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Guide Index
  • PMP Introduction
  • PMP Application Process
  • PMP Reference Material
  • PMI Audit Process
  • PMP Study Plan
  • Week 1: Getting Started
  • Week 2: PM Fundamentals
  • Week 3: Predictive Project Management
  • Week 4: Adaptive Project Management
  • Week 5-6: PMP Exam Content Outline (ECO)
  • Week 7: PM Mindset and Study Notes
  • Week 8-10: PMP Practice Exams
  • Week 11-12: Revision and Consolidation
  • 1.1 Manage Conflict
  • 1.2 Lead a Team
  • 1.3 Support Team Performance
  • 1.4 Empower Team Members and Stakeholders
  • 1.5 Ensure Team Members/Stakeholders are Adequately Trained
  • 1.6 Build a Team
  • 1.7 Address and Remove Impediments, Obstacles, and Blockers for the Team
  • 1.8 Negotiate Project Agreements
  • 1.9 Collaborate with Stakeholders
  • 1.10 Build Shared Understanding
  • 1.11 Engage and Support Virtual Teams
  • 1.12 Define Team Ground Rules
  • 1.13 Mentor Relevant Stakeholders
  • 1.14 Promote Team Performance through the Application of Emotional Intelligence
  • 2.1 Execute Project with the Urgency Required to Deliver Business Value
  • 2.2 Manage Communications
  • 2.3 Assess and Manage Risks
  • 2.4 Engage Stakeholders
  • 2.5 Plan and Manage Budget and Resources
  • 2.6 Plan and Manage Schedule
  • 2.7 Plan and Manage Quality of Products/Deliverables
  • 2.8 Plan and Manage Scope
  • 2.9 Integrate Project Planning Activities
  • 2.10 Manage Project Changes
  • 2.11 Plan and Manage Procurement
  • 2.12 Manage Project Artifacts
  • 2.13 Determine Appropriate Project Methodology/Methods and Practices
  • 2.14 Establish Project Governance Structure
  • 2.15 Manage Project Issues
  • 2.16 Ensure Knowledge Transfer for Project Continuity
  • 2.17 Plan and Manage Project/Phase Closure or Transitions
  • 3.1 Plan and Manage Project Compliance
  • 3.2 Evaluate and Deliver Project Benefits and Value
  • 3.3 Evaluate and Address External Business Environment Changes for Impact on Scope
  • 3.4 Support Organizational Change
  • PMP Exam Tips
PMP® Exam Guide

Process

2.3 Assess and Manage Risks

Process - Assess and Manage Risks

The objectives of project risk management are to increase the probability and/or impact of positive risks (opportunities) and to decrease the probability and/or impact of negative risks, in order to optimize the chances of project success. Risks continue to emerge during the project life cycle; therefore risk management is conducted iteratively throughout the project.

Refer to the following for a comprehensive coverage of this topic:

  • Project Risk Management (Knowledge Area)
  • Agile Risk Management

2.3.1 Determine risk management options

Explore various methods to address both negative risks and opportunities.

  • Negative risks: Implement strategies like escalate, avoid, transfer, mitigate, or accept.
  • Positive risks: Implement strategies like escalate, exploit, share, enhance, or accept.

Refer to risk response strategies for details.

Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of each option. Consider factors like cost, resources, and potential side effects when choosing the most appropriate strategy for both negative risks and positive risks.

Traditional vs. Agile

In traditional, risk management options are defined upfront through formal risk workshops or brainstorming sessions. Tools like risk registers with detailed impact and probability rankings support these activities. In Agile, risk management options are identified and re-evaluated throughout project sprints. Daily stand-up meetings and team retrospectives often act as informal forums for identifying and discussing potential risks.

2.3.2 Iteratively assess and prioritize risks

  • Identify risks: Brainstorm and identify both threats and opportunities that could impact the project, business, or personal situation.
  • Analyze risks: Consider the following for both negative risks and positive risks:
  • Likelihood: How probable is it that the event will occur?
  • Impact: How severe or beneficial would the consequences be?
  • Urgency: How quickly could this event affect the project objectives?
  • Prioritize risks: Based on the analysis, assign priority levels to both negative risks and positive risks.
  • Continuously reassess and update: Regularly revisit your risk assessment to identify new risks and opportunities, re-evaluate existing ones, and adjust the risk management strategies accordingly.

Traditional vs. Agile

In traditional projects, while regular risk reviews occur, these are typically less frequent (e.g., monthly) and focus on comparing planned mitigation strategies to actual impacts. Techniques like risk mitigation plans and contingency plans are documented and tracked. In Agile projects, iterative assessment and prioritization is continuous throughout the project lifecycle. Techniques like risk boards are used to visually track and prioritize risks, allowing for quick adjustments based on new information or changing priorities. Regular sprint reviews provide opportunities to reassess risks and adapt mitigation strategies as needed.

On This Page

2.3.1 Determine risk management optionsTraditional vs. Agile2.3.2 Iteratively assess and prioritize risksTraditional vs. Agile