On October 14th, PMI Norway Chapter hosted a seminar titled “From Risk to Uncertainty Management.” It was an insightful session that explored how the role of project management is shifting in response to rising uncertainties, and I wanted to share some key reflections from the event while they’re still fresh.

Understanding Project Uncertainty

Our speaker, Paul from HYVES Project Research, shared some compelling insights on how traditional risk management frameworks are no longer sufficient to address the complexities of today’s project landscapes. The session was divided into three parts, each providing valuable perspectives on how to navigate uncertainty in projects.

Key Takeaways

1. Project Success is a Moving Target

One of the key ideas Paul introduced was that project success is not a fixed concept—it’s subjective and varies depending on who is evaluating it, when, and how they’re asked. There’s no universal measure of success, and this realization encourages us as project managers to be more adaptive in our methods and criteria for success.

2. The Nature of Uncertainty

We also explored the Uncertainty Matrix, a framework that categorizes uncertainties from the "known-knowns" to the "unknown-unknowns." Paul highlighted that managing uncertainty isn’t just about predicting risks—it’s about accepting that some aspects of a project will always remain unpredictable. The takeaway here? Be proactive and have contingency plans ready, but also embrace flexibility.

3. Next-Generation Agile Techniques

In the final part of the seminar, Paul introduced new Agile techniques such as Power Kanban and Agile Rolling Wave Planning. These approaches are designed to help teams better manage the flow of information and stay agile in the face of unexpected challenges. These tools go beyond software projects and can be applied across various industries to keep teams adaptable and informed.

Moving Forward

This seminar was a valuable reminder that uncertainty doesn’t have to be something we avoid—it can be something we manage effectively. By shifting our focus from simply mitigating risks to embracing uncertainty, we can lead our projects with more resilience and flexibility. The ideas shared during this event will undoubtedly help us face future challenges with confidence.

We wanted to make sure that you don't miss out on the presentation, so here is the link to it.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this seminar a success. We look forward to continuing these important discussions in future PMI Norway Chapter events.

Until next time, let’s continue to embrace uncertainty and drive success!
Natella Ghazaryan
Events Director, PMI Norway Chapter