PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
During a project, a risk event occurs that was not identified in the risk register. The project manager needs to respond. Which THREE actions should the project manager take?
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
✓
Add the risk to the risk register and document the response taken
Options A, D, and E are correct. When an unidentified risk occurs, the project manager should first assess its impact (E), then conduct a brainstorming session to identify potential responses (D), and finally add the risk to the risk register along with the implemented response (A). Option B is incorrect because implementing a mitigation response without proper analysis and planning is not recommended. Option C is incorrect because simply accepting the risk without assessment and response planning is not appropriate.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Add the risk to the risk register and document the response taken
Why this is correct
When an unidentified risk event occurs, it becomes a known issue or an emergent risk. The first formal step in risk management is to update the risk register to reflect this new entry, ensuring it is formally tracked. Documenting the subsequent response taken provides a historical record for lessons learned, supports future risk planning, and maintains an accurate project knowledge base, which is essential for effective project control and organizational process asset updates.
- ✗
Immediately implement a response to mitigate the risk
Why it's wrong here
Implementing a response immediately without prior assessment is a reactive and potentially inefficient approach. Effective risk management requires analyzing the newly identified risk's characteristics, such as its probability and impact, to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective response strategy. Hasty actions can lead to misallocation of resources, introduce new risks, or fail to address the root cause, thereby hindering project objectives rather than supporting them.
- ✗
Accept the risk because it was not identified
Why it's wrong here
Accepting a risk simply because it was previously unidentified is an irresponsible approach to project management. Risk acceptance, whether passive or active, should always be a deliberate strategic decision made after a thorough assessment of the risk's potential impact and probability. Failing to identify a risk initially does not negate the need for proper evaluation and a conscious decision regarding its treatment, as it could still significantly jeopardize project success.
- ✓
Conduct a brainstorming session with the team to identify possible responses
Why this is correct
After a risk event occurs, conducting a brainstorming session with the project team is an effective method to collaboratively identify a range of potential responses. This leverages diverse perspectives and expertise within the team, leading to more comprehensive and innovative solutions for managing the emergent risk. This collective effort ensures that various options are considered before selecting the most viable and appropriate course of action to mitigate or address the impact.
- ✓
Assess the impact of the risk on project objectives
Why this is correct
Assessing the impact of the risk on project objectives is a fundamental and critical step when an unidentified risk event occurs. Understanding how the risk affects scope, schedule, cost, and quality allows the project manager and team to prioritize the risk and determine the appropriate level of urgency and resources required for a response. This analysis informs decision-making, ensuring that any subsequent actions are proportionate to the potential threat and aligned with project goals.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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