5.11 Next Steps in Risk Planning

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5.11 Next Steps in Risk Planning

One thing should be made clear at this point. Some risk can be identified and eliminated by changing your plans, be they technical (design), logistical (implementation strategy), or user-oriented (training). This is intelligent planning. Keep in mind that Plan Bs are usually but not always contingent actions that will be invoked under potential but not certain "wrong turns." You can also build some flexibility into the main project plan, such as doing a proof of concept pilot, or phased rollouts, as a means of ensuring checkpoints with adequate recovery time built into the plan should the undesirable or unthinkable happen.

Writing a Plan B should not be as tough as writing an essay good enough to get into an Ivy League university. It is a simple business proposal. Based on doing the legwork recommended to this point, you and the potential victim have:

• Identified a risk requiring action

• Described the nature and potential cost of that action

• Defined the event or condition that would trigger that action

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