Ian Sharpe introduces the Issue Matrix as a tool for mapping and prioritising realised woes.
Risk management is normally two-dimensional when considering the severity of risks - usually consequence and probability are both rated, to demonstrate the level of exposure and to help prioritise treatment of the risk.
However, issues management tends to be one-dimensional, ranking only the 'severity' of the issue.
Naturally enough, as the question is 'how deep are we in it?'
Suppose as a PM you had to report on four issues - each with the same severity rating - how would you draw a Sponsor or Steering Committee's attention to the right issue first?
We need a second dimension - while we can keep 'consequence' to help rate the overall issue severity.
'Probability' just doesn't fit well with how we talk about issues.
A better choice is 'Imminence' - the proximity of the damage arising from the issue in real time.
For example, suppose that the four issues were captured as follows:
...it would be clear that the insufficient executive support would be a higher priority to deal with than the workload pushback - even though both are ranked 'very serious' as a consequence.
Further to this, an issues matrix approach like this helps provide a home for risks whose probability of occurrence is known to be 100%. These are really 'issues with a fuse' and accordingly can be placed on an issues matrix right at the beginning of the project.
Where such issues exist around people and change, displaying them early on can help mobilise the right level of attention on implementing effective Change Mangagement practices as well.
A respected professional in the field of project strategy, leadership and management, Ian Sharpe has been helping corporate leaders to achieve the full intent of their critically important initiatives for over 14 years. His entire career has centred on improving corporate performance and building enhanced capabilities for his clients.
The UXC Training Group, comprising the Australian College of Project Management, the Australian College of Change Management and the IT Management College, is your single point of contact for building capability across your organisation.
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