RSS 1.0Student Projects for Graduate Degrees
Recent Submissions
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Comparative Research of rural Drinking Water Supply in Mongolia and AlaskaThis comparative research project on rural drinking water supply in Mongolia and Alaska aimed to understand the challenges, dynamics, and best practices surrounding water access and utilities in rural communities within these regions. Through meticulous planning and execution, three cities in Mongolia and three cities in Alaska were selected as primary areas of study to capture the nuances and variations inherent in water supply dynamics across diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts. The objectives included investigating rural water supply systems, developing evidence-based recommendations, and fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. A comprehensive literature review provided insights into existing scholarly works relevant to the study, establishing a foundation for the research. The research findings highlighted common challenges faced by remote communities in both Mongolia and Alaska, including limited access to clean and reliable drinking water, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities. Despite these challenges, successful strategies and initiatives were identified, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and context-specific solutions. Interviews with key stakeholders provided invaluable insights into the complexities of rural water supply systems, challenges faced, successful strategies employed, community engagement initiatives, regulatory frameworks, sustainability practices, and lessons learned. The qualitative and quantitative analysis facilitated a comprehensive understanding of rural water supply dynamics, informing evidence-based recommendations and best practices. The study concluded that addressing water access and utilities in rural communities requires concerted efforts, including investment in innovative technologies, fostering community engagement, enhancing policy support, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration. By translating research findings into actionable recommendations, stakeholders can work towards improving the quality of life for rural residents in Mongolia, Alaska, and beyond.
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Frost Heave StudyDuring 1986, reports were received that some cadastral survey monuments were being pushed from the found in cold climates by frost heave action. Early reports stated that the rod-type monuments were given the most trouble. Meetings were held at various cadastral survey offices to discuss the frost heave problem and to determine a course of action to study the problem in more depth. By thoroughly investigating this problem and with proper evaluation, it was hoped that procedure could be developed that may reduce or even prevent some of this frost heaving. It was concluded that two frost heave sites would be carefully selected and established to study and evaluate how frost heave action affects: 1. Various monument designs 2. Various materials 3. Various installation practices 4. Varying depths monuments are set 5. Use of finned aluminum rods This is the ninth report covering the ninth visit to both sites during March 2021.
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Application of a Stakeholder-Centric Project Management Methodology to the Development of a Disaster Preparedness Plan for Turnagain Crossft AlaskaThis research paper details the development of a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan for Turnagain CrossFit AK, showcasing a shift from the traditional top-down approach to a more inclusive, stakeholderfocused strategy. Recognizing the limitations of conventional disaster preparedness models, which often overlook the nuanced needs and insights of local communities, this study adopts a participatory approach, engaging directly with the people most affected by potential disasters. The methodology integrates a series of steps, beginning with a thorough literature review to establish a foundational understanding of best practices in disaster preparedness and risk management. The core of the study lies in its stakeholdercentric methodology, involving community members, experts, and local authorities in a collaborative effort to tailor the preparedness plan to the specific needs and resources of Turnagain CrossFit AK. Techniques such as risk assessments, interviews, surveys, simulation training exercises, and cost-benefit analysis were employed to gather comprehensive data and insights. This multifaceted approach ensured the identification and prioritization of local hazards, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies, leading to a culturally relevant and efficient preparedness plan. The outcome is a disaster preparedness plan that not only aligns with the unique characteristics of Turnagain CrossFit AK but also demonstrates the efficacy of engaging local stakeholders in the development process. This research contributes to the field of emergency management by illustrating the benefits of a bottom-up approach in creating practical, resilient , and community driven disaster preparedness strategies.
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Application of Project Management Tools and Techniques to Planning and executing the Chugach Heritage Foundation Alumni Program Stand UpThis project seeks to establish an Alumni Program for the Chugach Heritage Foundation. Chugach Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit arm of Chugach Alaska Corporation, an Alaska Native Corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Chugach Heritage Foundation provides scholarships and cultural education opportunities for eligible individuals. This project serves two significant purposes; the first is to allow program alums to remain engaged with the Chugach Heritage Foundation and to encourage giving back to the foundation. The second is to support CHF’s status as an operating foundation, which holds tax benefits CHF would greatly benefit from. Through this project, I intend to demonstrate mastery of several project management areas during the planning and execution of this project, including communication management, stakeholder management, and project risk management. These will be measured and reported on to demonstrate that I exceeded what is required of typical project completion. In addition to planning and executing this project, I will also produce a guide that contributes to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. This contribution will cover how to establish alum programs for scholarship administering nonprofits.
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Continuing Education Program for Paraprofessionals at the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and ChildrenThe Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in Alaska uses paraprofessionals to determine nutrition risk and provide education for their clients. Through discussions with administration and other staff at Alaska’s state WIC office, it was determined that there was a need for more in-depth nutrition education for paraprofessionals. Specific educational topics were identified by WIC nutrition experts and from client feedback. These topics included vitamin D, iron, portion sizes, picky eating and bottle weaning, and food safety. An e-learning portfolio was developed around these 5 topics to provide further education for paraprofessionals through stand-alone modules. This ePortfolio platform allows paraprofessionals to access nutrition education at their convenience. The modules contain a pretest to determine the paraprofessionals’ knowledge, PowerPoint educational material, resources for both the paraprofessional and client, as well as a posttest to evaluate knowledge gained from the module. Each module counts for 1 hour of continuing education credit. This project ensures that paraprofessionals receive up to date, evidence-based nutrition education. This project also serves the profession of dietetics by ensuring that the nutrition education being provided by paraprofessionals to WIC clients is accurate, in-depth, and up-to-date.
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Smartphone Education for Alaska Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) ParticipantsThe State of Alaska Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offers nutrition education for low-income women and children, addressing the nutrition knowledge gap among low-income parents to improve health outcomes. However, the State of Alaska WIC program does not currently use smartphone apps for participant education even though the population served by WIC generally relies on smartphones for trusted information. For this project, a template for WIC smartphone education modules was developed, accompanied by a style guide with format recommendations and platform information that can be used in the creation of future education modules. A sample module was created to illustrate how the style guide could be used for creating nutrition education for Alaska WIC participants. Behavioral change theories, counseling skills used in the Alaska WIC program, and smartphone usability features were evaluated as part of the project and the transtheoretical model of behavior change was chosen as a basis for the education. The style guide and template will allow WIC professionals to produce relevant education even if staff does not have a complete understanding of behavioral change theories or smartphone programming. This will allow WIC professionals to share their knowledge and insight with WIC participants in various parts of Alaska and in the United States with the goal of improving nutrition knowledge and supporting behavior change.
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A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Sports Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among Student Athletes at the University of Alaska AnchorageNutrition is essential for college athletes. However, many athletes may not meet nutrition recommendations for their specific sport due to a lack of knowledge or because they do not believe that proper nutrition is essential for their performance. To ensure that programs best meet the needs of athletes, it is important to understand athletes’ current knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) related to sports nutrition to improve nutritional awareness and elicit desired behavior change. The idea that improving KAB can lead to behavior change specific to nutrition is well-studied and has its foundations in social cognitive theory. However, there is a need for more research in dietetics and nutrition using a social cognitive approach. Drawing from social cognitive theory, this cross-sectional study collected baseline data on sports nutrition KAB among collegiate athletes at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to inform the development of future interventions that may improve diet quality and overall athletic performance among athletes. This study highlights the knowledge gaps and misconceptions surrounding sports nutrition-related topics among college athletes at UAA on the topics of energy requirements, the role of protein, and the use of supplementation. The study participants reported positive attitudes towards nutrition, but fewer positive behaviors associated with good nutrition. Increasing access to nutrition education for student-athletes at UAA is suggested, as participants expressed interest in learning more about nutrition.
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Visualize Near Real-Time Internet of Things (IoT) Sensor Data in Residential Digital Twin Utilizing a Hybrid Project Management MethodologyFor technology professionals in Alaska, the residential digital twin development project was sanctioned to deliver a product to enhance technical acumen and provide visibility into potential risks as a homeowner in arctic climates. Overall, this project demonstrated project mastery by utilizing a hybrid project delivery model while working with newer technology that is currently undergoing rapid innovation. The objective of this project included harvesting, processing, and integrating data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices within the residence to a model. Thus, provided near real-time data points of the physical structure in a digital format. This project delivered a step-by-step manual of tools and techniques utilized to create a residential digital twin as well as a user support manual. The digital twin was then used to analyze and monitor the performance of the residence’s physical environment. From a use case perspective, the digital twin functionality delivered can aid in identifying potential issues and allows for proactive problem-solving, improved reliability and preventative measures to mitigate unnecessary damage. In conclusion, a digital twin project was a valuable tool for improving an asset owner’s experience and enhancing informed decisions based on near real-time data. The goal of this project was to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and make informed decisions.
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STG Incorporated Container Inventory ProjectThe project's primary objective is to improve equipment yard efficiency and inventory management for STG Incorporated by developing a physical inventory system, developing a digital inventory management component, and implementing the system into the Telecom Department’s Spare Parts Container. This project is needed because there is no current digital inventory management system, causing unnecessary spending through redundant procurement. First, a physical organization system was developed based on industry best practices and a comprehensive review of academic literature and pertinent online industry articles on the subject. This system ensures that items are stored logically, which makes locating and accessing equipment much easier. Additionally, a digital inventory management system was created to reflect inventory physically organized. This system will facilitate accurate tracking of inventory, allowing for greater visibility for forecasting material needs for future projects. In summary, this project aims to enhance STG Incorporated inventory management by providing an effective inventory system that enables easy access to materials and better tracking of material needs, improving productivity and reducing redundant procurement.
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Best Practices in Project Portfolio ManagementThe Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (hereafter ANTHC) is a non-profit health organization owned and managed by Alaska Native tribal governments and their regional health organizations. ANTHC had $114 million in grant funded projects and 150 active DEHE projects for 2021 (ANTHC Annual Report, 2021). As of fiscal year 2022 DEHE will have approximately $180 million from the federal infrastructure funding that will more than double the current amount of design and construction projects for the next five to ten years (Murkowski Infrastructure Bill Report, n.d.). Coupled with labor and material shortages across all industrial sectors, ANTHC has a need to: 1) ensure that labor resources are utilized the most efficient way possible; and 2) ensure projects are aligned with ANTHC’s strategic plan. Common problems associated with a lack of project portfolio management (PPM) are poor visibility of data, low productivity, lack of project management standards, and poor collaboration across project teams. The purpose of this project was to: 1) research current industry best practices and methods for general applicability, and 2) provide a best practice roadmap that sets a baseline for appraising current processes and outcomes that helps to set process improvement goals and priorities. The conclusions of this project are that PPM maturity levels are relatively low compared to the years in the industry, that CSuite executives are concerned more with what benefits the portfolio of projects bring to the organization, and when, and that with an understanding of foundational concepts, PPM is relatively easy to implement particularly in a highly projectized environment. The resulting deliverables are best practices in project portfolio management within the organization and a logical path for progressive development.
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Koniag Energy & Water Master Schedule Development ProjectIn September of 2022, the companies Dowland-Bach Corp. and TecPro, which are both subsidiaries of Koniag Energy & Water, were relocated to a new fabrication facility in Wasilla, Alaska. They are now being asked by their parent company to work together to manage and complete projects. Being required to share human resources has created a need to be able to efficiently track multiple projects across the two companies from a single platform. This includes accurate tracking of project cost and schedule variance from estimate. The tool identified to address these tasks is the software program Microsoft Project. The planned outcome of this project was the development of a master schedule template, a new job template, material cost tracking, labor cost tracking, a schedule performance index, resource tracking, a resource pool, and a user tutorial on how to operate these tools to derive the required business objectives. Structured in this Project Report are the results of the research and analysis performed during the execution of this project. Review on researched literature, as well as methodology and approach are captured. Results from the project as well as key aspects and takeaways are provided as well. Upon its successful completion the results of this project have now been made available to both Koniag employees as well as UAA’s Project Management Program. This contribution to the Project Management Body of Knowledge helps Koniag project managers better execute their work and provides a tool kit for students at UAA’s MSPM program to bring with them to the workforce.
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Business Plan Development for an Automotive Restoration CompanyThe Auto Restoration Business Plan Development project arises from a pressing problem and a compelling opportunity within the auto restoration industry. With a resurgence in interest in classic and vintage vehicles, there is a growing demand for professional auto restoration services and a need for entrepreneurs to navigate this intricate landscape. This project aims to address the lack of comprehensive business planning resources tailored to the unique requirements of auto restoration ventures, thereby fostering successful startups, and enhancing the industry's overall quality. The importance of this endeavor is underscored by the transformative impact it can have on aspiring auto restoration business owners. By delivering a meticulously crafted business plan template, industryspecific insights, and a roadmap for financial success, this project empowers entrepreneurs to enter the market with confidence. It not only mitigates common challenges but also enables businesses to thrive and contribute to the preservation of automotive heritage. The objectives of this project therefore encompass equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to launch sustainable and profitable auto restoration businesses, thus fostering economic growth within the industry. The purpose being to deliver a comprehensive and accessible resource that catalyzes innovation, professionalism, and excellence within the auto restoration sector, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy in the years to come. The outcomes of this project include a personalized business plan for an automotive restoration company as well as a formatted and defined example to be distributed to prospective business creators. The research conducted informed the basis of these products for business planning and incorporated project management principles for an auto restoration business planner. To maintain a widely useful product the research focused on potential customer segmentation using nationwide discovery and survey participants. These outcomes therefore give a potential business creator the requirements and guidelines needed for their business plan to be successful when adding input of their locality and own strengths and weaknesses.
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Electrical Engineering Curriculum DevelopmentThe Electrical Engineering Curriculum Development project presents a vital solution to the educational gap in practical electronics knowledge at the secondary education level. This initiative is pivotal in bridging theoretical concepts with real-world applications, a crucial step towards invigorating student interest and competence in electrical engineering. The objective of this project is to create a dynamic and comprehensive curriculum, encompassing fundamental circuitry concepts such as resistors, conductors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, diodes, and batteries. The curriculum also aims to foster the development of hands-on projects like building motors, LED circuits, and homemade capacitors to marry theory with practice by providing the practical necessary knowledge of circuitry concepts. In collaboration with the non-profit Teaching Through Technologies (T3) Alliance, this curriculum is designed not just to enrich the existing body of knowledge in engineering education but to make it widely accessible, thereby empowering a broader audience. Utilizing regular quality checks, feedback loops, data collection and stakeholder engagement, the project ensures alignment with both educational standards and stakeholder expectations. Beyond serving as an effective educational tool, this project also aims to contribute to the project management body of knowledge, particularly in stakeholder management, scope management, and quality assurance, setting a precedent for future curriculum development endeavors. The success of this project will be measured through its anticipated impact on student learning outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, and its integration into the T3 Alliance's curriculum repository.
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Application of Project Management Methodology in the Preparation of a Business Plan for an Anchorage Based Property Management CompanyThis project outlines the preparation of a business plan for an Anchorage-based property management company, employing project management processes and tools. It responds to the recognized need for innovative property management solutions in the Anchorage residential real estate market. The project presents a comprehensive business plan aiming to revolutionize property management by prioritizing personalized, high-quality services to enhance the property ownership experience. Research encompassed market demographics exploration, vendor network identification, competitive analysis, service opportunities identification, and market segmentation strategies formulation. The business plan serves as a strategic roadmap, covering vital aspects such as market analysis, service differentiation, marketing, branding, operational strategies, and growth management. This initiative not only addresses a pressing market need but also proposes a transformative, client-centric approach to property management.
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Iditarod National Historic Trail Bridge Design ProjectThe Iditarod National Historic Trail is a recreational trail system that follows antiquated transport routes across the coast and through the interior of Alaska. This trail is unimproved in certain areas and crosses many waterways, including rivers and creeks. Since this trail is commonly used for hiking and backpacking, efforts have been undertaken to make water crossings safer and easier, particularly in the section that crosses the Kenai peninsula. This study examines the feasibility of constructing a bridge over the Bertha Creek Iditarod Trail Crossing in Turnagain Pass. In this report, we prepare a 65% design of a pony truss bridge and a 10% design of a through truss bridge, including supporting calculations and construction drawings. Various types of structural modelling and analysis software are used to analyze the bridge alternatives. We compare and contrast these designs on multiple different metrics – primarily constructability, cost, and aesthetics. The results indicate that, although a pony truss bridge would be more expensive to construct, it would be much easier to construct, could be almost entirely shop fabricated, and would better suit the intended usage of the trail system. Both bridge designs would require a helicopter, although the pony truss would take less time to construct, due to less welding and shoring activities being required on site. Considering the benefits of each alternative leads to the conclusion that a pony truss bridge is preferred over the construction of a through truss bridge at this location.
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Immersion Tour for Local Native Alaska StudentsRecent initiatives by the Department of Defense directed greater outreach to local Native Alaska students due to lack of representation. To bridge this gap, the "Immersion Tour for Local Native Alaska Students" is an impactful initiative aimed at providing a unique educational experience to underserved students residing in remote areas of Alaska. This project serves as a vital component of Air Force outreach, fostering connections with local communities and inspiring the next generation of leaders. The primary objective of this project is to expose students from remote Alaskan villages, often referred to as "the bush," to opportunities and career paths they may not have access to otherwise. By doing so, it not only enriches their educational journey but also empowers them to envision a brighter future for themselves and their communities. This will be a one day execution event for the immersion tour on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska. Additionally, this project aims to permanently set up an office or set up as a function of an office to carry out this endeavor so this effort may continue as part of the organization. In summary, the "Immersion Tour for Local Native Alaska Students" is a project with a far-reaching impact, designed to bridge educational gaps, foster community connections, and inspire future leaders within the Alaska Air National Guard. It underscores the Air Force's commitment to outreach and engagement while offering students the chance to explore a world of possibilities. This project successfully resulted in 28 students enjoying a military base immersion tour and in creating a repository of best practices for future tours to use for continuously improved processes. This repository will be used as the basis for turnover to a future office for primary responsibility in supporting outreach tours.
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Integrated Land Use Planning for Sustainable Communities on the Seward Peninsula; An Assessment of Potential Mining Development and Indigenous LivelihoodsGraphite is a critical mineral in pursuing the goal of “decarbonizing the economy” in the U.S. and currently, the U.S. imports 100% of its graphite from other countries. The most significant demand driver for graphite is lithium-ion batteries, which powers carbon-free technologies to reduce global warming. The recent discovery of a substantial, high-grade graphite deposit in Alaska’s Seward Peninsula has triggered the proposal of a large-scale graphite mining project and generated immense government support for local production. It is critical to examine the potential socio-economic and environmental impacts of the proposed mining project on project- zone communities of Nome, Teller, Brevig Mission and Mary’s Igloo. Existing literature reveals the correlation between mining impacts and their spatial extent, species susceptibility, intensity, and public health implications for communities. This study’s methodology includes spatial analysis of 20-year subsistence and sport harvest data of important species from reporting zones or UCUs (Uniform Coding Units) and rivers on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula, to determine critical harvest locations and estimate their degree of overlap with 1-, 5-, and 10-mile buffers of mining impact extent. We evaluated socio-economic impacts through local employment estimates, royalties and tax structures, and compensation to Native organizations and relevant stakeholders. Analysis shows overlap with habitats and migratory routes of important species and Areas of Critical Environmental Concerns (ACEC), as well as economic opportunities for local communities. Estimating cumulative impacts of the proposed large-scale mine is critical for effective resource management planning and policymaking in the Seward Peninsula in the face of “green transition”.
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Large Event Public Protection Plan With Juneau Ironman Case StudyDue to the increase in large public events being targeted by lone wolf terrorists since September 11, 2001, large sporting events are being categorized by United States Department of Homeland Security as soft targets for potential attacks. (Martin, 2016) The Ironman Group identified Juneau, Alaska, as a premier site for conducting an Ironman Event in August 2022 and is expected to be repeated through 2024. The Juneau fire and police departments have limited resources to support an event of this magnitude. Due to past malicious incidents that have taken place during large public events, the Juneau Ironman event raised concerns regarding local responders’ ability to respond to possible hazardous situations and initiated requests for augmented support from federal, and state agencies for the event. Many project managers for these events include and conduct varying levels of emergency response planning. However, emergency prevention and reaction planning is only sometimes included in event project plans or applied for similar-sized events. Using the case study of the Juneau, Alaska Ironman event held in summer of 2022, this project created a large-scale Public/Participant Protection Plan to help reduce the likelihood of attacks from taking place during the event and minimize the effects of attacks if they occur. A Schedule Template was also created, and its performance was assessed.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) 2023 Open EnrollmentBlue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), serving residents and businesses in the North Dakota area. BCBSND is an equal opportunity employer where employees and retirees are valued and cared for through provision of superior benefits. The BCBSND 2023 Open Enrollment project focused on the planning and execution of the 2023 Enrollment of Benefit programs (Medical, Vision, Dental, HAS/FSA, WLSA, and 401K) offered by the organization to employees and retirees. BCBSND employees and retirees require clear understanding and guidance about benefit updates and requirements in order to enroll annually for benefits during the two-week timeframes scheduled by the BCBSA. To create more efficiency in the annual planning of the BCBSND 2023 Open Enrollment, research was conducted to explore the BCBSND Project Management Office (PMO) project planning processes. This is due to the lack of project management tools and techniques being leveraged at BCBSND. The project highlights the findings of that research and produced project management tools and techniques that can be used in future projects where key stakeholders include employees and retirees of the organization.
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Project Risk Management Plan for Alaska Affordable Housing ProjectAdequate housing has been a consistent problem in rural Alaska. COVID-19 pandemic has made living there even more difficult. The state requires approximately 16,107 housing units each year. To reduce the housing deficit in Alaska, need interventions in the provision of affordable housing. We have collaborated with the state for providing affordable housing in Anchorage. Project focus is to provide 100 housing units in Anchorage. This project will focus on the Risk Management for affordable housing project. Risk management is a key project management practice to minimize negative risk occurrences during the project. While we can never predict the future with certainty, we can apply a simple and streamlined risk management process to identify uncertainties in projects and proactively minimize the negative impact of these uncertainties. A robust risk management process improves the probability of successful project completion and reduces the negative consequences of those risks. This project created the risk management process, tools, and techniques to increase the probability and impact of opportunities and decrease the probability of negative events for affordable housing projects in Alaska
