Capture and Examine Issues and Risks is a fundamental activity within the Controlling a Stage process in PRINCE2 7. This activity ensures that any concerns, problems, or potential threats identified during stage execution are properly recorded and assessed for their impact on the project.
When iss…Capture and Examine Issues and Risks is a fundamental activity within the Controlling a Stage process in PRINCE2 7. This activity ensures that any concerns, problems, or potential threats identified during stage execution are properly recorded and assessed for their impact on the project.
When issues arise during a stage, they must be captured in the Issue Register. Issues can take three forms: a request for change, an off-specification, or a problem or concern. Each issue requires documentation including its description, severity, priority, and potential impact on the project objectives.
Risks identified during stage execution must be recorded in the Risk Register. The Project Manager examines each risk by assessing its probability of occurrence and potential impact on the project. This examination helps determine the appropriate response strategy, whether that involves avoiding, reducing, transferring, accepting, or exploiting the risk.
The examination process involves analyzing how issues and risks affect the stage plan, project plan, and business case. The Project Manager must determine whether the issue or risk can be handled within their delegated tolerance levels or whether escalation to the Project Board is necessary.
This activity supports the management by exception principle by helping identify situations that exceed tolerances. When issues or risks threaten to push the project beyond agreed parameters, the Project Manager prepares an Exception Report for the Project Board.
Effective capture and examination of issues and risks enables informed decision-making throughout the stage. It provides visibility into potential problems and allows for proactive management rather than reactive responses. The Project Manager reviews the registers regularly during stage progress assessment to identify trends and ensure appropriate actions are being taken.
This continuous monitoring ensures that the project remains viable and that stakeholders are kept informed about factors that could affect delivery of expected benefits.
Capture and Examine Issues and Risks in PRINCE2 v7
Why is Capture and Examine Issues and Risks Important?
This activity is fundamental to maintaining project control during each management stage. Issues and risks that are not properly captured and examined can escalate into major problems, threatening project success. By systematically recording and analyzing issues and risks, the Project Manager ensures that appropriate responses are taken, keeping the project on track and within tolerances.
What is Capture and Examine Issues and Risks?
This is a key activity within the Controlling a Stage process. It involves:
• Capturing: Recording all issues (problems, concerns, changes) and risks that arise during stage execution • Examining: Analyzing each issue and risk to understand its potential impact and urgency • Categorizing: Classifying issues as requests for change, off-specifications, or problems/concerns • Assessing: Evaluating whether the issue or risk falls within the Project Manager's delegated authority or requires escalation
How Does It Work?
1. Issue Capture: Issues are logged in the Issue Register with details including description, priority, and severity
2. Risk Capture: Risks are recorded in the Risk Register with probability, impact, and proximity assessments
3. Analysis: The Project Manager examines each entry to determine appropriate response actions
4. Decision Making: Based on analysis, the Project Manager either takes corrective action within their authority or escalates to the Project Board
5. Documentation: All decisions and actions are recorded for audit and lessons purposes
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Capture and Examine Issues and Risks
Tip 1: Remember that the Project Manager is responsible for this activity, not the Project Board or Team Manager.
Tip 2: Understand the difference between issues and risks. Issues are current events that have happened; risks are uncertain future events.
Tip 3: Know the three types of issues: requests for change, off-specifications, and problems or concerns.
Tip 4: Questions often test whether an item should be escalated. If it exceeds stage tolerances or the Project Manager's authority, escalation is required.
Tip 5: The Daily Log is used for less formal tracking of minor issues that do not require formal management.
Tip 6: Be clear that capturing and examining occurs throughout the stage, not just at the beginning or end.
Tip 7: When exam questions present scenarios, identify whether the situation describes an issue (something that has occurred) or a risk (something that might occur) to select the correct register.