In project management, assumptions are factors or conditions considered true or certain for planning purposes. They can be based on facts, opinions, beliefs, or guesses, and act as the starting point for logical reasoning.
Assumptions are crucial for project management because they directly impact project planning and execution. If an assumption turns out to be false, it can lead to inaccurate planning and ultimately, a project that fails to meet its objectives.
For example, a common assumption in construction projects is that the land will be available on schedule. If this assumption isn’t true, the project could be delayed or even canceled.
This is why validating assumptions before starting a project is so important. Validation involves gathering evidence to verify whether the assumptions are true or not. This evidence can come from research, interviews, data analysis, or other sources.
Assumption validation can be done by the project manager or a dedicated team. It’s crucial to involve experienced and qualified individuals who can assess the accuracy of the assumptions.
Here are some tips for validating assumptions:
- Identify the most critical assumptions. Not all assumptions have the same impact on the project. Focus validation on the most critical ones.
- Gather evidence from reliable sources. Look for evidence from experts, historical data, or case studies.
- Consider stakeholder opinions. Stakeholders can offer valuable insights on the validity of assumptions.
Assumption validation is an essential step in project management. It helps ensure accurate planning and increases the chances of project success. Assumptions not validated became risks!
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