Secondary Risks in PMBOK Guide 7th Edition

Secondary risks are risks that arise as a direct result of implementing a risk response. It is important to consider secondary risks when planning risk responses because they can introduce new threats or opportunities to the project that must be addressed.

What are Secondary Risks?
Secondary risks are unintended consequences or new risks that emerge from implementing a risk response. For example, if the risk response is to add more resources to the project to mitigate a schedule risk, a secondary risk could be the increased cost associated with those additional resources.

Why are Secondary Risks Important?
Identifying and analyzing secondary risks is crucial because they can impact the project's objectives, such as scope, schedule, cost, and quality. By considering secondary risks during risk response planning, project managers can develop a more comprehensive risk management strategy and avoid unintended consequences.

How to Manage Secondary Risks:
1. Identify potential secondary risks when planning risk responses.
2. Analyze the impact and probability of secondary risks.
3. Develop risk responses for significant secondary risks.
4. Monitor and control secondary risks throughout the project.
5. Communicate secondary risks to stakeholders and team members.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Secondary Risks
1. Read the question carefully and identify the primary risk and the proposed risk response.
2. Consider potential unintended consequences or new risks that may arise from implementing the risk response.
3. Evaluate the impact and probability of the secondary risks on project objectives.
4. Choose the most appropriate answer that demonstrates an understanding of secondary risks and their management.
5. Remember that not all risk responses will have significant secondary risks, but it is important to consider them in the risk management process.