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Risk Matrix

Risk Matrix

Owned by David Sedlock
Last updated: Mar 10, 2025 by Angelica SalazarVersion comment
3 min read

Overview

The Risk Matrix displays a two-dimensional matrix containing the risks of one or more projects. The matrix is composed of two risk estimates, typically the values of the fields representing impact and probability. Each cell in the matrix shows the number of risks having a given combination of values. For example, the top-right cell would show the count of risks with high impact and high probability. The cells are shaded to indicate the importance risks for the project.

The Risk Matrix can also be used to compare changes over time between two matrixes using historical data of the Jira issues.

A Risk Board is mandatory to open a Risk Matrix. From the board’s Risk Register, select Reports.

The operations of the Risk Matrix are explained in the table below.

Operations

Purpose

Action

Comments

Purpose

Action

Comments

Select a view

Select Reports > Risk Matrix, then select from the following views:

  • Single: Displays risks based on the selected matrix configuration in a single matrix accompanied by a data table.

  • Inline: A Matrix Comparison view that shows one matrix with arrows pointing from the old to the new value of the risk field selected.

  • Side-by-Side: A Matrix Comparison view that plainly shows in separate matrices the risks from the past date and the current date.

The last selected view is remembered for the Risk Matrix Reports.

Select a matrix in the view

In each of the views (Single, Inline, and Side-by-side), the matrices displayed are customizable.

  • Select a Matrix from the dropdown.

  • The selected matrix will be loaded.

In Matrix Comparison views, only matrices that have matching dimensions can be selected in the dropdown.

The last selected matrix is remembered for the views.

Select dates in matrix comparison view

In the Matrix Comparison views (Inline and Side-by-side), compare risk data between two points in time. Select a from-date on the left side and a to-date on the right side.

The last selected dates are remembered for the comparison views.

Filter risks in the data table in single matrix view

In the Single Matrix view, there is data table that shows all the risks in the matrix.

  • Select a cell in the matrix to filter the data table to only risks in the selected cell.

  • Select Clear selection on top of the data table to remove the filter.

Any filter or highlight applied is automatically cleared when the selected matrix is changed.

Highlight cells in the single matrix view

In the Single Matrix view, there is data table that shows all the risks in the matrix.

  • Select a row in the data table to highlight the risk’s location in the matrix.

  • Select multiple rows in the data table by pressing Ctrl + Left-Click to highlight multiple risks' locations in the matrix.

  • Select Clear selection on top of the data table to remove highlights.

Export risks to Excel

In the Single Matrix view:

  • Select Export in the menu items above the right side of the matrix.

 

Filter risks based on a risk field

  • Select the Field from the dropdown.

  • The sorting is influenced by Order.

  • Limit the results displayed using the Max Results control.

 

List risks in a cell

  • Hover over the issue key or number of risks in the cell of a matrix.

Risks are shown in the matrix based on the color associated with its Jira status category (i.e. Grey = To Do, Blue = In Progress, Green = Done).

 

Open the risk in Jira issue view

  • Click on an issue key hyperlink to open the risk in the Jira issue view.

 

Display all risks in the Jira Issue Navigator

  • Select the link showing the total number of risks next to the heading “# of Risks” on the upper right side of the matrix.

 

Use quick filters

See Quick Filters.

 

 

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