Project Risk Management
BUSA-40971
All projects start with uncertainty, creating wide-ranging consequences from unmet plans to total organizational failure. Nearly all projects are conducted in some form of a regulatory environment. But regulation alone cannot assure success. Ongoing research shows that risk management is still a frequently neglected area of planning, including in regulated environments such as healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. This course examines a framework that may be applied to any projects and other initiatives to scale risk management best practices quickly. Through instruction and realistic, scenario-based assignments, students are introduced to organized and practical approaches to manage project risks and improve overall project outcomes.
This course provides 30 education hours applicable toward Professional Development Units (PDUs). To request an official university transcript, please contact Student Services or click here for more information.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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Understand the importance of risk management for both project and organizational success.
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Evaluate and analyze risks for probability and impact, and document them in a prioritized risk register.
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Understand, use, and tailor a framework for risk management.
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Apply scalable templates for risk management plans, risk assessment workshops, risk registers, and risk assessment matrices for initiatives.
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Determine risk mitigations and contingencies for both cost and time.
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Apply some common tools and techniques for all stages of risk management.
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Apply a seven-step qualitative risk response planning process to guide key management decisions.
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Understand how to implement approved responses to project risks.
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Improve the ability to monitor, detect, and respond to risk events.
Course Information
Individual exceptions may be granted based on prior experience or knowledge. To request an exception, please contact projectmanagement@ucsd.edu.
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Risk Assessment Framework: Successfully Navigating Uncertainty 2nd
by Ray W. Frohnhoefer
ISBN / ASIN: 9780989377072
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 4/10/2026
- Early enrollment advised
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Raymond Frohnhoefer, MBA, PMP, CCP
Managing Partner, PPC Group, LLC
Ray W. Frohnhoefer is an executive with strong project management skills; a methodologist; and a creative inventor and entrepreneur. His key leadership qualities have enabled him to save companies millions of dollars by efficiently making complex decisions and getting things done, even under pressure. His mission: improve the practice of project management. Ray is an active PMI member and volunteer with specialties in:
- Project, Program, and Portfolio Management
- Strategic Planning
- Methodology and Framework Development
- Requirements and Product Development
- PM Maturity Assessment
- Business Process Improvement
Section ID:
Class type:
All class meetings held in-person according to published location, dates and times. Students may be expected to engage with course content online during the published course dates.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/17/2026
- Early enrollment advised
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Asitha Seneviratne, Ph.D., P.E., PMP, PSP
Senior Scheduling Manager, SANDAG
Asitha Seneviratne, Ph.D., P.E., PMP, PSP, is a professional civil engineer and a distinguished Project Controls (PC) practice leader at SYSTRA USA, bringing over 25 years of expertise in project controls, program management, and critical path scheduling. His extensive experience spans a diverse array of industrial sectors, including California's high-speed rail initiative, highway and transit infrastructure development, and hydrogeological modeling for soil and groundwater remediation.
In his current role as Senior Director of Project Controls at SYSTRA, Asitha leads all project controls activities for the Rail Track & Overhead Catenary Systems joint venture, overseeing 171 miles of the early operating segment. He is responsible for guiding project control teams to meet timely deliverables, establishing comprehensive PC practices, and cultivating strong relationships with clients, joint venture partners, and third-party stakeholders. Asitha is also dedicated to furthering SYSTRA’s project controls capabilities across the United States.
In addition to his professional work, Asitha has been an instructor at the UCSD Division of Extended Studies since 2011, where he teaches planning and scheduling. Through his teaching, he helps professionals expand their knowledge and advance their careers in the field.
