PMI-RMP Questions and Answers

A low CPI value (0.53) indicates that the project is over budget. This may be due to an inaccurate cost baseline, which means the initial budget estimation was not correct. This would not necessarily mean that cost control processes are ineffective, actual reported costs are inaccurate, or cost-related risks are effectively managed.

The CPI value is calculated by dividing the earned value (EV) by the actual cost (AC). A CPI value of less than 1 indicates that the project is over budget, meaning that the actual cost is higher than the planned cost. A low CPI value can have several possible causes, such as poor estimation, scope creep, change requests, or inaccurate reporting. However, in this case, the SPI value is greater than 1, which indicates that the project is ahead of schedule, meaning that the earned value is higher than the planned value. This suggests that the cost baseline, which is derived from the planned value, is inaccurate and does not reflect the true cost of the work. Therefore, the risk manager should interpret such a low CPI value as a sign of an inaccurate cost baseline, and not as a result of ineffective cost control processes, inaccurate actual costs, or effective cost related risk management. References: PMI-RMP® Certification Handbook1, page 9; PMBOK® Guide, page 267.

The project manager should consult or review project contracts, lessons learned registers from analogous projects, and the risk management plan to develop an effective risk planning for the project.

According to the PMBOK® Guide, the risk management plan is one of the key inputs for the plan risk management process, which is the first process in the project risk management knowledge area. The risk management plan describes how risk management activities will be structured and performed throughout the project. It includes information such as the methodology, roles and responsibilities, budget, timing, risk categories, definitions of risk probability and impact, probability and impact matrix, revised stakeholders’ risk tolerances, reporting formats, and tracking (page 409). Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

The project contracts are also an important input for the plan risk management process, as they may contain terms and conditions that can create or affect various project risks. For example, contracts may include clauses related to penalties, incentives, warranties, intellectual property rights, termination, force majeure, arbitration, indemnification, etc. The project manager should review the project contracts to identify any potential sources of risk and plan appropriate responses (page 410). Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

The lessons learned registers from analogous projects are another valuable input for the plan risk management process, as they provide historical information and knowledge that can help the project manager identify and analyze risks, as well as plan risk responses. The lessons learned registers may contain information such as the risks that occurred, the root causes of the risks, the risk triggers, the effectiveness of the risk responses, the residual and secondary risks, the risk owners, the risk ratings, the risk trends, etc. The project manager should consult the lessons learned registers from similar or comparable projects to learn from past experiences and avoid repeating mistakes (page 411). Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

The risk register is not an input for the plan risk management process, but an output. The risk register is a document that contains the list of identified risks, their causes, potential responses, and other relevant information. The risk register is created during the identify risks process, which is the second process in the project risk management knowledge area. The risk register is then updated and refined throughout the project as more information becomes available and new risks emerge (page 414). Therefore, option C is incorrect.

The code of regulations is not an input for the plan risk management process, but a type of enterprise environmental factor. Enterprise environmental factors are the conditions, not under the control of the project team, that influence, constrain, or direct the project. The code of regulations refers to the rules and standards that govern the project’s industry, domain, or sector. The code of regulations may affect the project’s scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, communications, procurement, and risk management. The project manager should consider the code of regulations when planning risk management activities, but it is not an artifact that needs to be reviewed or consulted (page 38). Therefore, option E is incorrect.

References: PMBOK® Guide, pages 38, 409-411, 4141

Centralizing the risk management function enables the organization to have a consistent approach to reporting risks and their impacts. This allows for better monitoring of the impact against the overall project risk exposure, which helps in making informed decisions and allocating resources effectively.

According to the PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline1, one of the tasks in the domain of risk governance is to “establish and maintain a centralized risk management function to support the project and organizational objectives”. A centralized risk management function can help resolve the problem of inconsistent risk reporting by providing a common framework, methodology, and standards for risk management across the organization. One of the benefits of centralizing the risk management function is that it allows monitoring the impact of individual project risks against the overall project risk exposure, as well as the organizational risk appetite and tolerance. This can help the CEO and other senior management to make informed decisions and allocate resources accordingly. Therefore, the best answer is B.

References: 1: PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline, page 6.

Categorizing risks by their impact on project objectives ensures that risk response plans are aligned with project priorities. This helps in focusing on the most critical risks and their potential impact on the project's success.

 Categorizing risks by their impact to the project objectives is a way of aligning the risk management process with the project goals and stakeholder expectations. By doing so, the risk management professional can ensure that the risk response plans are focused on the most critical aspects of the project and that the project priorities are being considered in the decision making. This approach can also help to communicate the value of risk management to the project team and the stakeholders, as they can see how the risk management activities are contributing to the project success. Categorizing risks by their impact to the project objectives does not necessarily help to identify the specific causes of risks, determine the level of project leadership and organizational involvement, or assign risks and risk severities to functional disciplines and departments. These are other possible ways of categorizing risks, but they are not the main purpose of using the impact to the project objectives approach. References: PMI-RMP® Certification Handbook1, page 9; PMBOK® Guide, page 415.

An Ishikawa diagram (also known as a fishbone or cause-and-effect diagram) is a tool used to identify and analyze the root causes and sources of a risk. It helps the risk manager gain a deeper understanding of the risk source and likelihood. (Reference: PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition, p. 139)

 An Ishikawa diagram, also known as a fishbone diagram or a cause-and-effect diagram, is a tool that can help the risk manager to analyze the root causes of a risk and to identify the factors that influence its occurrence and impact. An Ishikawa diagram can also help to visualize the relationships among different causes and to prioritize the most significant ones. By developing and employing an Ishikawa diagram, the risk manager can gain a deeper understanding of the source and likelihood of the risk and plan appropriate responses accordingly. References: The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects, page 72; PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 398.

The project manager should reassess the risks and analyze the reserve to determine if any adjustments can be made to accommodate the expected additional work. This will help in identifying potential budget-saving measures and making informed decisions on how to proceed.

According to the PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Reference Materials, risk reassessment is the process of reanalyzing existing project risks and identifying new risks throughout the project life cycle1. Reserve analysis is the process of estimating the amount of contingency reserve and management reserve needed to account for the uncertainty and variability of the project2. In this case, the project manager should conduct a risk reassessment and reserve analysis as the next step, because the budget overruns during execution have changed the risk profile of the project and reduced the available funds to handle future risks. By conducting a risk reassessment, the project manager can update the risk register and the risk response plan with the current status of the project risks and the effectiveness of the risk responses. By conducting a reserve analysis, the project manager can determine if the remaining contingency reserve and management reserve are sufficient to cover the potential impact of the project risks, and request additional funds if needed.

References: 1: PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Sixth Edition, 2017, p. 442 2: PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Sixth Edition, 2017, p. 215

A risk register should be developed before submitting a formal bid response to help the company understand the project's risk profile and account for potential risks in their proposal. This allows the company to make informed decisions about cost, schedule, and resources. (Reference: Project Management Institute. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition, Section 11.2)

A risk register is a document that is used as a risk management tool to identify potential setbacks within a project. A risk register is typically created at the start of a project (before it begins), and is regularly referenced and updated throughout the life of a project through deliberate risk monitoring and control1. A risk register is an important component of any successful risk management process and helps mitigate potential project delays that could arise. A risk register is shared with project stakeholders to ensure information is stored in one accessible place2. A risk register also helps to establish a hierarchy of risks, starting with the most impactful. The goal should be to have a path to mitigating those risks, reducing the harm they cause, or eliminating them. The register should also outline what’s considered an acceptable level of risk and how to set up insurance to help offset the impacts3. Therefore, a risk register should be developed before a formal bid response is provided to the client to gain a greater understanding of the project’s risk profile. This will help to estimate the project costs, schedule, and scope more accurately and realistically, as well as to identify the contingency plans and reserves needed to deal with the potential risks. Developing a risk register during the project execution phase, when a client project kick-off meeting is held, or after a project budget is set up with a purchase order are all too late to effectively identify and manage the risks that could affect the project success. References: 2, 3, 1, 4

The risk manager should use the Delphi method in this situation, as this is a technique that can help resolve differences among experts and reach a consensus on the identified risks and their characteristics. The Delphi method is a tool used to make quick decisions with consensus. This technique consists of sending several sets of anonymous questions to each expert. This is followed by a group discussion after every round. The Delphi method can help the risk manager to solicit the opinions of all experts without revealing their identities. This way, the experts can express their views freely and honestly, without being influenced or intimidated by others. The Delphi method can also reduce personal bias, ego, or emotional conflict among the participants. The risk manager can use the results of the Delphi method to create a list of potential risks and their causes, effects, and probabilities. The other options are not appropriate techniques for the risk manager to use in this situation. Brainstorming is a technique that can help generate ideas and identify risks, but it may not be effective in resolving differences among experts, as it involves open and spontaneous discussion. Focus group is a technique that can help collect requirements and opinions from stakeholders, but it may not be suitable for resolving technical disagreements among experts, as it involves a moderated and structured discussion. Checklist analysis is a technique that can help identify risks based on historical information and lessons learned, but it may not be helpful in resolving differences among experts, as it involves a predefined list of potential risks. References: 3, 4, 5

The risk identification technique that the risk manager should use is the nominal group technique. This technique involves bringing stakeholders together to brainstorm potential risks and then ranking them based on their importance. This allows for interaction and collaboration among stakeholders, which can help ensure that an exhaustive list of risks is created.

The nominal group technique is a risk identification technique that involves the interaction and collaboration of stakeholders to generate an exhaustive list of risks. It is a structured process that allows each participant to share their ideas independently, then rank and prioritize them as a group. This technique ensures that all opinions are considered and reduces the influence of dominant or biased individuals12

References: 1: PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)® Handbook, page 10 2: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Seventh Edition, page 11.2.2.1

 According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Section 11.2.1.2, Assumptions Log, an assumption is a factor that is considered to be true, real, or certain without proof or demonstration. Assumptions can affect the project planning and execution, and should be identified, documented, validated, and updated throughout the project life cycle. The assumptions log is an output of the Identify Risks process, and it records the project assumptions and their potential impact, validity, and priority. If the assumptions are found to be invalid or inaccurate, they may introduce new risks or change the existing risk exposure. Therefore, the project manager should update the assumptions log and assess the risk associated with the conflicting infrastructure pieces, and plan appropriate risk responses if needed. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Section 11.2.1.2, Assumptions Log

When conflicting infrastructure pieces are identified, the project manager should update the assumptions log to reflect the new information and assess the risks associated with the conflicting pieces. This allows the project manager to make informed decisions about how to address potential issues and avoid future problems. (Reference: Project Management Institute. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition, Section 11.3)

SWOT analysis identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In this case, B and C are potential threats or opportunities. B is a threat as engineers' reservations may hinder the initiative, and C is an opportunity as growing competition may drive the company to improve its digital signature capabilities.

 A SWOT analysis is a technique used to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a project, organization, or option. It helps to evaluate the internal and external factors that can affect the project’s success or failure. In this question, the project manager has used a SWOT analysis to identify the threats and opportunities for the digital signature initiative. A threat is an external factor that can negatively impact the project’s objectives, while an opportunity is an external factor that can positively impact the project’s objectives. Therefore, two potential threats or opportunities under the SWOT analysis are:

• B. The organization’s professional engineers having reservations about possible information tampering. This is a threat because it can reduce the acceptance and adoption of the digital signature initiative by the key stakeholders, who are the professional engineers. They may have concerns about the security, reliability, and validity of the digital signatures, and may prefer to use the traditional wet signatures. This can affect the project’s scope, quality, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• C. A growing number of competitors with digital signatures. This is an opportunity because it can create a competitive advantage for the organization, as it can offer faster, cheaper, and more efficient services to its clients. The digital signature initiative can also help the organization to comply with the industry standards and regulations, and to enhance its reputation and brand image. This can affect the project’s schedule, cost, and profitability.

The other options are not threats or opportunities under the SWOT analysis, because they are either internal factors or not relevant to the project’s objectives. They are:

• A. The management team agreeing to include more resource for the digital signature initiative. This is a strength, not a threat or an opportunity, because it is an internal factor that can help the project to achieve its objectives. It can provide more support, expertise, and funding for the project, and improve the project’s performance and quality.
• D. An elimination of manual steps associated with recording wet signatures. This is a benefit, not a threat or an opportunity, because it is an outcome or result of the project, not a factor that can affect the project. It can improve the efficiency, accuracy, and convenience of the project’s deliverables, and reduce the errors, delays, and costs associated with the wet signatures.
• E. The growing adoption of mobile communications in the industry. This is a trend, not a threat or an opportunity, because it is a general change or development in the industry, not a specific factor that can affect the project. It can influence the demand, expectations, and preferences of the project’s customers and stakeholders, but it does not directly impact the project’s objectives.

References: PMI, 2017. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, Inc., pp. 375-3761 PMI, 2019. Practice Standard for Project Risk Management. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, Inc., p. 182

According to the PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline1, one of the tools and techniques for risk identification is the Delphi technique. This is a method of obtaining expert opinions anonymously and iteratively until a consensus is reached. The Delphi technique can help overcome the problem of SMEs being reluctant to participate in risk identification because it allows them to express their views without fear of criticism or confrontation from other participants. The Delphi technique can also reduce the influence of dominant or biased individuals and encourage honest and independent feedback. Therefore, the best answer is B. References: 1: PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline, page 8.

Legal and regulatory requirements and constraints when assessing a project environment for threats and opportunities may include ensuring the confidentiality of project information, as this is often governed by laws and regulations.

Legal and regulatory requirements and/or constraints are external factors that can affect the project environment and influence the risk management process. They may include laws, regulations, standards, codes, permits, licenses, contracts, or agreements that the project must comply with or adhere to. Confidentiality of project information is an example of such a requirement or constraint, as it may limit the disclosure, sharing, or access of project data, documents, or reports to authorized parties only. Violating confidentiality may result in legal actions, penalties, or reputational damage for the project and the organization. Therefore, the project manager and the risk management team must identify and comply with the confidentiality requirements and/or constraints when assessing the project environment for threats and opportunities. References: PMI, 2019. Practice Standard for Project Risk Management. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute, Inc., p. 181

The project risk manager should generate reports to assess and communicate the project risk level to stakeholders. This helps in making informed decisions and taking appropriate actions to manage risks effectively.

 The project risk manager should quantify the risk exposure that exceeds project contingency, as this will help to determine the amount of management reserve needed to cover the potential cost overruns or schedule delays. The project risk manager should also communicate this information to the project manager and other relevant stakeholders, and update the risk management plan accordingly. References: The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects, page 80; PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, page 407.

The main output of the stakeholder meeting in the initiation phase is to identify threats and opportunities that may impact the project in a positive or negative way. This information will be used to develop the risk management plan.

The meeting that the project stakeholders are invited to in the initiation phase is part of the Identify Risks process. The purpose of this process is to identify the risks that may affect the project objectives in a positive or negative way, and to document their characteristics. The main output of this process is the risk register, which is a document that contains the list of identified risks, their causes, potential responses, and other relevant information. The risk register is an essential input for the subsequent risk management processes, such as Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis, Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis, Plan Risk Responses, and Monitor Risks. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Identifying threats and opportunities. References: PMI, The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects, 2019, p. 79-80, 86-87.

The risk management plan is a document that describes how risk management activities will be structured and performed on a project. It defines the roles and responsibilities, risk categories, risk appetite and thresholds, risk identification and analysis methods, risk response strategies, risk monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and risk governance mechanisms1. The risk management plan should be aligned with the project management plan, which defines the project scope, schedule, cost, quality, and other aspects2. When an organization decides to accelerate a key project, it means that the project objectives, assumptions, constraints, and environment have changed. This will affect the risk exposure and profile of the project, as well as the risk management approach and resources. Therefore, the first action for the project risk manager to take is to revise the risk management plan to reflect the new situation and ensure that the risk management process is still effective and efficient. Revising the risk management plan may involve updating the risk categories, risk appetite and thresholds, risk identification and analysis methods, risk response strategies, risk monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and risk governance mechanisms to suit the accelerated project. The project risk manager should also communicate the revised risk management plan to the relevant stakeholders and obtain their approval and support1. Ensuring sufficient resources are available, updating the risk register, and meeting with the project’s stakeholders are all important actions to take when accelerating a project, but they are not the first action. These actions should be done after revising the risk management plan, as they depend on the updated risk management approach and process. For example, the project risk manager may need to allocate more resources to risk management activities, identify and analyze new or changed risks, implement new or modified risk responses, and report the risk status and performance to the stakeholders based on the revised risk management plan1. References: 2, 1.

In the early stages of a project, the risk management team leader should conduct qualitative risk analysis to prioritize potential risks. This will help the team to focus on the most significant risks and develop appropriate risk response strategies.

 According to the PMI-RMP Handbook, the early stages of the project are the best time to establish the risk management plan, which is a document that describes how risk management activities will be structured and performed on the project. It is one of the main outputs of the Plan Risk Management process. The risk management plan should be developed with the involvement and input of key stakeholders, such as the project sponsor, customer, team members, subject matter experts, and other relevant parties. The risk management plan should also define the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders in risk management, as well as the reporting and escalation mechanisms.

The risk management team leader, who is a risk management certified candidate in their domain, should educate stakeholders on best practices to perform risk management in the early stages of the project. This is because the stakeholders may have different levels of knowledge, experience, and expectations regarding risk management, especially in an organization that spans across different countries. The risk management team leader should provide training, coaching, and guidance to the stakeholders on how to apply the risk management processes, tools, and techniques, as well as how to use the risk management plan. The risk management team leader should also promote a positive risk culture and encourage stakeholder participation and collaboration in risk management activities.

The other options are not valid for what the risk management team leader should do in the early stages of the project:

• Conduct qualitative risk analysis to prioritize potential risks: This is not a valid option because the qualitative risk analysis is part of the Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis process, which comes after the Identify Risks process and before the Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis process. The risk management team leader should not conduct the qualitative risk analysis before developing the risk management plan and identifying the risks.
• Plan a solid risk response plan and secure the necessary funding: This is not a valid option because the risk response plan is part of the Plan Risk Responses process, which comes after the Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis and Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis processes. The risk management team leader should not plan the risk response plan and secure the necessary funding before developing the risk management plan, identifying, and analyzing the risks.
• Benchmark to an organization which has executed a similar project: This is not a valid option because benchmarking is a technique for risk identification, but it is not the only one. The risk management team leader should use a combination of techniques to identify risks, not just focus on one aspect. Also, benchmarking is not the same as educating stakeholders, which implies providing training, coaching, and guidance on risk management best practices.

References: PMI-RMP Handbook1, PMBOK® Guide2, Practice Standard for Project Risk Management2

The expected monetary value (EMV) for this project can be calculated as follows: (0.6 x US$100,000) - (0.4 x US$100,000) = US$60,000 - US$40,000 = US$20,000 profit.

The EMV of a project is the weighted average of the possible outcomes, which are a US$100,000 profit or a US$100,000 loss in this case. To calculate the EMV, we multiply the probability of each outcome by its monetary value, and then add them together. The formula is:

EMV = (Probability of profit x Value of profit) + (Probability of loss x Value of loss)

In this case, the probability of profit is 60%, and the value of profit is US$100,000. The probability of loss is 40%, and the value of loss is -US$100,000 (negative because it is a loss). Therefore, the EMV is:

EMV = (0.6 x 100,000) + (0.4 x -100,000) EMV = 60,000 - 40,000 EMV = US$20,000

This means that the project has an expected monetary value of US$20,000 profit, which is the answer option B. The other options are incorrect because they do not match the EMV calculation.

The EMV is a useful tool for comparing different projects or alternatives based on their expected values. However, it does not account for the variability or uncertainty of the outcomes, which may also affect the project decision making. For example, a project with a higher EMV but a higher risk may not be preferable to a project with a lower EMV but a lower risk. Therefore, the EMV should be used with caution and in conjunction with other risk analysis techniques.

For more information on the EMV and other risk analysis methods, you can refer to the PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Examination Content Outline and Specifications, the A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition, and the Expected Monetary Value (EMV): A Guide With Examples. I hope this helps you understand the concept of EMV and how to apply it to project risk management

To ensure an effective risk management plan, the risk manager needs to consider aligning the plan to project constraints and priorities and obtaining stakeholder acceptance, as these factors will help ensure that the plan is relevant and supported by the project team and stakeholders.

 According to the PMI-RMP Handbook, the risk management plan is a document that describes how risk management activities will be structured and performed on the project. It is one of the main outputs of the Plan Risk Management process. The risk management plan should consider the following factors to ensure its effectiveness:

• Aligning to project constraints and priorities: The risk management plan should be aligned with the project objectives, scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, and stakeholder expectations. It should also reflect the project’s risk appetite, tolerance, and threshold levels, which indicate the degree of uncertainty that the project can accept. The risk management plan should prioritize the risk management activities based on the project’s critical success factors and key performance indicators.
• Obtaining stakeholder acceptance: The risk management plan should be developed with the involvement and input of key stakeholders, such as the project sponsor, customer, team members, subject matter experts, and other relevant parties. The risk management plan should be communicated and approved by the stakeholders to ensure their commitment and support for the risk management process. The risk management plan should also define the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders in risk management, as well as the reporting and escalation mechanisms.

The other options are not valid factors for ensuring an effective risk management plan:

• Applying modern risk management techniques: The risk management plan should apply the appropriate risk management techniques that suit the project’s context, complexity, and characteristics. The techniques should be based on the best practices and standards of the profession, such as the PMBOK® Guide and the Practice Standard for Project Risk Management. The techniques do not have to be modern or innovative, as long as they are effective and efficient.
• Ensuring risk response strategies mitigate all risks: The risk management plan should define the risk response strategies that will be used to address the identified risks. However, the risk response strategies do not have to mitigate all risks, as some risks may be accepted, transferred, or avoided. The risk response strategies should be based on the risk analysis and evaluation, which consider the probability and impact of the risks, as well as the cost and benefits of the responses.
• Minimizing implementation costs: The risk management plan should consider the budget and resources available for the risk management activities. However, the risk management plan should not aim to minimize the implementation costs at the expense of the quality and effectiveness of the risk management process. The risk management plan should balance the costs and benefits of the risk management activities, and ensure that they provide value to the project.

References: PMI-RMP Handbook1, PMBOK® Guide2, Practice Standard for Project Risk Management2

The risk manager should conduct a risk planning workshop with senior management and other key stakeholders to review the risk management plan, the risk register, and the contingency reserves. The risk manager should explain the purpose and benefits of contingency reserves, and how they are calculated and allocated based on the risk exposure of the project. The risk manager should also discuss the potential impact of removing or reducing the contingency reserves on the project objectives, scope, schedule, cost, and quality. The risk manager should facilitate a collaborative decision-making process to reach a consensus on the best course of action for the project. References: PMI, The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects, 2019, p. 77-78, 92-93.

A risk checklist is a tool for identifying risks based on historical information and knowledge from similar projects. It is a list of potential risk sources or categories that can be used to prompt the project team to consider possible risks that may affect the project. A risk checklist should include information that is relevant and useful for identifying risks, such as lessons learned from similar completed projects and previous project risks that may be relevant to this project. These two pieces of information can help the project manager to learn from past experiences and avoid repeating the same mistakes or overlooking the same threats or opportunities. A risk checklist should not include information that is not directly related to risk identification, such as budget variance data from previously completed projects, project scope and cost management plans from previous projects, or stakeholder analysis metrics from projects with similar risk profiles. These pieces of information may be useful for other aspects of project management, such as planning, monitoring, or controlling, but they are not helpful for identifying risks on a project. References: PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition. Chapter 11: Project Risk Management, p. 397. 5

Lessons learned and previous project risks are valuable sources of information for creating a risk checklist. They provide insights into potential risks that may impact the current project and help the project manager develop appropriate risk responses. Budget variance data, project scope and cost management plans, and stakeholder analysis metrics, although useful, are not directly related to risk identification. (Reference: Project Management Institute. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition, Section 11.2)

In this instance, the project manager should use quantitative analysis to simulate the overall risk outcome. Quantitative analysis techniques, such as Monte Carlo simulation or decision tree analysis, can be used to model the combined effect of individual risks on project objectives. By leveraging historical data, the project manager can generate more accurate and reliable risk assessments, which can help inform risk response strategies and improve project decision-making.

Quantitative analysis is a type of risk analysis that numerically analyzes the effect of identified risks on overall project objectives 1. It involves using historical data and other information to estimate the probability and impact of risks, and then applying mathematical techniques such as simulation, sensitivity analysis, decision tree analysis, or expected monetary value analysis to quantify the overall risk exposure of the project 2. Quantitative analysis can provide more accurate and objective results than qualitative analysis, which relies on subjective judgments and ratings. Quantitative analysis can also help the project manager prioritize risks, determine the optimal risk response strategy, and allocate contingency reserves 3. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

References: 1: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition, page 4311 2: PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)® Examination Content Outline, page 102 3: Quantifying risk - Project Management Institute, page 11

When closing risks as part of the closing process, it is important to update the lessons learned document. This document captures the knowledge and experience gained during the project and can be valuable for future projects.

 Lessons learned is a document that captures the knowledge gained from the project and can help improve the performance of future projects. It is one of the outputs of the project closure process and should include information on the project risks, issues, and responses. Lessons learned can help identify the best practices and lessons to be applied or avoided in similar projects. Updating the lessons learned document is an important part of closing the risks as it can provide valuable insights for risk management. References: PMI, Project Risk Management, 2nd edition, 2019, p. 97-981

The risk manager can ensure the organizational process assets (OPAs) are updated as a result of risk management activities by arranging periodic risk management process audits. These audits help evaluate the effectiveness of risk management processes and identify areas of improvement, leading to updates in the OPAs.

According to the PMBOK Guide, one of the tools and techniques for the monitor risks process is audits. Audits are examinations of the risk management processes to ensure that they are aligned with the project objectives and are following the organizational policies and procedures. Audits can also identify any gaps, inconsistencies, or areas of improvement in the risk management activities. By conducting periodic audits, the risk manager can ensure that the organizational process assets are updated and reflect the current state of the project risk management. Some of the organizational process assets that can be updated as a result of audits are risk management templates, risk categories, risk databases, and lessons learned1 . References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 456-457, 481-4821; PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline, 2015, page 9

 According to the PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Section 11.1.3.1, Enterprise Environmental Factors, one of the factors that can influence the Plan Risk Management process is the organization’s risk attitude, appetite, tolerance, and thresholds. These terms describe the degree of uncertainty that an organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its goals, and how it approaches, operates, and responds to risk. Therefore, when presenting their work to management, the risk manager should focus on the risks that are tied to the success of the organization, and the risks as they apply to the organization’s overall risk management philosophy and strategic ambition. These aspects can help the management to understand the alignment of the project risks with the organizational objectives and values, and to make informed decisions about risk responses. The other options are less relevant or too specific for a management presentation, and may not reflect the organization’s risk attitude or priorities. References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, Section 11.1.3.1, Enterprise Environmental Factors1

The risk manager should focus on risks that are directly tied to the success of the organization and those that align with the organization's risk management philosophy and strategic ambition. This will ensure that management is informed about the most relevant risks and opportunities for the project.

The project manager should discuss the risk response strategies with the stakeholders to handle their expectations. This will help the project manager to align the risk responses with the stakeholder’s risk appetite, preferences, and expectations. It will also help the project manager to obtain the stakeholder’s support and approval for the risk responses. This is the best way to ensure clear visibility on the project risks and progress. Adding buffers to the schedule to accommodate risk (option A) is not a good practice, as it may create false expectations and hide the true impact of risk. Ensuring the risk register includes all identified risks (option B) is important, but it is not enough to handle stakeholder expectations. The project manager also needs to communicate the risk register to the stakeholders and discuss the risk responses with them. Developing a communication plan to share updates on risks (option D) is also a good practice, but it is not sufficient to handle stakeholder expectations. The project manager also needs to involve the stakeholders in the risk response planning process and obtain their feedback and approval. References: PMI, The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects, 2019, p. 97; PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), 6th ed., 2017, p. 407.

The project manager should develop a communication plan to share updates on risks (D) to handle stakeholder expectations, especially since the organization has a low risk appetite and stakeholders are very engaged. This approach ensures that stakeholders are regularly informed about the project's risks and progress, addressing their concerns and expectations. This is supported by the PMI's PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition.

The project manager should discuss the identified risks with the project team to ensure that everyone is aware of the potential risks and can provide input on the likelihood and impact of each risk. This collaborative approach will help in developing a comprehensive risk management plan.

The project manager should discuss and evaluate the identified risks with the project team, as this is part of the risk identification process. The project manager can use their experience from previous projects to identify potential risks that may occur again on the new project, but they should also involve the project team to obtain their input and perspectives. The project team can help the project manager to validate, refine, and prioritize the identified risks, as well as to suggest possible risk responses. The project manager should document the identified risks and their characteristics in the risk register, which is a tool for risk management. The other options are not appropriate actions for the project manager to take. Implementing the risk response strategies into the risk plan is premature, as the project manager should first analyze and evaluate the risks before deciding on the best response strategies. Informing the sponsor that these risks should be added according to experience is not sufficient, as the project manager should also consult the project team and other stakeholders to ensure that all relevant risks are identified and assessed. Adding the risks to the risk register and determining a contingency is part of the risk analysis and response planning processes, which come after the risk identification process. The project manager should first discuss and evaluate the identified risks with the project team before moving to the next steps of risk management. References: 2, 3, [5]

According to the PMBOK® Guide1, the risk management plan is a component of the project management plan that describes how risk management activities will be structured and performed. It provides guidance on how the project team will identify, analyze, respond, monitor, and control risks throughout the project life cycle. The risk management plan should be reviewed and updated whenever there are changes in the project scope, schedule, budget, or objectives, as these changes may introduce new risks or affect the existing ones. In this case, the organization’s decision to accelerate a key project is a significant change that may alter the risk profile of the project. Therefore, the first action for the project risk manager to take is to revise the risk management plan to reflect the new situation and ensure that the risk management processes are aligned with the project objectives and constraints. This is part of the Plan Risk Management process in the PMBOK® Guide1. References: 1: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition

The expected outcome of developing the risk management plan is to define how risk management activities will be executed throughout the project. This includes the processes, tools, and techniques that will be used to identify, assess, and manage risks.

 The risk management plan is a document that describes how risk management activities will be structured and performed throughout the project. It provides guidance on how to identify, analyze, respond, monitor, and control risks, as well as how to communicate, document, and report them. The risk management plan also defines the roles and responsibilities of the project team and stakeholders in risk management, the risk categories and breakdown structure, the risk thresholds and appetite, the risk management tools and techniques, and the risk management budget and schedule. The risk management plan is an output of the plan risk management process, which is the first process in the project risk management knowledge area. Developing the risk management plan is essential for ensuring that the project risks are closely managed and aligned with the project objectives and stakeholder expectations. References: PMI, Project Risk Management, 2nd edition, 2019, p. 67-681

The project’s contingency allowance is a provision in the project budget that is intended to cover known risks that may affect the project costs. The risk of increased fuel costs was identified and included in the contingency allowance, so the project manager should use it to process the freight invoices at the actual shipping costs. This is the best way to handle the risk without affecting the project scope, schedule, or quality. Requesting a formal change order from the customer (option B) is not necessary, as the project budget already has a provision for this risk. Processing the freight invoices for the budgeted amount and hoping the shipping company will forgive the difference (option C) is unethical and unprofessional, as it violates the terms of the contract and the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Asking the project sponsor to cover the additional shipping costs on the company’s reserves account (option D) is also not appropriate, as the company’s reserves are meant for unknown risks that are beyond the project’s control, not for known risks that are already accounted for in the project budget. References: PMI, The Standard for Risk Management in Portfolios, Programs, and Projects, 2019, p. 72; PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), 6th ed., 2017, p. 252.

The project manager should use the contingency allowance to cover the additional shipping costs, as it was specifically included in the project budget for such risks. This approach avoids requesting unnecessary changes or relying on external sources to cover the cost overrun.

An affinity diagram is a tool used to visually organize and group risks or ideas based on their similarities and categories. It helps in structuring the risks for further analysis and discussion. (Reference: PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition, p. 138)

 According to the PMBOK Guide, an affinity diagram is a tool and technique for the identify risks process that allows large numbers of ideas to be sorted into groups for review and analysis. An affinity diagram can help the risk manager to visually organize the risks identified in the pre-workshop survey by grouping them into categories based on their similarities or common characteristics. This can help the risk manager to facilitate the risk analysis and prioritization in the workshop, as well as to stimulate new patterns of thinking and generate additional risks.

Some of the other options are not relevant or appropriate for the question scenario:

• The analytical hierarchy process is a technique for the plan risk management process that provides a method for comparing and ranking alternatives based on multiple criteria. It is not a tool for visually organizing risks.
• A SWOT analysis is a technique for the identify risks process that examines the project from the perspective of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It is not a tool for visually organizing risks, but rather for generating them.
• Assigning probability and impact is a technique for the perform qualitative risk analysis process that assesses the likelihood and the potential effect of each individual risk on the project objectives. It is not a tool for visually organizing risks, but rather for evaluating them.

References: PMBOK Guide, 6th edition, pages 397-399, 414-415, 431-432, 441-442; PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline, 2015, page 7.

When describing the causes of a risk, it is critical for the risk manager to ensure that the causes represent actual conditions, as this will help in the accurate identification and assessment of the.

According to the PMBOK® Guide, a risk is defined as “an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on one or more project objectives” (page 720). A risk can be described by its causes, effects, and probability of occurrence. The causes are the factors or circumstances that give rise to the risk, and they should represent the actual conditions that exist or may exist in the project environment. The causes should not be based on assumptions, opinions, or speculations, but on facts, evidence, or data. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Option A is incorrect because not every cause has a degree of uncertainty. Some causes may be certain or deterministic, such as contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, or physical laws. Uncertainty is a characteristic of the risk itself, not the cause.

Option B is incorrect because not every cause has a well-defined owner. The owner is the person or entity who is assigned the responsibility and authority to manage the risk, not the cause. The owner should be identified after the risk is analyzed and prioritized, not before.

Option D is incorrect because the causes do not need to be validated by the risk owner. The risk owner is the person or entity who is accountable for the risk response, not the risk identification. The causes should be validated by the risk manager or the risk identification team, who are responsible for collecting and documenting the risk information.

The project manager should implement the risk handling strategies for the risks that occur more frequently, as this will help reduce their impact on the project and improve overall project performance.

Exploit is a positive risk response strategy that aims to ensure that the opportunity is realized 1. It involves eliminating the uncertainty associated with a particular upside risk and making it happen 2. For example, if there is an opportunity to reduce the project cost by using a cheaper supplier, the project manager can exploit it by signing a contract with the supplier and securing the savings. Exploit is the opposite of avoid, which is a negative risk response strategy that seeks to eliminate the threat or protect the project from its impact 2.

The other options are not appropriate for taking full advantage of opportunities. Mitigate is a negative risk response strategy that reduces the probability and/or impact of a threat 2. It is the opposite of enhance, which is a positive risk response strategy that increases the probability and/or impact of an opportunity 1. Accept is a risk response strategy that involves acknowledging the risk and not taking any action unless the risk occurs 2. It can be applied to both threats and opportunities, but it does not actively pursue them. Transfer is a negative risk response strategy that shifts the impact of a threat to a third party, along with ownership of the response 2. It is the opposite of share, which is a positive risk response strategy that allocates ownership of an opportunity to a third party who is best able to capture it for the benefit of the project 1.

References: 1: How To Exploit and Enhance Project Opportunities - Project Risk Coach 2 2: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition, page 443-4451