the project, for example include zoom meetings as activities, including the local personnel's in the field in case of limited transport, just coming up with solutions to solve the problem but as well implementing the projetc.

this is mainly important to know that when planning for any project, risks must be put in account to create awareness in case of appearance

helps me to understand what risks i may encounter in the project and the assumptions i have made during the creation of the project.

Are we able to foresee all risks?

risk- is the an unexpected outcomes that may happen during the duration of the project.
assumptions-these are the things accepted to happen during the duration of the project and are true but they lack proof.

risk are thing that you can not control that during designing projects we expect several risks in every phase during the project which may affect the outcome and the impact of the project.
Assumptions are believes that you can not say they are fact since the lack of evidence.

Answering the 3 basic questions which are, your project goals, project activities and potential problems that you should avoid, helps one design an achievable project

An M and E plan helps team coordinate roles and responsibilities and it will make sure that everyone knows exactly what needs to be done and why

ASSUMPTIONS
Assumptions are project factors that are considered to be true, real or uncertain without empircal truth or demonstration. Realistically speaking, its impossible to plan a project without making few assuptions. The key is knowing how to spot those assumptions and putting safeguards in place so that if any assumption is proven false, the impact on project delivery will be minimal. It's also important to note that every project assumption poses a potential risk. Below are some of the project assumptions examples:

• You will have access to all the resources you need to complete the project, both human and material.
  -Personal costs will not change during the project cycle.
• The overal cost of day to day will not increase.
• All eqipment will be in working condition through the project cycle.
  RISKS
  Risks are factors outside of your control that could cause your project to go poorly. Examples of risks include:
• Participants might not have access to all the resources they may need t o complete the project both human and material.
• The overal cost of day to day may increase.
• All equipments needed might not be in good working condition through the project cycle.

The risk and assumption show the thing of that hurt our project and to avoid that we must ask for us some questions that can help our project in order to keep the impact.
In other way it’s help me to know the disadvantage then to provide a solution

The risks and assumptions help me to know the problems that i can find during the project implementation in asking some questions to find a solution to provide a good impact

Risks and Assumptions proved to be one of the most crucial part of the logical framework as the help to plan appropriately and adjust our workplan and targets set.
During one of our project on the adaptation of local communities to climate change through job creation and access to financial services, we had tried to figure out some risks through assumptions. These assumptions were based on the main assumption that consist in knowing if the local communities get job and have access to finance would they enable to adapt to climate change impacts
from this main assumption, we had formulated the following assumptions

• Is access to financial services well enough to build the adaptation capacity of the local communities?
• Is the service provided to local community fit for its intended purpose or the context?
• is job creation enough to build the adaptation capacity of local communities?
• What was the type of job required for adaptation?
• Would the number of expected jobs enough to ensure the adaptation to climate change?

These questions helped us to avoid some problems and to tailor the project to the context and the objectives. these unforseen problems are considered as risks.

Thanks to this module I now realize that in project management, identifying risks and assumptions is of paramount importance for the success of a project and for the achievement of our objectives.

Very good course.

I have so far leant that risks and assumptions play critical when designing M&E plan. They may hinder the realization of the project's implementation phase from input, output, income and eventually the intended impact of the project.
A formative research can be conducted to a certain the level of these risks and assumption before the kick-off of a project implementation. This will help the project managers to generate information that will help them to make informed-decisions that will lower the level of risks and assumptions throughout the project implementation.

Risks are things out of our control that can disrupt the project while assumptions are ones biases that one believes can disrupt the project but their is no evidence supporting it

it is quite important to know and understand your risk while planning your project as this gives you an understanding of likely "hiccups" you will face during the project implementation.

Risk and Assumption
Risks are the things are the things out of our project control that might disrupts the the set of plan, so that this is the probability of things will be happen during the project activity
Assumptions- are the the process of biases, things that we believe without an evidence or it might be lack of much evidence based,
Risk and assumption is necessarily considered in any project development

Risk and assumption in program implementation is the probability that an event could impede a goal. As Peter mentioned in the video, it is always good to identify and plan for potential risks and assumptions before kick-starting a program. Such a step will help prepare you for any unforeseen circumstances when they show up during implementation. Risks and assumptions are as essential to a project as a spare-tire is to a motor vehicle driver.

This are the things that might disrupt our plan/project.
The should be thought of and solved before the plan/project start.

The Risk assessment is critical in designing the project. this module help me to capture the process, and stage design through log frame. Without understanding the risk factor and assumptions that intertwined with it, project can be biases and it will effected the implementation of the project. Risk and assumption allow us to capture supporting element for output to be produce and outcomes to be delivered to achieve the impact expected. I learned that producing risk assessment and assumptions should be cohort with inputs, output and outcomes to ensure ideas inline with the purpose of the project and facilitates adjustment and review for the design of the project

Risks and assumptions are important aspects when designing a project.
It is important to find risks and assumptions before the project starts, this will help you know what might disrupt the plan and what precautions you need to take if necessary.
It is important to connect each level with the other for easy identification of the risks and assumptions.

Risks are things outside beyond our control that might disrupt the project. Eg... A situation where you are doing a project and the impact is to improve food security in a region then it happens that there is insufficient rainfall within that Region-this is a risk that we cannot control.
Assumptions are the things that we believe without evidence.
Risk and assumptions are important aspects when designing a project. It is important to find risks and assumptions before the project starts.
For easy way of spotting risks and assumptions, it is important to connect different levels using the if/then statement.

Awesomeness lessons here

A project should have a a goal herein called impact. In order to achieve the impact, a lot of activities(input and outputs) will have to be carried out. The output results in outcomes. While outputs are easily predictable, outcomes are not predictable since they are not under our control.
At each stage of our project which is defined in a LogFrame (Inputs-Outputs-Outcomes-Impact), we make some assumptions(our biases) while there are risks that we may need to be aware of. Assumptions are conditions/events that will favor our project, while risks are likely hindrances to the achievement of out project goal. Risks and assumptions exists at each stage of the LogFrame and they need to be identified at the design stage of the project.
In our project(MEH) we assumed that giving microloans to girls will lead to financial empowerment. We saw that this many not be so as there are risks and assumptions. The girls may not apply the loans as expected. They may apply the loan to a business but the business can fail etc. All these are risks.

Identification of risks and assumptions during the design stage of the project will lead to better controls to mitigate the effects and ensure the goal of the project is achieved. This may result in other activities not initially intended.

Risks and Assumptions refer to things that may be obstacle to any project.