PMI Risk Management Professional Practice Exam

What is the primary reason for recording assumptions that underlie risks?

1. Justify a contingency fund based on project costs

2. Keep the project manager busy

3. Avoid anomalies from inconsistent assumptions

4. Comply with legal requirements

The correct answer is: Avoid anomalies from inconsistent assumptions

Recording assumptions that underlie risks is essential for ensuring that all project stakeholders share a common understanding of the factors influencing the project's risks. By documenting these assumptions, the project team can mitigate potential anomalies that arise due to inconsistent understanding or interpretation of what those assumptions entail. When assumptions are clear and agreed upon, it helps to maintain alignment and consistency throughout the project's lifecycle, enabling better risk identification, analysis, and response planning. In contrast, justifying a contingency fund relates to financial planning and budget management, which is not the primary focus of documenting assumptions. Keeping the project manager busy is not a valid or constructive reason for recording assumptions, as effective project management aims to reduce unnecessary workload through clarity and efficiency. Complying with legal requirements may be a consideration in some contexts, but the primary purpose of recording assumptions is more aligned with fostering consistency and minimizing risks associated with differing interpretations among stakeholders.