Friday 30 December 2016

Integration with Asta PowerProject

December 23, 2016

Q: Integration with Asta PowerProject
Can I do risk analysis with Asta PowerProject using RiskyProject?

A: Yes, in Asta PowerProject you can save your project in Microsoft Project XML format. When you have saved the file, you can then Open RiskyProject and from the File menu, choose Import, Microsoft Project XML.

RiskyProject is largely compatible with Asta PowerProject files, though we do not support links between two tasks that have both SS and FF. In these cases, RiskyProject will ignore one of the links.

For more information visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1330

Thursday 29 December 2016

32 vs 64-bit versions of RiskyProject

December 23, 2016

Q: 32 vs 64-bit versions of RiskyProject

Is any different in functionality and performance of Win32 vs x64?

A: Whether you should use 32 or 64 bit version of software is dictated by the version of the operating system you have. 64-bit software will not run on 32-bit operating systems, though a 32-bit software will run on a 64-bit system. 64-bit software does provide some performance increases. Higher processing speed, better memory allocation are two, but this is irrelevant if you have a 32 bit Windows OS.

Rule of thumb: Install 32-bit software on a Windows 32-bit OS, install 64-bit software on a Windows 64-bit OS.

For more information visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1329

Wednesday 28 December 2016

Effect of Statistical Distributions on Success Rates

December 23, 2016

Q: Effect of Statistical Distributions on Success Rates

Does the type of statistical distribution matter when we calculate success rate due to deadline?

A: Yes, the success rate can be affected if the distributions have significantly different probability density at the deadline. In the example below, there are two tasks with the exact same estimates, but the statistical distributions are different: Triangular and Uniform with deadlines set at 6 days, one more than the base estimate of five. We can see that Task 1 has a much higher success rate than Task 2. This is because the probability or area under the curve at ≥ 6 days is greater with the Uniform Distribution and therefore the success rate of finishing at or before 6 day duration is less for Task 2.
Statistical distribution for duration for task 1 is Trangular.
Statistical distribution for duration for task 2 is Uniform

For more information visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1328

Tuesday 27 December 2016

Combining Deadlines and Branching

December 16, 2016

Q: Combining Deadlines and Branching

What happens if a deadline is placed on one of the alternative branches

A: Depending upon where the deadline occurs, it can reduce the success rate of of the branch. Deadlines can be used to measure how often an activity is successfully completed before a certain date. If you run 1000 iterations and the activity finishes on or before the deadline 660 times. The success rate will be 66%.

In addition, success rates are also affected by branching and show how often particular branches meet the criteria set for the branches. If we have both branching and deadlines combined.

In the example below, a deadline has been place on Scenario 2 > Phase 3 on the same day as the Base Finish Time. This deadline cuts off any results that exceed the Base finish time and has therefore a reduced success rate when compared to the other two scenarios .

For more information visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1327

Launching MS Project from RiskyProject

December 16, 2016

Q: Launching MS Project from RiskyProject
I noticed that from the Launch menu, it lists several tools including MS Project. How does this work and will it send the results of my analysis to MS Project?

A: If you run a risk analysis in RiskyProject, you can automatically export it back to MS Project either as the original plan or based on a certainty level (percentile) based on results of the simulation.  To export you results to MS Project.
1. Run a simulation.
2. From the File menu, choose Launch and then Microsoft Project. The Export Schedule dialog box opens.
3. Select either Deterministic (the original plan) or a percentile. Low and High are defined in the Project Options > Calculation. By default this is P10 and P90. Or you can enter a custom percentile.
4. Click OK. The schedule will open in MS Project.


For more information please visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1326

Monday 26 December 2016

Addin fails to load cannot find resources folder

December 2, 2016

Q: Addin fails to load cannot find resources folder

A: If you get an error message that the Addin failed to load an OutputDistr.png in a Resources folder this can happen if you have installed the software in a User folders of the system. The standard location is c:/program files/Intaver/RiskyProject xxx/ or any other location, defined during installation process. The resources folder is a virtual folder that is created at runtime and contains files used to generate the addin. In the above case, Microsoft Project will look of the Resource file in the install location, where as the Addin will generate resource folder in Program Files.
To fix this uninstall RiskyProject and reinstall it in the Program Files or any other location, defined during installation process.

For more information visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1321

Primavera integration task links

December 16, 2016

Q: Primavera integration task links
Unlike MS Project, Primavera supports tasks that have both FF and SS link between them. Is this supported in RiskyProject?

A: RiskyProject will import a schedule that has two tasks that are linked with both SS and FF relationships. However, because RiskyProject does not natively allow users to create these types of links, it will ignore one of the links.

For more information please visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1325

Sunday 25 December 2016

New book: Handbook of Research on Leveraging Risk and Uncertainties for Effective Project Management

December 23, 2016

New book: Handbook of Research on Leveraging Risk and Uncertainties for Effective Project Management

The Handbook of Research on Leveraging Risk and Uncertainties for Effective Project Management, by  Yuri Raydugin (Editor), published by IGI Global is a comprehensive reference source for emerging perspectives on managing risks associated with the execution and development of projects. Intaver Institute staff members contributed two chapters to this book.
Highlighting innovative coverage written by top industry specialists, such as complexity theory, psychological bias and risk management fallacies, probabilistic risk analysis, and various aspects of project decision making, this book is ideally designed for project and risk managers, project engineers, cost estimators, schedulers, safety and environmental protection specialists, corporate planners, financial and insurance specialists, corporate decision makers, as well as academics and lecturers working in the area of project management and students pursing PMP, PMI-RMP, ISO 31000, etc. certification.

For more information visit: http://www.igi-global.com/book/handbook-research-leveraging-risk-uncertainties/165881
http://intaver.com/news/

Saturday 24 December 2016

RiskyProject Integration with CA PPM (CA Clarity PPM)

December 6, 2016
RiskyProject Integration with CA PPM (CA Clarity PPM)
CA Project and Portfolio Management (CA Clarity PPM) provides the visibility, control, and automation to support today’s most critical business processes, including IT Governance, New Product Development, Risk and Controls Management and Enterprise Program Management (EPM).  RiskyProject/CA PPM solution enables integrated qualitative and quantitative project and portfolio risk management and risk analysis based on CA PPM data. Intaver Institute Inc. using technology and tools offered by its partner IT-ROI Solutions implements custom integration between RiskyProject/CA PPM.  RiskyProject can read project and portfolio schedules as well as risks with their properties from CA PPM. Using this information RiskyProject generates risk adjusted project schedules, rank projects based on risks and uncertainties within a portfolio, select critical risks and perform risk mitigation planning.

For more information visit: http://www.itroisolutions.com/

Friday 23 December 2016

Risk categories vs Risk Outcomes

December 12, 2016

Q: Risk categories vs Risk Outcomes
What is the difference between risk category and risk outcome type?

A: This is a common question because it is a slightly different concept than standard risk management terminology. In RiskyProject, there are risk categories that can be composed of 1 or more outcomes. The reason for this is lies in the Monte Carlo simulation models. To quantitatively model cost or duration risk requires not only categories, but subcategories that further define the risk assignment which are called Outcomes Types. For example, for a cost risk, it can be defined as a fixed cost outcome ($) or a relative cost outcome (% of the base cost).

So when risks are assigned in Risk Project they have inputs: Chance (%) and Outcome Type (Fixed or relative)> Outcome and outputs that are the more common Probability, Impacts and Scores.

For non quantitative risk categories such as Quality, RiskyProject uses the same calculation algorithm and requires that the risk modeling be consistent. Therefore, all risk categories require at least one risk outcome type.

For example, if you have a risk category Quality, you must also define an outcome type for it Quality Risk. The outcome must be unique as it will be listed because when running quantitative risk analysis only outcomes types (e.g Relative cost increase, Fixed cost increase, …) are listed not the risk categories.

For more information visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1324

NPV calculation

December 12, 2016

Q: NPV calculation
How can I calculate the project NPV?

A: NPV calculation is a feature of the Cashflow view. If your project has both costs and income, the Cashflow view will present a cash flow chart as well as the calculated NPV for both the original plan and with risks and uncertainties. To calculate the NPV enter a discount rate in the Discount Rate box. Once you have a discount rate, during the simulation, RiskyProject will calculate both the NOV and the IRR (Internal Rate of Return).

For more information visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1323

What is the difference between risk category and risk outcome type?

December 12, 2016

Q: Risk categories vs Risk Outcomes
What is the difference between risk category and risk outcome type?

A: This is a common question because it is a slightly different concept than standard risk management terminology. In RiskyProject, there are risk categories that can be composed of 1 or more outcomes. The reason for this is lies in the Monte Carlo simulation models. To quantitatively model cost or duration risk requires not only categories, but subcategories that further define the risk assignment which are called Outcomes Types. For example, for a cost risk, it can be defined as a fixed cost outcome ($) or a relative cost outcome (% of the base cost).

So when risks are assigned in Risk Project they have inputs: Chance (%) and Outcome Type (Fixed or relative)> Outcome and outputs that are the more common Probability, Impacts and Scores.

For non quantitative risk categories such as Quality, RiskyProject uses the same calculation algorithm and requires that the risk modeling be consistent. Therefore, all risk categories require at least one risk outcome type.

For example, if you have a risk category Quality, you must also define an outcome type for it Quality Risk. The outcome must be unique as it will be listed because when running quantitative risk analysis only outcomes types (e.g Relative cost increase, Fixed cost increase, …) are listed not the risk categories.

For more information visit: http://intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1324

Sunday 18 December 2016

New Intaver Institute’s website

December 3, 2016
New Intaver Institute’s website
Intaver Institute just unveiled new look of company’s web site www.intaver.com. Its responsive design allows the web site to be viewed on different mobile platforms including smart phones and tables. We also include more information about our RiskyProject software,  our risk analysis and risk management methodology and our consulting and training services.

For more information please visit: http://intaver.com/news/

Saturday 17 December 2016

Can the Lite version be used with RiskyProject Enterprise

December 1, 2016

Q: Can the Lite version be used with RiskyProject Enterprise
We currently have about 15 user licenses with a mixture of Professional and Lite and are considering moving to your enterprise version. Can we continue to use the Lite version with the Enterprise database.

A: Yes, both RiskyProject Professional and RiskyProject Lite can be used as clients for the Enterprise version. This requires you to:

a. Go to Tools > RiskyProject Configuration group > Update RiskyProject License.
b. Click Next and you will be prompted to close RiskyProject. Next time you open RiskyProject Lite, you will need to define database connection properties as it was described in RiskyProject Enterprise Administrator’s Guide.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1318

Saving documents

December 1, 2016

Q: Saving documents
Can we save or attach related documents to RiskyProject?

A: Documents can be either saved or linked to any risk in RiskyProject Enterprise.Documents can be saved or linked and updated at any time. There are no limits to the number or size/type of documents that can be linked to a risk. In the example below we have saved a file to the database that includes additional information regarding the risk assessment.
We can see the link to the file in the Documents tab. The description tells us that it is saved in the database. Click the Extract Document button, to save it to a local drive.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1319

How can I view only specific risks?

December 1, 2016

Q:How can I view only specific risks?
We have large project and the risk register currently has over 100 risks and it is becoming difficult to find specific risks. We would like to see just the subset of risks that are impacting our team. Is there anyway to do this?

A: Yes, you can filter the risk register based on any risk property. In the risk Custom Properties you can use one of the predefined properties eg. Division or Team. Ensure that when risks are identified that the property is populated with your team’s unique name (e.g Design). This can then be used to filter the risk.

To define a filter, click the Filter button on the Risk Register. In the example below, we created a filter to show risks being managed by the Drilling Crew. Filters use Boolean logic and with and or statements, so this could be extended to Managers for specific regions or other properties.

For more information please visit:http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1320

Sunday 27 November 2016

Viewing the Legend

November 24, 2016

Q: Viewing the Legend
I was giving a quick orientation of RiskyProject Enterprise and somehow have hidden the Legend. I don’t always use it, but I thought it was helpful when I first started. How can I turn it on?

A: The Legend pane provides a quick key to the various elements on the current screen. It can be toggled on or off by going to the Tools tab > View and clicking the Legend check box. It works the same way in RiskyProject Professional and RiskyProject Enterprise.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1317

Saturday 26 November 2016

Analysis Reports

November 24, 2016

Q: Analysis Reports
There seems to be a lot of different reporting/analysis views that available in RiskyProject. Other than the standard statistical reports, is there any particular report that you think is valuable?

A: The histograms, cumulative probability and tornado charts tell us what, but they don’t tell us why. There is on report that I do think is often over looked and underused because it doesn’t have the eye catching charts, but is extremely effective at communicating the “why” of the analysis: the All Risks report.

The All Risks report is available in RiskyProject Professional in the Reports tab. It provides a very good overview of all important risk modeling information per risk in an easy to read and customize format. In many ways it is the counterpart to the Risk Register view which provides a high level view of the results of the simulation. However, if you really need to understand how each risk was assigned or modelled, you would have to drill down into the risk information. The All Risks report automatically provides this risk assignment information for all the project risks in an easy to understand format and can be customized to show as little or as much information about risk assignment that you require.

Below is an example of the report. As you can see, it quickly provides information regarding how the risk has been assigned to the project and is a great tool if you need to review your modelling assumptions with our team or other stakeholders.

To generate the All Risk report, simply click Reports > Report All Risks. Use the Customize Report button at the top to add or delete report elements. You can easily print the report, from the File > Print menu.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1315

Exporting schedules to RiskyProject from the Addin

November 24, 2016

Q: Exporting schedules to RiskyProject from the Addin
Other than saving the file as a xml file in project and then importing the schedule into RiskyProject, is there any other format I can use. The xml creates extremely large files that are quite slow.

A: With the RiskyProject Addin, you can quickly transfer your project file to RiskyProject automatically. To do this click on anyone of the View buttons (Project Results or Risks) in the Addin. The latest versions of RiskyProject use a new process to directly extract data from the Microsoft Project data model. When you click one of these views, this starts the export process and automatically launches RiskyProject with the schedule loaded. This process is much quicker and greatly improves the time and computer resources required to load the schedule and run a simulation.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1316

Sunday 20 November 2016

Does version 6.1 support cost type resources?

November 15, 2016

Q: Cost type resources.
Does version 6.1 support cost type resources?

A: Yes. Cost type resources are a resource type that was introduced into MS Project 2010. Cost resources are different from other resource types in that they do not have any units or cost /use. Rather they are a single cost that can be assigned to an activity. In this way, they act similarly to fixed costs in that they are not time dependent.

If your MSP schedule has cost type resources, RiskyProject will interpret them In correctly Costs for cost resources are not entered in the Resources view, but in the Task Information > Resources tab and is accounted for as a resource cost.

In the example below, a cost type resource ($5000) has been assigned to an activity. This assignment is reflected in the Cost and Income view as a resource cost (Res. Cost) and included as part of total costs (Tot. Cost). Cost type resources are useful, if you have many fixed cost items and would like to be able track and account for them in a similar manner as other type of resources.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1314

What is the difference between variable and fixed costs

November 15, 2016

Q: What is the difference between variable and fixed costs
Is there a difference between variable and fixed costs in RiskyProject and how are they entered?

A: Variable costs are those costs associated with resources that include a rate and units (allocation). Costs are calculated as a function of the rate * units consumed. Generally, the variable cost will fluctuate with the duration of the activities to which resources are assigned.
Fixed costs are those costs incurred that are not time dependent. Commonly, fixed costs can represent costs for materials or other one time fees etc. when the amount is not dependent upon the project schedule. Unlike resources, fixed costs are assigned to specific activates. In RiskyProject, fixed costs are added in the Cost and Income view.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1313

Viewing Project results for Work

November 15, 2016

Q: Viewing Project results for Work
Is it possible to create a chart that shows results for Work (#of hrs or effort) for the entire project?

A: Yes, if you have a resource loaded schedule, work for all resources, tasks, and the project is calculated during the Monte Carlo simulation.
To view Work for the entire project:

1. Run a simulation.
2. Open Analysis > Project Summary.
3. Click Statistical Data for Work (lower right). A chart showing the probabilistic results for work opens.

The chart can be a histogram, cumulative probability, or as in the example below, a combination of the two.
The work data or statistics can be copied for use in other programs by right-clicking and using shortcut menu.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1312

Saturday 12 November 2016

Launching Microsoft Project from RiskyProject

November 4, 2016

Q: Launching Microsoft Project from RiskyProject
Can I launch Microsoft Project from RiskyProject Enterprise and transfer RiskyProject schedules to it?

A: RiskyProject schedulr can be exported in Microsoft Project using XML file. RiskyProject offers a way to launch Microsoft Project directly from RiskyProject. In this case schedule in RiskyProject will be exported to Microsoft Project "behind the scenes", saved in the temporary file, then Microsoft Project will be executed and file will be opened in Microsoft Project. If RiskyProject containts only deterministic project schedule, it will be presented in Microsoft Project. If RiskyProject has results of Monte Carlo simulations, the dialog will come up:
You can choose what results would you line to export to Microsoft Project.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1311

Wednesday 9 November 2016

How to disable low/high traingles on the Gantt chart

November 4 2016

Q: How to disable low/high traingles on the Gantt chart
How can I disable triangles depicting low and high estimates of task start and finish times in the Gantt chart within Result Gant View?
Project risk management, decision and risk analysis

A: The blue "triangles" are used to display low and high start and finish times for tasks. They are presented within Result Gantt view. Sometimes projects have a lot of uncertainties. In this case the chart can be very crowded, because these "triangles" can be very long. It is possible to disable these "triangles". To do it just right click on the Gantt chart. The drop down menu will come up. Then click on "Show Both Low/High Results". But default these "triangles" are enabled.

FOr more informarmation please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1309

Elapsed duration

November 4, 2016

Q: Elapsed duration
We have tasks with elapsed duration in Microsoft Project. How is it handled in RiskyProject?

A: Elapsed duration is a feature of Microsoft Project. Elapsed days are used when a task’s duration needs to disregard any ‘nonworking time’ or resource constraints. For example if you need a task to be scheduled over 10 consecutive days including weekends and ignoring resource availability you could set the duration to ‘10 edays’. It is defined by symbol 'e' before duration units, although this symbol can be different for different local versions of Microsoft Project.

Recent version of RiskyProject 6.1 does not support elapsed duration directly, although new version RiskyProject 7 will support it. Currently if Microsoft Project has task duration or lag with elapsed duration RiskyProject calculates equivalent non-elapsed duration based on task start and finish times:
In other words schedule with elapsed duration tasks in RiskyProject will have the same start and finish times for all tasks as in Microsoft Project, but absolute duration of these elapsed duration tasks can be different.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1310

Sunday 30 October 2016

View cost distribution for specific time intervals

October 26, 2016

Q: View cost distribution for specific time intervals.
Is it possible to see the Monte Carlo charts for cost over a specific interval rather than an activity?

A: Yes, this information is available in the Cashflow view with provides forecasts about expected revenues (cost and income) over the course of a project.
To view the cost results for a specific interval:
1. On the ribbon, click the Analysis tab >, Cashflow view.
2. Select the time interval from the Periodicity drop-down list. The intervals can be monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, and yearly.
3. Double-click on the interval or right-click and select Results for selected interval. The Monte Carlo Simulation Results charts open.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1307

Printing Histograms or Cumulative Probability Charts

October 26, 2016

Q: Printing Histograms or Cumulative Probability Charts
How can I print the simulation result charts?

A: The quickest way to get a printed or hardcopy of the simulation results charts is to open the results that you want to print. This can be for activities on the Result Gantt or the project in the Project Summary. Once you have the charts open in RiskyProject, right-click and from the shortcut menu you can copy the chart image to the clipboard or as an image file.

You can use the image in presentation or document, which you can then print. Typically, people will copy the images into a standard report. It is also possible to print the charts using the Statistics Report.


For more information please visit:http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1308

Saturday 29 October 2016

Joint Confidence for Activities

October 26, 2016

Q: Joint Confidence for Activities
Is there anyway to calculate the chance that a milestone will meet both cost and schedule goals?

A: The probability that you will meet both cost and schedule objectives is often referred to as the Joint Confidence Level (JCL). RiskyProject calculates and visualizes the results on the Cost vs. Duration Scatter Plot that can be viewed from the Project Summary view. To view the JCL plot, click the Cost vs. Duration Scatter Plot button.
Joint Confidence is the product of the chance of meeting cost and duration values and can be expressed as JCL= ChanceDuration * ChanceCost where chance is expressed as a coefficient i.e. 0.5. With this in mind, it is possible to manually calculate the chance that you will meet both cost and schedule objectives for any activity in the schedule. Once you have run the simulation, open the Result Gantt. Select the milestone or activity that you want to calculate the joint confidence.

Click the Probability Plot button to open the simulation results. Double click on the Cost chart to bring up the details view. Using the Statistics view, check the Deterministic value. This should be your objective. Then compare this to the values in the Percentiles tab. The Percentiles listed are equal to the chance that you will meet that cost or be lower. Record the percentile that represent the deterministic value.
Repeat this for the Finish Time (or Duration) chart. You should end up with 2 values, for example Cost P35 and Finish Time is P55.

JCL = Cost (.35) * FinishTime (.55)
JCL= 19.25%

In layman’s terms this would mean you have a less than 1 in 5 chance of meeting both cost and schedule.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1306

Master Schedules

October 21, 2016

Q: Master Schedules
How does RiskyProject manage MS Project Master schedules?

A: Essentially RiskyProject merges a master schedule with n subprojects into 1 large schedule. Cross project links are converted into standard links such as in a schedule in MS Project is converted to RiskyProject schedule. You will not notice this if you run the analysis using the RiskyProject MSP Addin; however, if you open the Master Project in RiskyProject you will see that cross project links are shown as a standard link in the Predecessors tab of the Task Information view.

In addition, if you compare the task numbering, RiskyProject renumbers all tasks in the Master Schedule; whereas in MS Project each subproject has its own task numbering. Because MS Master Projects do not have unique task numbers (there can be n Task 1s etc.) this RiskyProject relies on unique WBS IDs to properly convert the subprojects to a single project file.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1305

Monday 24 October 2016

Customising the Tornado Chart

October 21, 2016

Q: Customising the Tornado Chart
It seems that the Tornado Chart has different colors for different types of data and different calculations. Can you modify the colors? Also, which is the preferred “Sensitivity calculation algorithm”. Does it change the ranking at all?


A: IThe color schemes are hardcoded and correspond with the underlying Windows theme colors. Therefore the outside frame color cannot be changed, but you can modify how the actual data is formatted using the Application Look dialog in the Tools > Resources and Settings.
RiskyProject comes with 2 sensitivity algorithms: Rank order correlation coefficient and Contribution to variance. Both are based on Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and return the same order of results. Many people prefer the Contribution to variance as it provides a more context into the relative scale that each activity or risk is contribution to the overall variance in a particular parameter (cost, finish time, etc). If your audience is not familiar with correlation coefficients, the contribution to variance provides a more easily understandable measure. For example if your project has $2M at risk, the contribution to variance shows the % of that that can be identified with a particular activity or risk.

In the example, if there was $2M at risk, the Task 19 is contributing 34% or approximately $680K. This is much easier for project team to understand the potential impact.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1304

Calendar Exceptions

October 21, 2016

Q: Calendar Exceptions
Is there any way to customize the calendars such that every 2nd Friday is a half day or similar recurring exceptions to the basic project calendar?

A: RiskyProject does not provide a mechanism to automatically add reoccurring exceptions, such as half days every 2nd Friday. You have to add them manually add them to the calendar in the Working Time dialog box.
Note: RiskyProject will recognize nonstandard recurrent exceptions defined in MS Project or other scheduling software.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1303

Sunday 23 October 2016

Viewing overallocation

October 13, 2016

Q: Viewing overallocation
Can I view statistical distribution for resource allocation units for different time internals.

A: In RiskyProject you cannot view statistical distribution for resource allocation units directly. You can view statistical distribution for work for different tasks, as well as statistical distribution for duration. However you can view resource allocation for different time intervals for low, base, and high estimates of your project schedule. To do it please calculate your project schedule first, then go to Schedule -> Resources and then select Cur.Schedule, Low Results, Base Results, or High Results within a right pane. You will be able to view Peak Units, Work, Overallocation and Percent Allocation. To switch units simply right click on right pane and select type of data you want to view.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1301

Named on concurrent users

October 13, 2016

Q: Named on concurrent users
How to switch between named or concurrent user licensing in RiskyProject Enterprise?

A: When you install RiskyProject Enterprise you need enter RiskyProject licensing information. It is done in File -> User Management -> Users. Intaver Institute supplies license file which includes this information in encrypted format.

License file includes the following information:
Number of users
Type of users: concurrent or named. If users are concurrent, only limited number of users can be logged on to the enterprise system at the same time. If users are named, only limited number of user names can entered to the system.
Duration of the license.
To switch from named user to concurrent user and vice versa you need different license file. You can update license file at any moment.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1302

Saturday 15 October 2016

Duration units

October 4, 2016

Q: Duration units
Can different task have different duration units?

A: The quick answer is no as the duration unit for activities is a global project setting (set for entire project). This is common to most (if not all) scheduling software.

The duration unit (hours, days, weeks etc.) are set in the Schedule tab> Settings and Options > Project Options > Duration.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1299

Define distribution for start time of the task

October 4, 2016

Q: Define distribution for start time of the task
Is it possible to set uncertainties for task start times?

A: Yes, however cases in which this can be used are limited such as the first activity in the project as otherwise start times are a product of the precedent network. To set uncertainty for start times on a activity, right-click on the activity ID and choose Task Information.

- In the General tab, set Low (early) and High (late) start times for the activity.

Click the Distributions tab.
- Select the Start Time sub tab.
- Select a distribution from the Distribution drop down list. The shape and parameters of teh charted in the Probability Density chart to the right.
- Depending upon the distribution type, you can modify parameters (e.g. Most Likely)
- Click OK to assign the distribution.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1300

Monday 10 October 2016

Moving project start times

October 4, 2016

Q: Moving project start times
We have old project schedules that we use as templates, but need to shift the start dates for new projects, can we do this in RiskyProject?

A: Yes, you can shift the project start times forward in RiskyProject by resetting the Project Start date in the Project Settings.
To shift the project start times, on the Schedule tab go to Settings and Options > Project Settings. Click in the Project Start time box, and select a new project start time. You can also manually edit the date to update the project start time.

Note: If your project has any hard constraints, such as must start on or finish on, this will prevent the project from shifting successfully. We recommend all constraints be set to As soon as possible.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1298

Saturday 1 October 2016

Viewing statistical distribution for the project

September 25, 2016

Q: Viewing statistical distribution for the project
How do I see statistical distribution for project duration and cost without opening this project? I have many projects in portfolio and would prefer not to open them one by one.

A:
You don't need to reopen project when you want to see statistical distribution for project duration, finish time, and cost. First, make sure that project is calculated. Results of Monte Carlo simulations are saved in the database for each project. If project is calculated go to Project -> Portfolio Gantt and then right click on project ID. Select Project Details from drop down menu. The following dialog will come up: (see picture)
You can double click on each histogram to see details, such as enlarged chart, statistics, and raw data. Also you may double click on Gantt bar within a Portfolio Gantt view and present the same dialog with statistical distributions of project duration, finish time, and cost.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1296

How do I use the Local Risk view

September 25, 2016

Q: How do I use the Local Risk view
I noticed that there is a “Local Risks” view that you can only open up via the All Views dialog. What is it used for.

A: With the new Drag N’ Drop risk, the Local Risks view’s previous primary use (assigning risks to specific groups of tasks) was somewhat superseded and for space purposes, it was moved off of the main ribbons and workflow bars. However, it is still very useful for advanced users who want to quickly editing groups of risk assignments.

To open the Local Risk view, on the ribbon click All Views > Local Risks. If you have a group of activities with one or more common risks that you would like to modify, select those activities from the list on the left. Any risks that is assigned to all of the tasks will appear in the small risk list on the left. This list includes not only the risks, but each risk outcome assignment. You can now modify these risks. Note: The risk view uses an AND operator for selected tasks when displaying risks. For example, if you select Task1, Task2, and Task3 only risks assigned to all 3 of the tasks will be shown.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1297

Sunday 25 September 2016

New Intaver Institute's partner: Almagesto

September 16, 2016

New Intaver Institute's partner: Almagesto

Almagesto offers whole solutions designed to achieve customer satisfaction in business plan design and improving economic and personal growth of your company. ALMAGESTO is a Professional Group with wide expertise in methodological approaches such as those established by the PMI® and IPMA®, risk specialists PMI-RMP® and professionals in Scrum Master® certified. ALMAGESTO provides a support in the implementation methodologies for managing Portfolios, Programs and Projects (PPPM). Almagesto is located in Bogota, Columbia and will resell RiskyProject in Latin America.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/index-news.html

Sunday 18 September 2016

Risk impact for a specific risk category

September 13, 2016

Q: Risk impact for a specific risk category
We have decided that one of our risks will not impact a category (safety in this case). How do I remove that impact from the risk assignment?

A: We refer to this as a risk outcome. Risk outcomes are related to risk categories; normally the relationship is 1:1, though it is possible to add more than one outcome to for each risk category. Regardless, to remove a risk outcome from a risk assignment, in the Risk Register double-click on the risk in which you want to remove a risk outcome assignment and click the Assign to tasks or resources tab(or Probabilities and Outcomes for qualitative risk assignment). Right-click on the risk outcome that you want to delete and from the shortcut menu click Delete row.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1295

Saturday 17 September 2016

Removing conditional or probabilistic branches

September 13, 2016

Q: Removing conditional or probabilistic branches
I have set up a couple of branches that I would like to delete from my schedule, but I can’t find a way to remove them.

A: To remove a branch, double click on the task ID to open the Task Information and then click the Branching tab. Branching tab includes all information about probabilistic and conditional branching. From the Condition drop-down list corresponding to the successor branch condition you would like to remove and scroll to the top of the list. Select the blank space at the top of the list and then click OK. The branch will be removed. It does not matter if this branch was related to probabilistic or conditional branching.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1294

Import MS Project schedule

September 13, 2016

Q: Import MS Project schedule
When I import my master schedule I am getting differences in the dates shown in MS Project and RiskyProject. Is there any reason why this might be happening?

A: Master schedules are often problematic and not just for use with RiskyProject. As they are often represent a program of projects that are being managed by several different project teams or organisations until they are all brought together, they often become out of date or out of synchronization with each other and this can become a problem with links between the subprojects. Activities in one project that is linked to another can be shifted, deleted etc, causing any links between it and other subprojects to out of date.

In the case that you are describing, you have managed to import the master schedule, but the dates for some activities have shifted. This can often happen if because of sort of issues described above, the logic in the Master Schedule is broken. Commonly, was a program is under way, it may be that you have predecessors starting before successors. When there are problems with the network logic, RiskyProject highlights the problem predecessor links in red. By following the predecessor links in red, you should be able to go back and troubleshoot your master schedule to update the links.
A simple example below, shows to activities that have actual start dates. However, Task 10 is the predecessor of Task 2, however, it started before Task 2. The broken logic is shown with the red link. While you can fix this in RiskyProject, when these issues appear, we recommend that these issues are addressed in the originating schedules.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1293

Sunday 11 September 2016

2M-PMC is new Intaver Institute's value added reseller

September 2, 2016

2M-PMC is new Intaver Institute's value added reseller

2M-PMC is an advanced, multi-disciplined Management Consultancy, providing Strategic Planning, Business Development, Project Management and Risk Management, with the experience and expertise to ensure that strategic plans are achievable, business cases robust and projects are delivered to ensure maximum value for the business. 2M-PMC is located in Tyne and Wear, UK.

http://www.intaver.com/index-news.html

Tuesday 6 September 2016

Links between tasks

September 1, 2016

Q: Links between tasks
In my RiskyProject Gantt charts some links between tasks are shown in blue, some in red, and some in green. Is any significance in this?

A: In RiskyProject color of a line, representing a link between task cannot be customized. There are three colors available:

- blue color - regular link between tasks (Start-Start, Finish-Finish, Start-Finish, or Finish-Start)

- red color - represents scheduling conflict. For example, if link is Finish-Start, bit successors starts before predecessor ends

- green color - branching. Branching is not a regular link. Branching is defined in Branching tab of task information dialog. When you define probabilistic or conditional branching, only one branch will be executed on each Monte Carlo iteration. Because branching behaves differently than regular link, RiskyProject depicts links using different (green) color. Also icon next to task name for branching is different and includes small green arrow.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1292


Monday 5 September 2016

Contribution of variance

September 1, 2016

Q: Contribution of variance
I saw different ways to calculate sensitivity coefficients in RiskyProject. What is a contribution to variance?

A: RiskyProject uses two algorithms to calculate sensitivity calculation: rank order correlation coefficient and contribution to variance. You can select either way to perform calculation. In most cases we use Spearman's rank correlation coefficient .
1. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient is a non-parametric measure of statistical dependence between two variables. Perfect positive correlation coefficient equals +1.
2. Contribution to Variance is calculated by squaring the rank correlation coefficients and normalizing them to 100%.

To select the sensitivity calculation method:
1.Click the Analysis tab on the Workflow bar and then click Sensitivity Analysis.
2.Click Sensitivity Calculation Algorithm.The Sensitivity Calculation dialog box opens.
3.Select the calculation method.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1290

Cannot enter distribution

September 1, 2016

Q: Cannot enter distribution
I created new task in RiskyProject, then I was trying to define distribution, but RiskyProject does not let me do so.

A: In order to define statistical distribution for duration or cost, you need first to define low and high estimates of duration and cost. For example, you can create new task. Low, base and high durations of this task will be 5 day by default. Then you can double click on task ID. Task information dialog will come up. Then you can go Distribution tab. You cannot define any statistical distributions because you did not define different low and high estimates of duration. You need to go back to task grid and define different low and high estimates for duration, for example, 3 days and 7 days. Then go to Task information dialog, Distribution tab and define statistical distribution. The same is true to fixed cost distribution.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1291

Saturday 27 August 2016

Risk score calculation algorithm

August 16, 2016

Q: Risk score calculation algorithm
What is the risk score calculation algorithm in RiskyProject if I have risk which belong to different categories?

A: Risk score is calculated as probability multiplied on impact. In example below risk 'Delay in Financing' has a probability 65% impact 52%. The score equals 33.8%. However if risk affects multiple categories the calculation is a little but more complex. Risk impact for each risk category is multiplied on weight or 'overall importance' of each category. Weight is calculated using matrix, which can be found at Risk -> Risk Categories -> Weights. Then impacts for all categories are summed together. Finally they are normalized such way maximum impact cannot be greater than 1. Then scores for each risks are calculated.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1289

Sunday 21 August 2016

Calendar exceptions in RiskyProject

August 16, 2016

Q: Calendar exceptions in RiskyProject
Can I define specific non-working days (calendar exceptions) in RiskyProject?

A: You can define any calendar exceptions in RiskyProject. To do it, click on Schedule -> Schedule and Calendar and then click on Calendar icon. Working time dialog comes up. You may now click on any working day and any day of the week and define non working time. You may define non-working hours within a day as well as you can define that full day will be non-working. If day is non working the day within a calendar will have a yellow strip above a date. You can also define that this date will be "Standard Working Time" (8 a.m to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), morning off (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), afternoon off (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.), or 24 hours working day.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1288

Summary report in RiskyProject

August 16, 2016

Q: Summary report in RiskyProject
Can I generate a report which shows a summary for all risks: number of opened and closed risks, number of threats and opportunities, etc.?

A: RiskyProject has a summary report for all risks in risk register. To access summary report please go to Risks -> Risk Register and click on summary of right upper corner of the view. This summary represents all information about risks in risk register. Please note that this information is for all risks, regardless what is shown within a view. For example, you may use a filter which shows only all opened risks. Summary will present both opened and closed risks. Summary shows:
- opened and closed risks,
- threat, opportunities and their combination,
- risks, issues, lessons learned
- number of mitigation and response plans
- information about risk reviews
- cost of risks


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1287

Saturday 13 August 2016

Entering risk properties

August 4, 2016

Q: Entering risk properties
I define custom risk property called "Risk Duration". How can enter value for this risk property?

A: I current version of RiskyProject 6.1 you can define risk property in "Risk Properties" dialog. You can also associate the type of risk property and define maximum and minimum values if required. You cannot enter actual data for this risk property to the grid, but you can use "Custom property" tab in Risk Information dialog box (double click on risk ID in the risk register). It is important to note that custom risk properties are presented with this tab in the same order as in Risk Properties dialog. RiskyProject will validate risk property when you enter it. After you enter Risk Property in can be viewed with Risk Register. You can also use Filter to find risk with this risk property.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1286

Fixed cost distribution

August 4, 2016

Q: Fixed cost distribution
In RiskyProject I defined distribution to fixed cost. Can I define distribution for variable cost as well?

A: Variable cost in project scheduling software applications including RiskyProject is not defined directly. It is defined by resources (material, cost, and work) assigned to the tasks. If resource cost is prorated, task's variable cost will depend on duration of the task. Since in risk analysis task duration is uncertain (variable), cost associated with the task will be also variable. You can also define uncertainties associated with rate of resources. Some risks can affect the rate: the rate can increase or reduce if the risk occurs. It will also contribute to the variable cost of the task. RiskyProject does not have risk or uncertainties associated with units of resource allocation.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1285

Friday 12 August 2016

Does task duration include non-working days?

Q: Non-working days
Does task duration include non-working days?

A: The answer is no, the entered or calculate task duration does not include non-working days. For example, if you have a duration of 10 days, and there is a long weekend in the middle. The actual number of calendars days could be 15 days because of a potential 5 non-working days.

We can see in the example below that a task with 5 days duration that starts on a Tuesday and ends Monday crosses over weekend, will actually take an estimated 7 calendar days to complete. Microsoft Project has an elapsed duration data type. It is a task duration in calendar day. If you transfer Microsoft Project schedule to RiskyProject, elapsed duration will be converted to duration without non working days based on start and finish times of tasks.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1283

How do actuals impact results

August 4, 2016

Q: How do actuals impact results
I have some actuals in my project, how are they going to affect the results?

A: The status of the actuals can have a large impact on the forecasted activity and project finish times. In the example below, we can see the original deterministic schedule in red, but the actuals show that the project has slipped by a week. This means that the Simulation will now use the finish date of the actuals as the starting date for the simulation. This is because the slippage is what we consider a “sunk cost”. It has already occurred, therefore the simulation must take it into account. In addition, if activities are partially completed, the calculation prorates the risks and uncertainties to account for the % complete.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1284

Monday 8 August 2016

Difference in calculation between versions 5 and version 6.1.

July 29, 2016

Q: Difference in calculation between versions 5 and version 6.1.
Just installed 6.1 and it looks like there is a difference between results between previous versions. Is there a reason for this?

A: With version 6.1 , we significantly improved the processing speed of the Monte Carlo simulations through data optimization, which means we now require far less memory), algorithm improvements, and multi-processing. It is the multi-processing that is the cause of the slight variation in results. Because iterations are now being performed on multiple threads, the order in which they occur has changed with slightly impacts the results. However, for purposes of project risk analysis, the impact is not significant as seen in the comparison below.

For more infrormation please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1281

How many projects are allowed in RiskyProject Enterprise?

July 29, 2016

Q: How many projects are allowed in RiskyProject Enterprise?

We are planning to have over 100 projects. Are there any limitations to the number of projects?

A: This is one of those “it depends” answers. There are no hard coded technical limits to the number of projects. However, if you are going saving thousands of projects, with schedule and cost data, then the type of database server software and hardware you have could be important. However based on our experience, this issue has largely become irrelevant with the most recent server software and hardware. The system requirements for RiskyProject Enterprise server are relatively trivial. You would not experience any performance problems with up to thousand large projects.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1282

Sunday 7 August 2016

How can I print risk register report

July 22, 2016

Q: How can I print risk register report
How can I print risk register report - all visible risk in the risk register?

A: You can print Risk Register report by simply clicking on File -> Print -> Print or File -> Print -> Print Preview in Risk Register or Risk Properties view. It works the same way as in all other views, such as Project view, Risk Mitigation View, etc. It is always possible to print whatever is presented on the risk register. Report will repeat the order columns in the risk register. You can define maximum number of columns for printing as well as row height for printing using File -> Print-> Page Setup dialog. Row height also controls font height, because RiskyProject will fit test to the row.

For more infrormation please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1280

New RiskyProject value added reseller

July 25, 2016

New RiskyProject value added reseller

Intaver Institute is excited to welcome Don Shannon, the Contract Coach (http://www.contract-coach.com/), as a new value added reseller of the RiskyProject line of project risk analysis and management software. Mr. Shannon is highly respected management consultant and specializes in the area of contract management. He is a current Fellow of the National Contract Management Association, and is certified as a DML by the Society of Logistics Engineers, and as a PMP the Program Management Institute. In addition to acting as a reseller of RiskyProject, the Contract Coach offers management consulting services in manufacturing and service industries for contract and program management.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/index-news.html

Saturday 6 August 2016

Does RiskyProject support multiple triggers for the same risk?

July 22, 2016

Q: Multiple Triggers
Does RiskyProject support multiple triggers for the same risk?

A: RiskyProject does not have multiple triggers for one risks as part of Qualitative risk analysis. Only one trigger can be applied for the risk. Triggers for qualitative risk analysis are defined using Risk Form:
- Go to Risky Register or Risk Property View
- double click on Risk ID
- Go to Property tab
- Select trigger from risk grip down list; this list will show all risks in the risk register.
This trigger does not affect results of quantitative risk analysis. In quantitative risk analysis you can define risk correlation. If define that one risk is correlated with another risk, they will occur at the same time. It is not exactly trigger, because if one risk occur it does not automatically change probability of another risk.

For more infrormation please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1278

Automatic Monte Carlo simulation

July 22, 2016

Q: Automatic Monte Carlo simulation
I noticed that sometimes for smaller schedules Monte Carlo simulations are performed automatically, without pressing Calculate button? When should I press Calculate button for Monte Carlo?

A: RiskyProject automatically performs Monte Carlo simulation of small schedules. At the same time RiskyProject always performs automatic deterministic calculation of project schedules using Critical Path Method. It is different from Microsoft Project where you can enable or disable automatic deterministic calculation of project schedules.

You can enable and disable automatic Monte Carlo simulations of small schedules. It is done using Schedule -> Tools -> Project Options (Calculation tab).
If you enable Automatic Monte Carlo calculation, RiskyProject will check number of tasks, number of risks, number of resources, number of iterations and convergence monitoring criteria. The criteria for automatic calculation is different for different version of RiskyProject. Computer performance is always improving and we always relax these criteria. These criteria are defined such way that Monte Carlo will run no more than 1-2 seconds on most modern computers. If you don't see results of Monte Carlo calculations it would mean that automatic calculation is not done and you need to press Calculate button.

For more infrormation please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1277


Monday 1 August 2016

Adding logos to reports

July 15, 2016

Q: Adding logos to reports
When I generate a report, the default Intaver logo is there. Is there any way to remove this and replace with my company logo.

A: Yes, for both the #Risk and #Statistics report you can add your logo and placement:
• Footer or header
• Left or right
This is found the Report Header and Report Footer sections of the Format Report dialog box.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1275

Work units

July 15, 2016

Q: Work units
Is it possible to assign risk to work units? If not what is the work around

A: You cannot directly “risk” work units. Work units are a measure of the amount of time spent on a particular task and are generally a function of resource assignment. Also the task type as discussed here: http://www.intaver.com/Help4/RP_Help.php?file=RP4_Help_AdvancedTaskManagement.html affect how units may vary.
If you use a task type Fixed Units, then the units will never vary. However, if you use Fixed Work varying duration will recalculate units, or Fixed Duration varying work will recalculate units. With this knowledge in mind, it is then possible to risk units by assigning duration risks to Fixed Work tasks, or assigning a duration risk to resources assigned to Fixed Duration tasks.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1274

Number of pages in the report

July 15, 2016

Q: Number of pages in the report
How many pages can be included to the risk report?

A: Quick answer is that programmatically, there is no set limit. However, depending on the amount of data you are tracking in the risk register (Properties, reviews, mitigation plans, etc.) it can be very data intensive and the time required to generate the reports will depend upon your system resources. The same is true for statistics report. You can select very many tasks. The report can be generated for each of them. But it will take some time to scroll, print and analyze many page of the report.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1276

Recommended practices for defining low and high estimates

June 27, 2016

Q: Recommended practices for defining low and high estimates
What are the best practices to define low and high estimates schedule or cost risk analysis?

A: This is an interesting question, if you are asking about how to determine the values for low and high estimates, there is a lot of good information around. We recommend estimations be based on:

• Historical data or data about previous similar projects.
• Measurements of the current project’s performance.

However, if you are asking how to enter low and high estimates, this can be done in several steps.

1. Create classes of activities whose level of risk is similar. Often this is referred to as reference classes. Though each activity will have different durations, for all activities in a class will have similar relative uncertainties, which can be defined as factors or coefficients of the base duration. Therefore a certain class may have relative uncertainties of -10% (optimistic) and +20% (pessimistic).
We often see projects with anywhere from 3 to 9 reference classes to define uncertainties for activities.
2. Identify appropriate statistical distribution to apply to the uncertainties. Typically, we recommend triangular, unless there is other data to suggest an alternate distribution type such as lognormal, Beta, BetaPert etc.
3. Give each class an identifier code: e.g low, medium, high.
4. Create a column which will contain the identifier code.
5. For each activity, add the appropriate identifier code corresponding to their level of uncertainty.
6. Using the Find function, create a search parameters that will find all activities with the identifier code that equals Low.
7. Click Find. This will highlight all of the activities that meet the criteria.
8. Right click on the Task ID of one of the highlighted activities.
9. From the shortcut menu, choose Set Low/High Duration (or Cost)
10. Select the option, multiply on coefficient.
11. Enter the coefficients and statistical distribution.
12. Click OK
13. Repeat for all other groups of activities.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1271

Task types

June 27, 2016

Q: Task types
What are Fixed Units/Fixed Duration/Fixed Work

A: Every task can be either Fixed Duration, Fixed Units, or Fixed Work. What this does is set out the business rules for what should happen if duration, work or units is changed. The especially important if you have a resource loaded schedule that calculates work based on resource units.

For example if duration is fixed and you change the duration. This means that one of the other two parameters, work or units must also change to account for the changes in duration. It could be that if duration increases, then either there more work will have to be performed (increase work) or the original amount of work will take place over a longer period of time (decrease units). You can set the task type in the Task Information -> Advanced tab.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1272

Creating reports in PDF format

June 27, 2016

Q: Creating reports in PDF format
Can I generate report for group of risks as PDF for RiskyProject Enterprise?

A: Yes you can if you have a PDF print driver available on your network.
First calculate your project. Then go to the Risks -> Risk Report. Select the risks you want to report on by highlighting them in the list of risks shown on the left pane of the view. From the File menu, click Print. From the Print menu select the PDF printer. Here you can also select particular page you want to print.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1273

Number of columns to be printed

June 16, 2016

Q: Number of columns to be printed
How can I adjust number of columns to be printed or saved in the PDF file?

A: RiskyProject allows to print and save to PDF file almost all views and charts. RiskyProject print chart based on how it is presented in RiskyProject view. You need to adjust width of the columns and insert/high column you want to print. For example, if you want to print risk description and risk name from Risk Register, you need to select these column in Risk Register view.

You can also adjust maximum number of columns to be printed. To do it, please click on File -> Print -> Page Setup. At the bottom of the dialog you can adjust number of columns to be printed for each view. This number does not include ID columns. In view ID columns are always present and will always be printed.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1270

Defining Contingencies in RiskyProject

June 16, 2016

Q: Defining Contingencies in RiskyProject
How can I define contingency buffer in RiskyProject?

A: Contingencies are generally defined using confidence levels, that is percentiles or P values based on the results of the Monte Carlo simulation. For example a standard schedule contingency or margin is P80 or the finish date or duration in which the project will finish in at or less 80% of the time. For risk tolerant companies this value may be P70 for very risk averse, this value may be above P90.

You can quickly set up your Monte Carlo simulation results so that your contingency level is automatically displayed as the High results in the Analysis reports, such as the Project Summary for project results or Result Gantt for activity results.

To set contingency levels:

1. Open the Project Options > Calculations
2. In the Low and high time, duration, and cost are calculated based on: group, set the P values for low and high. In the example below, the Custom Percentiles option is selected and the P values are P30 for low and P80 for high. In this case we will be using P80 to calculate contingency.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1269

Filtering risks

June 16, 2016

Q: Filtering risks

Can I filter risks in risk register based on some parameters, such as sunset time?

A: Yes, the risk register comes with a built in filtering capability. Risks can be sorted on any property that exists in the risk register including properties in the Risk Properties dialog as well as any custom properties that you have defined.

The risk register filter is located on the top left of the risk register and allows you to set multiple conditions for the filter using Boolean logic. In the example below we would be looking for risks that could occur prior to June 6 2016 and sunset prior to June 1, 2017 in the Western Division.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1268

Intaver Institute announced two new webinars

Intaver Institute News
June 9, 2016

Intaver Institute announced two new webinars

Intaver Institute announced two new webinars. The first webinar titled 'Sensitivity analysis: Prioritizing Risks and Activities' is focused to performing ' sensitivity analysis in RiskyProject. This webinar will be held Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 10 a.m. MST. The second webinar 'Using RiskyProject as a Risk Register' will help you to learn how to perform basic qualitative risk analysis and risk management in RiskyProject. This webinar will be held Tuesday, Sept 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. MST. For more information to register to our webinars please click here.

http://www.intaver.com/index-webinars.html

Renaming project

June 1, 2016

Q: Renaming project
How can I rename project within project hierarchy and update project parameters?

A: When you create new project in RiskyProject Enterprise by using New Project menu item, you can define any name of this project. However when you already defined a project schedule for this project, you cannot rename project unless you open it. To open a project just double click on project ID. The project will become editable. You can rename project as well as change other project settings, for example project start time. If you change project start time, it will be shifted. After you close the project, the new name will be reflected in the project hierarchy, but will become read only.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1264

Sunday 12 June 2016

Intaver Institute annouInced two new webinars

Intaver Institute News

June 9, 2016

Intaver Institute annouInced two new webinars

Intaver Institute announced two new webinars. The first webinar titled 'Sensitivity analysis: Prioritizing Risks and Activities' is focused to performing ' sensitivity analysis in RiskyProject. This webinar will be held Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 10 a.m. MST. The second webinar 'Using RiskyProject as a Risk Register' will help you to learn how to perform basic qualitative risk analysis and risk management in RiskyProject. This webinar will be held Tuesday, Sept 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. MST. For more information to register to our webinars please click here.

http://www.intaver.com/index-webinars.html

Saturday 11 June 2016

Renaming project

June 1, 2016

Q: Renaming project
How can I rename project within project hierarchy and update project parameters?

A: When you create new project in RiskyProject Enterprise by using New Project menu item, you can define any name of this project. However when you already defined a project schedule for this project, you cannot rename project unless you open it. To open a project just double click on project ID. The project will become editable. You can rename project as well as change other project settings, for example project start time. If you change project start time, it will be shifted. After you close the project, the new name will be reflected in the project hierarchy, but will become read only.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1264

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Importing schedule from Microsoft Project

June 1, 2016

Q: Importing schedule from Microsoft Project
How many tasks can I import from Microsoft Project?

A: You can import any number of tasks from Microsoft Project. The limitation is only your computer's memory. Please note that if you have integrated project schedule (with many projects and sub project) and your are working with master schedule, total integrated schedule will imported to RiskyProject. For example, if master schedule has 60 tasks, integrated schedule could have 20,000 tasks. Analysis of such schedules can make some time. Also please note that if you define project schedule in RiskyProject, maximum number of tasks is 20,000.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1263

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Long risk description

June 1, 2016

Q: Long risk description
I have long description of the risk which does fit on one row in risk register. Can I use multiple lines in the row for display and printing.

A: Current version of RiskyProject only allows you to enter one line of text. However in next versions of RiskyProject risk register will support multiple line of any text, for example risk description. Currently you can extend to column to show longer text. To do it just drag the column's header. Please note that when you print risk register report column sizes you defined in risk register view will be maintained. For example if you extend risk description column in risk register view, this column will be longer in the printed report as well.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1261

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Monday 30 May 2016

May 25, 2016

Q:Set Duration Units
Can I define project duration in minutes and how to do it?

A: Yes, you can set duration units from minutes to months. To set your duration to units:
1. Go to Project Options and click the Duration tab.
2. From the Duration is entered in: drop down list, select the unit. In this case it would be Minutes.
Please note that if your duration units are defined in Microsoft Project and you import schedule from Microsoft Project to RiskyProject, duration units will be imported as well. Also in RiskyProject Enterprise duration units can be different for different projects.

FOr more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1260

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May 25, 2016

Q: Does the number of iterations matter depending upon the size of the project.
Should number of Monte Carlo iterations defined in project settings be correlated with the number of tasks in the project schedule?

A: No, there is no correlation between the number of iterations and activities. The number of iterations is more dependent upon things such as risk probabilities and complexity of the precedent network.

For example if I have a black swan risk (low probability, high impact), I want to ensure that it is accounted for in the simulation. So if it has a 1% chance of occurring, that means it will only occur 1 in 100 iterations; therefore, I will set my number of iterations higher (e.g. 2000) to ensure it occurs enough times that I get a clear understanding of the consequences of that risk occurring.

The other case could be in schedules with many risks, lots of parallel activities, and perhaps branching (conditional or probabilistic). In these cases, there can be multiple critical paths developing depending on which risks occur, which branches are taken, etc. In these cases, I would again set a higher number of iterations to ensure that every possible outcome is accounted for.

However, in most cases enabling the convergence monitoring will be sufficient and you won’t see any significant changes to your results by running additional iterations. I would recommend that you experiment a bit with these settings to see how they impact your results and you’re your decisions based on that. Convergence monitoring is set in the Calculations options.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1259

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Sunday 29 May 2016

Maximum Project Duration

May 25, 2016

Q: Maximum Project Duration
What it is maximum project duration and how it is used?

A: Maximum project duration is set in the Project Settings dialog box. The maximum duration can be set using days, months, or years. This setting creates a project deadline that is used during Monte Carlo simulations to measure the project success rate of meeting this deadline. Success rates can be viewed on the Success Rate view in the Analysis tab. The Project Deadline is shown as a vertical red line on the Gantt chart.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1258

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Saturday 28 May 2016

Two new RiskyProject software resellers in Brazil



May 20, 2016

Two new RiskyProject software resellers in Brazil

Two software resellers from Brazil OSB Software and MCB Solution have became Intaver Institute's partners. They added Intaver's RiskyProject project risk management and risk analysis software suite including RiskyProject Enterprise, RiskyProject Professional and RiskyProject Lite to their product line. For more information about our resellers please visit ourreseller page.

http://www.intaver.com/index-news.html

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Concurrent users

May 18, 2016

Q: Concurrent users
Does RiskyProject enterprise support concurrent users?

A: This has a yes and no answer. First, we do get asked this about RiskyProject Professional and Lite and the in these cases the answer is a definite no. The licensing on the desktop solutions requires every computer that the software is installed on requires a license key.

For RiskyProject Enterprise the answer is a bit more nuanced. Technically, the licensing system supports concurrent licensing. However, we recommend named users for a couple of reasons:

1. For concurrent users these is data integrity issue in cases where users forget to log off
2. Cost – Licensing cost of concurrent users is substantially higher than named users.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1255

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Monday 23 May 2016

Maximum number of risks in RiskyProject Enterprise?

May 18, 2016

Q: Maximum number of risks in RiskyProject Enterprise?
What is the maximum number of risks?

A: Theoretically there is no maximum number of risks. However, the question is what value is being produced by having hundreds of risks listed in your risk register. The reason why we list them is so that they can be managed, and it is if not impossible, extremely difficult to manage hundreds of risks. With the example below, with much less than a hundred risks, already the Risk Matrix starts to become crowded and difficult to assess.

If it is the case that you do have hundreds of risks that have to be managed, it may be indicating that the project needs to be broken down into smaller more manageable subprojects. In this case, risks which only impact specific deliverables can be managed at the appropriate level: whereas, risks that can impact the entire program can be managed at a higher level. The is the underlying methodology behind RiskyProject Enterprise.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1254
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Saturday 21 May 2016

Sorting risk register

May 18, 2016

Q: Sorting risk register
How can I sort risk register based on risk category?

A: RiskyProject’s risk register provides many options to sort a risk register based on any property including risk categories. When you sort by categories, the risk register becomes a hierarchy in which the risk probabilities, impacts, and score are sorted by category and then score for each category. To sort based on risk categories, you need to use the Hierarchy based on drop down list located at the top of the risk register.
1. From the drop-down list, choose Categories.
2. The risk register is now sorted by category.


For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1253

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Thursday 19 May 2016

Intaver Institute and Stottler Henke Associates Developed Integrated Project Scheduling and Risk Management Solution

May 16, 2016

Intaver Institute and Stottler Henke Associates Developed Integrated Project Scheduling and Risk Management Solution

Intaver Institute Inc. and Stottler Henke Associates, Inc today announced that they have developed integration between Stottler Henke’s advanced intelligent scheduling and critical chain software Aurora and Intaver’s risk analysis and management software RiskyProject.
The Aurora-RiskyProject solution allows users to integrate their critical chain schedule analysis with project risk analysis and management. This will help industries solve their complex scheduling and risk management challenges. Many industries such as aerospace, defence, and pharmaceuticals have faced with extremely complex projects that require an advanced scheduling and risk analysis and management capabilities. This solution will allow the users to integrate the results of their risk analysis directly into Aurora’s scheduling engine, as well as perform risk analysis based on schedules created in Aurora.
For more information please read our press release.
http://www.intaver.com/downloads/IntaverPressReleaseMay16-2016.pdf

Monday 16 May 2016

Settings defaults for risk properties

May 10, 2016

Q: Settings defaults for risk properties
Can I define default risk properties on my computer? I would like to use the same set of risk properties for all projects.

A: If you use RiskyProject Professional risk properties are save on your computer in the system registry and can be used for all new projects. If you use RiskyProject Enterprise, you project properties are saved in the database.

When you go to the risk properties dialog (Risk -> Risk Properties) you will not find a button to save risk properties as default. It is because when you update risk properties they are saved in the database automatically each time when you update them.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1252
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Simulation results for work

May 10, 2016

Q: Simulation results for work
How can I see statistical distribution for work; how it is calculated?

A: The simulation results for work are available for both a project, activities, and resource/activity. Work is the actual amount of hours or days of work (or time on task) required to finish the project, not including non-working time. Because many resources can be work on a single activity and project. The calculated work can often far exceed the calendar hours in which the project or task is performed. For example if you have 4 resources working 100% of the time on a 8 hr project. The project duration is 8hrs, but work would be 32 hrs.

To view the work results for a project:
1. Run a simulation.
2. Click the Analysis > Project Summary view on the ribbon.
3. In the Project Summary, click the Statistical Data for Work button.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1251

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Enable probabilistic risk outcomes

May 10, 2016

Q: Enable probabilistic risk outcomes
How do I enable probabilistic outcomes; it is not there by default

A: Just to remind you the risk outcome for fixed and relative duration and cost increase as well as for few other risks outcomes can be defined by statistical distribution.

By default the probabilistic outcomes are not enabled when you install the software. You can enable statistical distributions in the Project Options > Risk > Enable statistical distribution for risk outcomes as shown in the screen shot below. In addition, it includes the context help that is available for this option. You can also click F1 to open the online context sensitive Help for this dialog.

For more information please visit: http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1250


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Sunday 15 May 2016

Viewing results of simulations as percentiles on Gantt chart

May 4, 2016

Q: Viewing results of simulations as percentiles on Gantt chart
The Result Gantt seems to show two bars for each activity: original schedule and the Mean results. As well the distribution is shown for start and finish times for low and high. Is there anyway that we can just show the Blue bar as specific percentage?

A: By default, the Result Gant shows the deterministic schedule as a white bar and the Results as a blue bar. The results (blue) bar by default shows the mean value (Start or Finish Time). However, if you right-click on the Gantt Chart, you can switch the results bar to either Low or High results. In the example below, we have selected the High results and which are show as a darker blue by default.
The Low and High results are percentiles or certainty levels and are defined in the Project Options > Calculation dialog box. In the example below, if you choose Show High Results, the Result Gantt will use P70 for the blue bar.

For more information please visit:  http://www.intaver.com/IntaverFrm/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1247
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