CAPM Business Analysis Frameworks Practice Question
You are a business analyst conducting a stakeholder analysis for a project that will affect multiple departments. You need to determine how to engage stakeholders effectively. Which two techniques are most appropriate for identifying and prioritizing stakeholders? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is selecting general elicitation techniques like brainstorming or document analysis, which may uncover stakeholders but do not prioritize them for engagement.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Stakeholder mapping
Stakeholder mapping and the power/interest grid are both established techniques for identifying and prioritizing stakeholders. Mapping provides a visual overview, while the grid categorizes stakeholders by power and interest to guide engagement strategies. Together, they help the BA determine who needs what level of communication and involvement. The other techniques are useful for other purposes but do not directly address stakeholder prioritization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Root cause analysis
Why it's wrong here
Root cause analysis is used to identify the underlying cause of a problem, not to analyze stakeholders. It is valuable for problem-solving but does not help in identifying or prioritizing stakeholders. In this scenario, the BA needs to understand stakeholder influence and interest, so root cause analysis is not relevant.
- ✓
Stakeholder mapping
Why this is correct
Stakeholder mapping is a technique that visually represents stakeholders based on attributes such as power, interest, influence, or impact. It helps the BA identify who is affected and prioritize engagement strategies. In this scenario, mapping would clarify which departments need more communication or involvement, making it a correct choice for identifying and prioritizing stakeholders.
- ✓
Power/interest grid
Why this is correct
The power/interest grid classifies stakeholders based on their authority and level of concern. It guides the BA in determining engagement approaches, such as managing closely or keeping informed. This directly supports prioritizing stakeholders for effective communication. In a multi-department project, the grid helps focus efforts on high-power, high-interest groups, making it a correct choice.
- ✗
Brainstorming
Why it's wrong here
Brainstorming is a general technique to generate ideas, not specifically to identify or prioritize stakeholders. While it could be used to list potential stakeholders, it lacks the structured analysis of influence and interest that stakeholder mapping provides. In this scenario, a more targeted technique is needed to prioritize engagement, so brainstorming alone is insufficient.
- ✗
Document analysis
Why it's wrong here
Document analysis involves reviewing existing materials to elicit requirements or understand the business context. It might reveal stakeholder names, but it does not provide a structured way to prioritize them based on influence or interest. For effective engagement planning, more interactive and analytical techniques are required, so document analysis is not the best choice here.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
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