My Communities

We need to be very observant of the risks and assumptions in our project design.

what is the discussion point?

An assumption is ideas we establish as true for the purposes of allowing us to proceed with our project work, usually during the planning and estimating phase. Assumptions enable the project to move forward without absolutely certain information. For example, when performing the project planning we might assume that at a certain point in time we have access to 10 resources, even though at the early planning stage we’re not actually sure where we’re going to get these resources from.The main difference between an assumption and a risk is that when we make an assumption, we expect that assumption will happen. If the assumption doesn’t happen then the project is negatively affected. With a risk we anticipate that the risk might happen and thus negatively impact our project. If the risk doesn’t materialize then the project will benefit. So in affect we can think of assumptions as almost being the opposite of risks (assumption happens = project ok versus risk happens = project not ok).

Project Assumption is a factor in planning process that is considered to be true, real or certain often without any proof or demonstration, while Project Risks are uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on one or more project objectives

An assumption is ideas we establish as true for the purposes of allowing us to proceed with our project work, usually during the planning and estimating phase. Assumptions enable the project to move forward without absolutely certain information. For example, when performing the project planning we might assume that at a certain point in time we have access to 10 resources, even though at the early planning stage we’re not actually sure where we’re going to get these resources from.The main difference between an assumption and a risk is that when we make an assumption, we expect that assumption will happen. If the assumption doesn’t happen then the project is negatively affected. With a risk we anticipate that the risk might happen and thus negatively impact our project. If the risk doesn’t materialize then the project will benefit. So in affect we can think of assumptions as almost being the opposite of risks (assumption happens = project ok versus risk happens = project not ok).

Risks are factors outside of your control that could cause your project not to go run smoothly. Examples include

1. participants may not be able to get to the workshop
2. Participants may to gain any knowledge in the workshop maybe because they didn't pay attention
3. Funds intended for the project may taken by government officials
   Assumptions are things that one believe but are not supported by any evidence. They include;
4. Participants will be allowed to join this activity
5. Participants who have learned financial skills will want to save money

Risks are things that can really disrupt your plans ,even if we don't have evidence that they will happen we should identify then and deal with them early enough before they disrupt the whole plan ,they a time assumptions and can miss to happen but we should carb them to avoid the later damages just incase they happen.

Risks are things that can really disrupt your plans ,even if we don't have evidence that they will happen we should identify then and deal with them early enough before they disrupt the whole plan ,they a time assumptions and can miss to happen but we should carb them to avoid the later damages just incase they happen.

Discussion: Risks and Assumptions

Discussion: Risks and Assumptions

Risks are completely different from assumption. Risk are some events, or things that cause the project to fail, or not going as planned. The risks are there whether you want or not, that is why it is important to think about the possible one in planning phase so that you can plan the project accordingly. However, It is difficult to have a clear plan for all the risks because some happened right after the implementation.
Assumptions, mostly are the biases of someone who is going to implement a project. These are imaginary evidences that the project will go well and succeed not matter what.

Risks are things outside your control that might disrupt your plan.
Assumptions are your biases i.e the things that you believe without much evidence.

If there are not enough funds for the microloans then the girls receiving the loans will be fewer. The fewer that have received the loans might not be the right beneficiaries or they may not even be interested, assuming that they are interested, they may not want to start any business,they could also be discouraged by their family or they may not even know how to start a business, as a result their businesses may not be financially successful.

Foreseeing what may befall the projects success is crucial, to help you curb any there would be danger that my affect the projects progress, this understanding the risk before hand is key. Assumptions are things we believe though without evidence however once we have them on board they can help us in planning for our project.

Please I do have a question, are you suppose to list all the risks and assumptions of a project before the start of implementation?

How are risks and assumption related to the outcomes?

How risks and assumptions are related to inputs and outputs and outcomes.

I really enjoyed learning about risks and assumptions. I really want to make time and find where I can learn formative research though.

Risks are the things outside of my control that might disrupt my plan. Assumptions are my biases: the things that I believe without much evidence. It is important for me to find the risks and assumptions before the project starts.

Risks and Assumptions are useful way to help the project achieves the outcomes set by avoiding some interrupts that might occur. In this way, it would be starting by asking some and answering to some questions before and during project design process.

Risks are the things outside of my control that might disrupt my plan. Assumptions are my biases: the things that I believe without much evidence. It is important for me to find the risks and assumptions before the project starts.

risk are the chances you take to achieve success while assumption is a probabilistic solution to a risk or problem

This topic provides enlightenment on the best way of choosing indicators to be measured in the course of project implementation. We had omitted the risks and assumptions at the outcomes, outputs, and activities level during our project design phase, but the review of this Module led us to this oversight and made it easier to correct that mistake and fill that loophole.

The approach of thinking "what if" (or simply using IF/THEN) from bottom up provides a better way in realizing what could go wrong in the attempt to achieve the project goal, and also avoid our "individual" bias as we design a Project with better chances to succeed.

in a way and overall, the risk and assumptions exercise enable us to pre-test the feasibility and successful implementation of the Project being designed.

Unrealistic targets can be adjusted by a regular monitoring. They can be early spotted by an incisive mid term evaluation exercise.

The Participant Tracking Form is avails an incredible opportunity to gauge the usefulness of the indicator being measured in monitoring the chances of success of the Project under implementation.

The creation of a Data Flow Map avails the opportunity to review the entire Project structure in data format. The clarity on roles and responsibilities is a great summary in having a quick reminder of the entire Project Summary. The exrecise is handy

• Money will not be enough
• Residents will not use the VIP latrines
• Residents will misuse the latrines hence flies not controlled

Risks are factors that are beyound your control that could cause your project to go poorly and assumptions are things that you believe which are not supported by evidence.

Correct assumptions and calculated wisely can reduce the level of risk that will occur or arise, and the risk must be carefully considered to reduce the adverse impact

the risk must be properly assumed and the best solution must be found, whatever the risk must be acceptable and find a way out that causes small losses

I did a further research in the internet and I was able to further define risks and assumptions. With much gratitude to a website named , proposals for NGOS, here are the definitions;

1. Assumption- An 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.
2. Risk-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 they occur

Risks are things that can really disrupt your plans ,even if we don't have evidence that they will happen we should identify then and deal with them early enough before they disrupt the whole plan ,they a time assumptions and can miss to happen but we should carb them to avoid the later damages just incase they happen.

Risks:

1. The project must be completed in three months.
2. The project will be managed by interns.
3. The budget is sufficient for the entire project for one year.
4. The project can start even without certification.

Assumptions:

1. There will be no economic disasters that can affect the project.
2. The inflation will not affect the steady supply of materials for the project.
3. There are many projects in the region but no major competitors.
4. The destructive storm in the region will not affect the supply of foodstuff.

Risk identification in a project is essential in order to implement and complete the project successfully. Therefore, the earlier the risk identification, the earlier the plan can be made to address the effects and possible constraints.

Risk management is critical to project success, it may help to achieve the project goals and aid in avoiding huge business disaster and enhance its revenue hence saving the capital.

A risk is unforeseen threat that if it occurs, could negatively affect the completion of the activity or goal whereas an assumption is the necessary condition that will enable the successful completion of the activity or goal.

Risk are somehow inevitable, in whatever we do there are risks. The good thing about risk is are calculatable thereby you can plan to adjust them. It therefore important to consider risk factor in our projects. The same should also be done to assumptions. We should try to assume of events of some circumstances so as to have altenatives in hand. This helps at putting our project on a better position of surviving some adversities or hiccups that may arise during project implementation.

Assumption is when we think that something might happen
Risk is when plan or anticipate an effect which can be negative or possitive

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.

Good it is axact to the point

Good effort in the research to aquirer more knwoledge

Risks are happing on all parts of the project and it always considered during M&E plan and possible risk minimizing strategies has to be take in to considerations while assumptions are individuals beliefs about how the activities are coordinating to produce an output and outcomes. And assumptions are changing from time to time through experiences and how the project outputs are produced their intended outcome and impacts.

Good explanations concerning risks and its inherent behaviour while assumptions are individual observations that need to be changed through process.

My name is Patrick Rugema I am 38 years old and I am married with three children and I worked as Project Facilitator for Evergreen Agriculture Project in DUHAMIC-ADRI(local NGOs) I have interested in this course as I participated in the meetings organized at the monthly bases talking much to these issues
of monitoring and I need to build my capacity on it

this topic is very insightful for helping me to build my capacity

To me i think a target makes you brave in your decision making for the benefit of the project goal. but setting unrealistic targets means you are not decided on what you want and may not reach the main objective of setting up a new project. so i agree its better to set an ambitious and realistic targets that you can achieve at the end of the project.

Risks are factors that are beyound your control that could cause your project to go poorly while assumptions are things that you believe which are not supported by evidence.

Risks
Factors outside your control that can cause your project to fail. Examples include: participants may not be able to attend the workshop, funds devoted to the project may be withdrawn by government officials
Assumptions
Things that you believe in but are not supported by evidence. Examples include: participants will be allowed to take part in this activity, participants who have learned financial skills want to save

Risk are those things outside our control that could affect the implementation of our projects, while assumptions are our inherent biases

All Risks and Assumptions are always in negative form?

yes hallo

Why it is important to plan for risks and assumptions ahead of time is so that
you can understand events and conditions that are unforeseeable
that might affect your implementation, therefore giving you enough time to make
decisions at the right time.
We tested 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 we go
through our beneficiaries and ask them what would be some of the assumptions
that we had put along whether they fitted and finally we looked at the list
of activities that we did and listed some of our assumptions.
A common
assumption that we had is that Kenya will have a new government by the end of
August of this year. Unfortunately this didn't go on because there was prolonged
electioneering process and brought a repeat of elections.
Out of this it meant
that we could not implement our project. We created a subgroup that included
our beneficiaries and they could inform us about the risks that are on the ground
and we could plan appropriately.
We also adjusted our work plan and our targets.

Assumptions and Risks – Two Sides of a Coin or probably a head and a tail

Let’s take an example of a common statement that is included in many Project Definitions – that the resources needed for this project will be available when needed. What kind of a statement is this? Most people would say it is an assumption. After all, when a project starts, you always assume you will get the resources you need.

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.

Review the following examples for more clarity on assumptions and risks.

Statement

Assumption, Risk or Other?
We will have strong support for this initiative from our executive sponsor. Can’t tell if it a risk or an assumption. Depending on the project, there could be a high degree of risk in this statement (risk) or very little (assumption).
We will complete requirements before we begin design work. This is part of the project approach. It is not a risk or assumption because it is within the control of the project team.
Our vendor will complete their installation by October 1 Can’t tell if it a risk or an assumption. Depending on the project, there could be a high degree of risk in this statement (risk) or very little (assumption).
We must go to the moon to get the supply of meteor fragments that this project requires. This is not a risk or assumption because there is no risk involved. It is a fiction (0% true).
It is 60 miles from one project team location to the other. This is not a risk or assumption because there is no risk involved. It is a fact (100% true). (If it were not true it would be a fiction (0% true), but it would still not be an assumption or risk statement.)

Assumptions and Risks – Two Sides of a Coin or probably a head and a tail

Let’s take an example of a common statement that is included in many Project Definitions – that the resources needed for this project will be available when needed. What kind of a statement is this? Most people would say it is an assumption. After all, when a project starts, you always assume you will get the resources you need.

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.

Review the following examples for more clarity on assumptions and risks.

Statement

Assumption, Risk or Other?
We will have strong support for this initiative from our executive sponsor. Can’t tell if it a risk or an assumption. Depending on the project, there could be a high degree of risk in this statement (risk) or very little (assumption).
We will complete requirements before we begin design work. This is part of the project approach. It is not a risk or assumption because it is within the control of the project team.
Our vendor will complete their installation by October 1 Can’t tell if it a risk or an assumption. Depending on the project, there could be a high degree of risk in this statement (risk) or very little (assumption).
We must go to the moon to get the supply of meteor fragments that this project requires. This is not a risk or assumption because there is no risk involved. It is a fiction (0% true).
It is 60 miles from one project team location to the other. This is not a risk or assumption because there is no risk involved. It is a fact (100% true). (If it were not true it would be a fiction (0% true), but it would still not be an assumption or risk statement.)

well unrealistic targets are there but then they are not 100% true and valid. instead they act to push the m and e plan to its limit and strength it out for any potential outcome

M&E should be used at every stage of the project cycle. Organizations with great M&E systems start collecting data even before they decide what kind of project they are creating.

Good monitoring and evaluation Will be good impact for company

M&E should be used at every stage of the project cycle. Organizations with great M&E systems start collecting data even before they decide what kind of project they are creating.

I've learnt that it's important to assess risks and assumptions. More composure would be experienced during project implementation when we anticipate certain curveballs, and are prepared to respond to risk factors.

Also, it's interesting to see that assumptions are not enough...we need research and proof to back our decisions.

Yes, you are...as the entire purpose is to enable you to be ready and develop a contingency plan. The best part is that this information can aid in future planning or already existing information from past projects can be resourceful.

True, it definitely promotes efficiency and enables you to get rid of all dead tasks that we tend to carry along that might not directly influence impact or outcomes

M&E is the best thing that can happen for one's strategy!

Risk, and assumptions in a project entails project uncertainties and the possible impacts that the unforeseen happenings may impact the outcome of a project/program.
Could be financial risks, natural calamities that may hinder course of a project, manmade such as bad policies and political instabilities.

A good project must have assumptions on its logframe

Every investment has its risks and assumptions and Sometimes our assumptions may not become true, that's when the risk falls.knowing the risks of our project prepare us on how to deal with them if they might fall in the process.

Have the impact you desire an organisation in mind is one strong foundation in achieving the desired goals in a project cycle. With this your input, output and outcome are metued to suit the impact of the project cycle.

with the knowledge of how to create a log frame, it is important to know the risks and assumptions involved in ones project.

risks are factors that are not under our control of and assumptions are believes that are not supported by evidence and they are biases that can affect the project.

They are both not certain, anything can happen being a positive scenario or a negative one.

Researching and talking to stakeholders will be important in identifying the most important risks.

The importance of identifying risk and assumptions before they cause trouble is:

• you can understand events and conditions that are unforeseeable that can affects your implementation on time and therefore given enough time to make dissensions.
• Microloans may help girls upgrade their businesses’ equipment. This might lead to improved financial prosperity.
  -Girls will upgrade their existing businesses’ equipment.
  -Even if MEH does a great job providing microloans, they cannot be certain that girls will use the money to start a business.
  That is what separates an outcome from an output.
  -IF girls receive microloans, THEN girls will start new businesses or upgrade equipment in their existing businesses.
  Risk and Assumptions
  -The girls’ businesses might not make any money.
  -The girls' business might not be financially successful
  Girls might be discouraged from starting or their family or culture.
  -Girls might might not know ho to starting upgrading businesses
  -Microloans are given to the wrong people.
  -Girls are not interested in getting microloans.
  -There are not enough funds for microloans.

Risk and assumptions is an integral part of the projection design process and is paramount to its success. This because they help:

• inform on actions to take to ensure project success

• provides insight on upcoming projects

• Helps remove bias by highlighting loop holes in the project.

Risks and assumptions I identified helped me a lot in dealing with my biases as I realize at some point bias has been affecting me in most of my decision making which greatly affects project implementation. My personal experience with project implementation has changed and I can now attest the importance of outlining the risks that i may encounter in the process and at the same time drawing assumptions.

Did not understand what I am supposed to be doing

There must be an emphasis on the project's assumptions because many times without our knowledge we can unload our biases on the project

The "Risks and Assumptions" column of the logical framework lists all the situations that might undermine your plan. For each level of the logical framework-input, output, result, and impact-you will ask: What might go wrong? What might prevent you from providing input? And, if you provide input, are you sure this will result in output​​?

The if/then statement will help us discover risks and assumptions. For example, after reading the following if/then statement, we can ask:

What kind of knowledge will help you perform better in job applications?

Is the knowledge enough to help you perform better in job applications?

The "Risks and Assumptions" column of the logical framework lists all the situations that might undermine your plan. For each level of the logical framework-input, output, result, and impact-you will ask: What might go wrong? What might prevent you from providing input? And, if you provide input, are you sure this will result in output​​? Writing your project summary as series of if/then statements will help you spot risks and assumptions.

Risks are things we cannot control directly and assumptions are our biases that don't have any evidence to support them. I see how to bring out risks and assumptions that will potentially affect the project. The process of filling the logframe looks simple.

Proper risk assessment and evaluation of assumptions and biases are important for the success of a project

I am agree

I think this topic was really useful i learned allot about log frame many information were new to me and i didn't know about. Now that i gained these new information and techniques it will definitely help me in my work

risques et hypothèses

risks and assumptions are importants

Thank very much

For risks, they may appear some unforseen happenings which are not controlable either from the policy makers, government , stakeholder or society at large

For risks, they may appear some unforseen happenings which are not controlable either from the policy makers, government , stakeholder or society at large

Good materials

Risks and Assumptions have to be included in logical framework during planning a project, as if it can help project team to keep possible risks in their implementation plan. And it will be very helpful for them to take alternative initiatives whenever they face those risk. Moreover, it will help project team to achieved project goals properly.

Risk is an uncertain threat, incase of occurring, could have a negative impact in the completion of the goal or activity. Assumption means the necessary condition that will enable the successful completion of the goal or activity.

To define risk and assessment

To define risk and assessment

Risks and assumptions need be followed strictly

Risks and assumptions are a big place in M&E subject

Risks and assumptions

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.

Risks assumptions are very important in M&E

To me, risks and assumptions seem to be related and inseparable. Just wondering if there is a need to separate them in the logframe, in a way?

• 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.

The assumptions 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.

but Risks are events that may have a negative impact on the project.

Risk and assumptions is very important to take into consideration when you design any projects. Also you can understand events and conditions that are unforeseeable that might affect your implementation, therefore giving you enough time to make decisions at the right time.
We tested for our assumptions and risks within our log frame by looking at our past events and seeing out of those activities we had implemented some of the common assumptions and risk.

Risks and assumptions play an important role towards the success of a project design. It is therefore important to outline them before we start our project design so that in the event that we counter them especially the risks, we will be well armed with the means of edging against such risks. For the assumptions, it will be important to have them listed especially when we have no evidence of supporting them so that in the event that the assumptions do not hold under a certain circumstances, we will know how to adjust our project design accordingly

Risks and assumptions are two sides of the same coin. Risks are viewed or framed as potential negative things that can prevent the project from achieving its goal while assumptions are framed as positive things that could support the project to achieve its goal. Examples of assumptions include 1) the the government, community and relevant stakeholders will be receptive to the project and support its implementation. 2) In a digital health records system project the assumption will be that all facilities have internet coverage, computers and the staff will have skills to use the digital records system. Example of Risks will include 1) Lack of support from the government and other stakeholders, 2) Resistance from the health care workers towards the digital health records system 3) Lack of internet coverage and computers to all health facilities.

Risks show the things that could go wrong and are out of your control while assumptions show the things that you think can go wrong, of which there is no evidence. it is necessary to determine the risks and assumptions before a project begins. At each step of the project design procedure (logical frame work), you should constantly ask "what could go wrong?". Writing your project summary as IF and THEN statements helps you spot risks and assumptions.

Les risques et les hypothèses nous permettent de pousser notre réflexion sur tous les problèmes qui pourraient influencer l'aboutissement de notre projet. Grâces à cette approche les sillonnes du projet sont mieux définis.
j'ai beaucoup apprécié la création de formulaire des participants.
Quelles sont les difficultés que nous pouvons rencontrer dans la gestion des données au niveau de la collecte des données,

Identifying risks and assumptions provides the opportunity to plan ahead and smooth implementation of the project.
When planning a project we tend to be more positive and optimistic. But things can go wrong in any level and assumptions may not become reality.
Assumptions specify necessary conditions out of the direct control of the project though that must exist to achieve the desirable output, outcome or impact.
The logframe helps to identify these risks and the assumptions at each level and plan to mitigate the risks.
It gives an opportunity to revise the project design if the assumptions are incorrect or the risks are too high.

risks refer to the potential hurdles that the project might face and assumptions refer to the thoughts/ideas that the people assume or have prior in mind.