Thoughts on a Project-Volatility Metric: Part I -- Definitions and Assumptions

by Vince Kellen

Obtaining automatic and systematic insight into project volatility can help trigger management intervention earlier when it can make a difference. If volatility can be detected very early in the project lifecycle and assigned to the right potential causes, managers can alter the allocation of resources, architects can rethink the solution design, and users can revisit their requirements without negatively impacting the business benefit needed from the project. But how can managers get a handle on project volatility early in the project's lifecycle?