The answer is the Delphi technique, SWOT analysis, and the prompt’s implied third tool (typically checklists or brainstorming) for identifying risks during the planning phase. The Delphi technique is correct because it gathers expert consensus anonymously, eliminating bias and groupthink, while SWOT analysis systematically examines Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to reveal both internal and external risks—both are explicitly listed in the PMBOK Guide as data analysis techniques for the Identify Risks process. On the PMP exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish planning-phase tools from those used later, such as risk audits in monitoring and controlling. A common trap is confusing the Delphi technique with simple brainstorming; remember that Delphi requires anonymity and multiple rounds. For a memory tip, think “SWOT your risks, then Delphi the consensus” to recall that SWOT uncovers threats and opportunities, while Delphi refines expert input without pressure.
PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of process — managing technical aspects. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Your project is in the planning phase, and you are developing the risk management plan. Which THREE tools or techniques should you use to identify risks?
SWOT analysis (B) is a key tool for identifying risks because it examines the project from four angles—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—to uncover both internal and external risks. This technique is specifically listed in the PMBOK Guide as a data analysis technique for the Identify Risks process during planning.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Creating a risk register to document identified risks.
Why it's wrong here
The risk register is an output of risk identification, not a technique.
SWOT analysis helps identify risks by examining internal and external factors.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Brainstorming sessions with stakeholders and team members.
Why this is correct
Brainstorming is a key technique for generating a list of potential risks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Delphi technique to achieve expert consensus anonymously.
Why this is correct
The Delphi technique is used to gather expert opinions and identify risks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Probability and impact matrix for ranking risks.
Why it's wrong here
This is a tool for qualitative risk analysis, not for identification.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing the outputs or subsequent analysis tools with the tools used for initial risk identification, leading candidates to select the risk register or probability and impact matrix instead of the correct identification techniques.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The risk register is an output of risk identification, not a technique.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Identify Risks process uses tools like brainstorming, Delphi technique, and SWOT analysis to generate a comprehensive list of potential risks. The Delphi technique achieves expert consensus anonymously through multiple rounds of questionnaires, reducing bias from dominant personalities. In practice, combining SWOT analysis with brainstorming sessions often reveals risks that would be missed by a single method, such as market volatility or resource constraints.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PMP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PMP question in full detail.
Process — Managing Technical Aspects — This question tests Process — Managing Technical Aspects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). — SWOT analysis (B) is a key tool for identifying risks because it examines the project from four angles—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—to uncover both internal and external risks. This technique is specifically listed in the PMBOK Guide as a data analysis technique for the Identify Risks process during planning.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are the project manager for a software development project. During a risk review meeting, the team identifies several new risks. Which THREE actions should you take to update the risk register? (Choose three.)
medium
✓ A.Identify root causes of each risk.
✓ B.Assign a risk owner for each risk.
✓ C.Document the identified risks and their descriptions.
D.Perform a quantitative analysis using Monte Carlo simulation.
E.Develop detailed response plans for high-priority risks.
Why A: The risk register should include identified risks, root causes, potential responses, and risk owners. Probability and impact assessment is part of qualitative analysis. Prioritization occurs after assessment. Options A, B, and C are standard entries. Option D is incorrect because the response plan comes later. Option E is incorrect as it's part of quantitative analysis.
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Question Discussion
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