There are many various risks during all different stages of the project. For the most important values it is important to think about some scenario planning. An example of scenario planning for the values ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Education’ is depicted below. The desired values are on the positive axes and their negative counterpart are on the negative axis. This results in four scenario’s. The upper right corner is the desired situation, with both education and sustainability on the positive axes. If one of these values lacks, the situation shifts to a less desirable one which are shown in the upper left ad lower right corner. It is wisely to consider that if one of your goals is failing, some unexpected risks can arise. To consider these risks on beforehand some early adjustments in strategy can be made if the project is failing.
Besides the risks that project cannot satisfy their most important values, there are some concrete risks to deal with. The most important ones we already know about and the possible mitigations are listed below:
- Lack of funding for growth: to proof that the greenhouse model is possible as a business without subsidy, sufficient capital is needed to grow vegetables in larger quantities. Only then the necessary economies of scale will be realised. To minimise this risk we will develop a high quality brochure for investors and conduct convincing seminars for an appropriate audience.
- Infrastructural problems. This might cause delays in constructing and equipping the greenhouses. But also later when the greenhouse is functioning, problems with the distribution of vegetables can arise.
- Natural hazards. To minimise this risk the greenhouses will be strong enough to stand extreme weather (severe wind and rain, but not a hurricane).
- Theft. Sufficient security measures will be in place, in order to minimise this risk.
- Capacity for devolving and continuing the project after the final deadline. During the project training of personnel, and knowledge and capacity diffusionis an integral part of the project.