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About What-if Analysis

Rooted in business management principles of sound decision theory (which option should we pursue?) is the what-if analysis technique aimed at assessing the results and impacts of potential scenarios. Its name stems from the question, "What if the scenario actually came to fruition?"

Use what-if scenarios and what-if projects to determine the impact different costs or investments have on business goals. Unanticipated adversities can make a business or project unstable and proactive handling of these uncertainties is required. With what-if scenario analysis, your organization can evaluate the feasibility of completing the project under unfavorable conditions, prepare contingency and response plans to avoid or overcome the worst scenario, and mitigate the impact of uncertain or unexpected situations.

P6 portfolio scenarios help you calculate multiple project costs or durations and compare different sets of assumptions about project activities. Sample scenarios might include the following:

  • What if we extend the duration of a particular project phase?
  • What if regulatory changes require us to invest more in certain areas?
  • What if the price of a critical component increases to unsustainable levels?
  • What if a crucial part is delayed?

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