Number of “hand-offs” or interfaces

Whenever systems or processes pass information or responsibility between them, the opportunity for errors exists. The more interactions that take place to achieve a business objective, the more complex the process or system becomes. Often, changes that are presented to a project team involve incorporating data from additional systems, and incorporating the input of different departments into a corporate procedure. These interfaces or “hand-offs” of information and process create additional complexity due to the need for additional testing (initially) regression testing (to incorporate the changes into the system or process), additional integration testing (ongoing, whenever a change is made to the systems involved in the interface) additional training and, potentially requiring additional systems or business expertise to ensure the deliverable works as planned. Add one point for each new “hand-off” that is added to processes as a result of the change to the project.

Overall Complexity “points” scale

Elements of complexity, if accepted as part of the change, should be treated with additional resources, a careful assessment of risk, and potential action plans to address those risks. A conceptual example for incorporating and reacting to the “points” addressed for each complexity element discussed above is presented here. Project managers might want to consider this concept, adjusting the actual numeric components to be suitable for your environment.

1-3 complexity points……….add 10% to the risk contingency budget for the project

3-5 complexity points……….add 20% to the risk contingency budget for the project

6 or more complexity points….add 50% to the risk contingency budget for the project

Adding to the risk management budget can accommodate the unexpected issues that might surface now that complexity has been added to a project. At the very least – this concept surfaces the AWARENESS of complexity and might improve your judgment when assessing the true impact of a given change request.

Bob McGannon is a Founder and Principal of MINDAVATION, a company providing project management training and consulting, leadership workshops and keynoting programs throughout North America. Bob can be reached at MINDAVATION via the web at WWW.MINDAVATION.COM or by calling 866-888-MIND (6463).

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