Week 9 Discussion – Post-Project Review     

Please respond to the following:

• Compare  and contrast the differences in the ATOM methodology for large versus  small projects. Analyze the key reasons why it is important to address  these differences when preparing the initial project plan.

Be sure to respond to at least one of your classmates' posts..

Respond to student below

Ashley Lawson         

 3:50pm Sep 1 at 3:50pm          

Hi Class and Professor,

ATOM, or Active Threat and Opportunity Management, methodology can be  done for any size project because of its scalability to adjust to the  needs of the project. Assessing uncertainty, minimizing threats, and  maximizing opportunities can help make the project successful no matter  the size. There are some alterations that project teams make depending  on size when using the ATOM methodology.

Smaller projects tend to have smaller risk factors, staff, tools, and  time. Smaller projects are able to simplify the process. In the  Practical Project Risk Management : The ATOM Methodology, Hillson warns  that small projects have “to simplify without being simplistic” (1). The  important steps like defining the scope during the initiation still  needs to be done correctly but can be done with less meetings and fewer  people.

Another difference between the ATOM methodology for small and large  projects is staffing. Smaller projects usually do not have the staffing  to accommodate all the roles like a large project would. A risk champion  is usually forgone for smaller projects or the project manager fulfills  the role (2).

Because the projects are smaller with smaller needs, usually the  project management tools they need are not as advanced as those for  larger projects. The risks and opportunities are still gathered and  documented however they may be documented using a simple spreadsheet  instead of a project management risk software.

While small projects may have less time, staff, tools, and risks it  is important to be efficient with the time. The project risk management  steps still need to be completed and done properly but can be scaled  down in comparison to larger projects.

Sources:

1) David Hillson. 2012. Practical Project Risk Management : The ATOM Methodology. PG. 197. https://search-ebscohost-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1672297&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_197

2) David Hillson. 2012. Practical Project Risk Management : The ATOM Methodology. PG. 200. https://search-ebscohost-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1672297&site=ehost-live&scope=site&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_200