Interface risk: moving from the generic to the actionable in complex projects

This presentation focuses on interface risk management in large projects, programs, and portfolios, where the multiplicity of stakeholders, contracts, systems, and dependencies creates a significant coordination risk. Although this risk is often recognized as critical, it is generally treated only superficially: as a single risk in the project risk register, with a generic description related to coordination, followed by broad and only loosely operational response plans.

The presentation proposes moving beyond this approach by showing how to make interface risk more concrete, more specific, and more actionable. It presents a structured method for mapping interfaces, assessing their complexity, identifying the risks associated with each interface, and defining tailored response plans. Using a practical example, participants will discover how a detailed, systemic approach can help project teams better prioritize critical interfaces, reduce blind spots, and improve overall control of interface risk.

Objective

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Understand why interface risk is a major factor in project deviation on complex projects;
• Recognize the limitations of a generic approach to interface risk management;
• Apply a structured method to analyze interfaces in a more specific way;
• Distinguish between the complexity of an interface and the criticality of the risks associated with it;
• Define targeted, practical response plans;
• Put in place monitoring mechanisms that help prioritize interfaces and make risk management more actionable.

Speaker

Marthe Avissoudo