Process — Managing Technical Aspects →easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question

During a daily standup, a developer mentions that a risk identified in the risk register has occurred and is causing a one-day delay. The risk response plan includes a mitigation strategy that can be implemented immediately. What should the project manager do FIRST?

⚠ Common exam trap

Candidates often confuse the order of actions, thinking stakeholder communication or escalation should come first, when in fact implementing the pre-planned response is the immediate priority to contain the risk impact.

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

✓

Implement the planned risk response as documented in the risk register

When a risk occurs and a pre-planned mitigation strategy exists in the risk register, the project manager should implement that strategy immediately to minimize impact. In this scenario, the risk response plan already accounts for the one-day delay, so executing the documented mitigation is the most efficient and proactive action, aligning with the PMBOK Guide's guidance on risk response implementation.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
Update the issue log and inform stakeholders of the delay
Why it's wrong here
This action is premature as the *first* step when a risk materializes with a planned response. While updating logs and communicating are crucial project management activities, they typically follow the primary action of addressing the risk itself. The immediate priority when a risk event occurs and a response plan exists is to execute that plan to mitigate the impact, not merely document it as an issue or inform stakeholders of a potential delay before attempting to prevent or minimize it.
✓
Implement the planned risk response as documented in the risk register
Why this is correct
When a previously identified risk materializes, the most appropriate and immediate action is to execute the specific risk response strategy already documented in the risk register. This proactive approach leverages the prior planning effort, ensuring that the project team is prepared to mitigate the impact of the risk event efficiently and effectively, thereby minimizing potential disruptions to project objectives.
✗
Escalate the issue to the sponsor for guidance
Why it's wrong here
Escalating to the sponsor for guidance is an inappropriate immediate action when a predefined risk response plan already exists. Escalation is typically reserved for risks that are beyond the project manager's authority or resources, or for unidentified risks that have materialized without a pre-planned mitigation strategy. Relying on the sponsor for guidance at this stage would bypass the established risk management process and delay the necessary corrective action.
✗
Conduct a new risk assessment to determine the best response
Why it's wrong here
Conducting a new risk assessment at this juncture would be redundant and inefficient. The project team has already performed a thorough risk analysis and developed a specific response plan, which is documented in the risk register. Re-evaluating the situation would waste valuable time and resources, delaying the critical implementation of the pre-approved mitigation strategy and potentially exacerbating the impact of the materialized risk.

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PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

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