Assumptions INFS 4810

What are Assumptions? Assumptions . . . Establish the environment on which the project is based Provide a basis for all project planning and estimating Test validity of plans & estimates Foster agreement & understanding of obligations among stakeholders (Wideman, 2003) Are NOT a bad thing! (Davis, 2003)

Purpose of Assumptions Communicate the thinking of the project team to the project stakeholders MUST be tested & validated

Challenging Assumptions Assumptions are MEANT to be challenged If assumptions are correct The project team is covered The project team’s thinking is validated The chance of success increases If assumptions are NOT correct (in the planning stage) The project team can adjust the project plan according The project team can formulate better contingency plans

Example Assumption Categories NOT exhaustive Scope of Deliverable(s) Scope Planning Quality Time Cost Risk Resources Legal Communication Technology (Wideman, 2003)

Scope of Deliverable(s) “the client is accessible for soliciting project requirements” “the client has sufficiently communicated the project requirements” “the scope of the project has been fully defined” “out of scope items have been listed”

Scope Planning “a detailed WBS will be developed” “a detailed Scope Statement will be developed”

Quality “the acceptable level of product/service quality has been established” “the client is in agreement with the quality standards” “processes are in place to ensure quality”

Time “the client is available x hours per week for interaction/project communications” “project resources are available x hours per week” “the project will assume a 40 hour work week & 20 day work month” “project deliverables will be reviewed & approved within x days”

Cost “sufficient information is available for estimating project cost” “the project budget will be approved” “cost of products/services will remain steady throughout life of project OR price increases have been accounted for”

Risk “project risks have been anticipated & identified” “contingency plans have been developed for high impact areas” “contingency reserves are available for unforeseen events/unscheduled delays”

Resources “qualified resources will be available for project staffing” “resources will receive needed training” “client resources will be accessible and qualified” “responses from client resources will be timely” “adequate materials and equipment will be available for project work” “adequate & timely training will be provided to the appropriate project stakeholders”

Legal “required legal reviews will be conducted” “potential legal reviews have been identified and including in project cost estimates” “legal counsel for reviews is available in-house or through xyz legal firm”

Communication “communication channels have been identified” “communication mediums have been agreed to” “communications guidelines (mediums, formats, timing) have been established”

Technology “all available technologies have been surveyed & the most appropriate technology(s) has been selected” “the project will (or will not) require upgrades to hardware” “the project will (or will not) require upgrades to software” “the project will (or will not) require upgrades to technical infrastructures” “there will (or will not) be compatibility problems with existing (hardware, software, infrastructure)”