Impact Analysis Template
This template is designed to enable you to keep a log of the issues that a project faces and to record the likely impact that each issue could have on the overall success of the project. The different issues will be classified into a defined project type and a description of what it is and how it could affect the project are listed. This log also lists the work package impacted by the issue.
Understanding the risks and issues that could influence the course or outcome of a project are vital to its success. There are two facets of potential risks a project could face first, what are the chances it will happen and if it does how much influence will it have on that phase or the whole project? Identification of risks and issues cover all aspects such as how users, procedures and technology.
There are several categories that an impact will be judged on:
- Overall Change – focuses on the impact broad changes that will bring about the changes from the projects completion.
- Population / Audiences – looks at the impact on specific audiences or groups.
- Organizational – considers the impact on various areas of the organization i.e. cultural, processes, infrastructure
The impact analysis template is especially important in projects that have parts of the team working in different geographical locations. Without this sort of document it would be difficult to miss aspects of a work package that have changed as a result causing excessive levels of re-work. This document is a key component of the estimation process and provides background information and reasons essential to that process.
