SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage risks on a simple to moderately complex project 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243980  Manage risks on a simple to moderately complex project 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Project Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Project Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this unit standard will be able to undertake the basics of managing risk on a project through being able to identify, analyse, plan a risk response and respond to risks on a project.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of project risk management.
  • Identifying and analysing the risks on a project.
  • Developing a risk management plan for a project.
  • Monitoring, evaluating and responding to risk events. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3 or equivalent.
  • Unit Standard ID: 120374, Contribute to the management of project risk within own field of expertise at NQF Level 4.
  • Develop a project cost management plan for a simple to moderately complex project at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Risks may be threats or opportunities.
  • Risk management processes may include but are not limited to: Risk Management Planning; Risk Identification; Risk Analysis (qualitative and quantitative); Risk Response Planning; Risk Monitoring and Control; Risk Mitigation.
  • Tools and techniques may include but are not limited to: cause and effect analysis; probability and impact matrix; information gathering techniques; checklist analysis; assumption analysis; risk modelling tools; risk register/log; issue management tools; risk audit; reserve analysis.
  • The risk management plan begins as a plan for the risk management activities that will take place during project planning but it is expanded to incorporate the risk management processes throughout the life of the project. It becomes a subsidiary plan of the project management plan.
  • Risk management plan may include but is not limited to: methodology; policy and procedures; roles and responsibilities; schedule and budget of risk management activities throughout the life cycle; risk categories; probability and impact matrix; prioritised risks with their descriptions (risk register), stakeholder tolerances; reporting formats.
  • Risks may be associated with the products of the project; the project management processes or project resources.
  • Monitoring and controlling includes tracking identified risks for changes to their risk profile, identifying newly arising risks, monitoring trigger conditions, and evaluating the effectiveness of the responses to triggered risks.

    Simple to moderately complex project can be defined as project that has:
  • A high degree of stability, few uncertainties or low rate of change with regard to expected deliverables, phase contents, organisational process and procedures, legislation and team members.
  • Limited range of different methods or approaches relating to; the design and creation of deliverables and end products.
  • Low to moderate impact on the environment and or socio economic elements; Moderate to low need to comply with legislation: Moderate number of stakeholders affected by or interested in the project.
  • Low strategic importance to the organisation or organisations involved; Not necessary identified in strategic plans.
  • Stakeholders, that are in agreement about the characteristics of the product of the project; Benefits of the project well defined and agreed.
  • Low number of different organisations participating in the project; A low number; and or wide variety of interfaces between the project and other organisational entities in order to produce the end deliverable. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of project risk management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The contribution of risk management to project success is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The major processes for managing risk are described in accordance with accepted best project management practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and techniques to support risk management are described with examples of usage. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and analyse the risks on a project. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Methodology that will be used for risk identification and analysis is defined and incorporated into the risk management plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sources of potential threat or opportunity are identified through review of project information, historical information and industry or organisation guides. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Threats or opportunities are identified, described and analysed in terms of associated cause and effect and their probability or impact. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Risks are prioritised and recorded in accordance with agreed formats and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Develop a risk management plan for the project. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Risk management policy and procedures for a project are agreed and recorded in required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Risk prevention activities and resources (planned responses) are defined and costed in required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential recovery activities and resources are defined and costed in required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Contingency requirements are defined and recommended in required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Risk management roles and responsibilities are agreed and recorded according to policy and procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Risk management plan is produced in accordance with standards and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Risk management plan is communicated to project team members and key stakeholders. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor, evaluate and respond to risk events. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Planned risk responses are undertaken in accordance with agreed procedures and project plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Risk occurrences are identified and documented in agreed format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Responses to risk situations are implemented according to risk management plan and current requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Effectiveness of risk response is monitored and additional corrective actions are implemented as required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Feedback is given to stakeholders of the status of a risk occurrence in accordance with plan and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Lessons learned are developed and documented to improve future response to risk situations. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment to be conducted by an accredited provider according to internal approved provider policy and the relevant ETQA guidelines.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Knowledge of risk management concepts, tools and techniques.
  • Knowledge of risk analysis and response planning techniques.
  • Knowledge of risk containment and control techniques.
  • An understanding of industry related best practices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems relating to risks associated with stakeholders, products and project management processes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with stakeholders when managing risks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage ones self and one's activities when managing risks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when managing project risks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively to project stakeholders, including team members regarding the risk plan and status of risk occurrence. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology when executing the processes and techniques for managing risks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems where participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities when identifying and responding to risks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts when managing risks on a project. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Terms, techniques and processes referred to in this unit standard are based upon recognised best practice for Project Management reflected in industry standards such as:
  • Standards from Project Management Institute (PMI®) such as:
    > A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK Guide), 2000 and 2004 versions, from Project Management Institute (PMI®).
    > Extensions to PMBoK® Guide from PMI®.
    > Work Breakdown Structure.
    > Earned Value.
  • Body of Knowledge from Association for Project Management, UK.
  • ISO 10006.
  • British Standard 6079.
  • IPMA Competence Baseline from International Project Management Association.
  • Project Management role delineation studies from PMI®.
  • Project Management Competency Development Framework from PMI®.
  • Global performance standards for project management personnel (GAPPS).
  • Australian National Competency Standards for Project Management 2003. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58395   National Certificate: Project Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Core  66189   National Certificate: Quality Management Systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.