Project risk management is one of the most crucial aspects of project management, yet it often gets overlooked in student assignments. Understanding real-world case studies is a powerful way to grasp how professionals identify, assess, and mitigate risks in complex projects. Whether you’re studying business, engineering, IT, or healthcare, these project risk management case studies will give you valuable insights—and help boost your grades.
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Here are five must-know case studies you can use or reference in your next assignment.
1. The Sydney Opera House Project – A Lesson in Cost Overruns
Industry: Construction / Infrastructure
Main Risk: Underestimation of time and cost
Key Learning: Failure in risk planning and scope management
The Sydney Opera House project is often cited in textbooks as a classic example of poor risk management in construction. Initially estimated to cost $7 million and be completed in 4 years, the project ended up costing $102 million and took 14 years to complete. Major risks—such as design changes, political interference, and lack of contingency planning—were not identified early.
Why use this case?
Perfect for illustrating how ignoring early warning signs can spiral into massive cost and time overruns.
2. NASA’s Challenger Disaster – A Catastrophic Technical Risk
Industry: Aerospace / Engineering
Main Risk: Ignored technical risks and communication breakdown
Key Learning: Risk communication is just as important as technical analysis
The explosion of the Challenger space shuttle in 1986 remains one of the most tragic and preventable disasters in project history. Engineers had flagged the O-ring failure risk, but management failed to act. This case shows how risks aren’t just about identifying problems—they’re about ensuring those concerns are communicated and addressed at the right time.
Why use this case?
Ideal for engineering and aerospace students writing about technical risk assessment and communication failures.
3. Heathrow Terminal 5 – Managing Complexity
Industry: Aviation / Infrastructure
Main Risk: Integration of multiple contractors and IT systems
Key Learning: Importance of risk ownership and stakeholder coordination
Heathrow Terminal 5 opened in 2008 with significant baggage handling failures and flight disruptions. While the physical infrastructure was ready, project risk planning didn’t adequately address system integration or stakeholder coordination. This led to delays, lost luggage, and widespread dissatisfaction.
Why use this case?
Useful for students focusing on system integration risks and stakeholder management.
4. The Denver Airport Baggage System – Automation Gone Wrong
Industry: Aviation / Technology
Main Risk: Over-reliance on new technology
Key Learning: Don’t automate what you haven’t tested
This high-tech baggage system was meant to revolutionise airport operations. Instead, it became a multi-million dollar failure. The problem? Planners underestimated the technical complexity and failed to test systems in phases. Risk management was reactive rather than proactive.
Why use this case?
Great for IT or business students looking to highlight risks of automation, innovation, and poor change control.
5. COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout – A Modern Healthcare Case Study
Industry: Healthcare / Public Administration
Main Risk: Supply chain disruption, misinformation, and political risk
Key Learning: Agile risk management in a global crisis
The global COVID-19 vaccine rollout is a modern example of high-stakes, real-time risk response planning. From distribution delays to vaccine hesitancy, governments and healthcare providers faced rapidly changing risk environments that required flexible and scalable solutions.
Why use this case?
Highly relevant for healthcare and public policy students—especially those writing about risk agility and crisis leadership.
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🔍 Final Tips for Students
- Always link case study analysis to project management frameworks (like PMBOK or PRINCE2).
- Focus on lessons learned—not just the events.
- Reference credible sources and use academic citations.