PMI Risk Management Professional Practice Exam

What should the project manager do if no proactive response can be identified for a difficult-to-measure aesthetic criterion risk?

1. Add funds to the contingency reserve.

2. Add funds to the management reserve.

3. Remove the criterion.

4. Add a reactive risk response to the risk register.

The correct answer is: Add funds to the contingency reserve.

When faced with a difficult-to-measure aesthetic criterion risk and if no proactive response can be identified, adding funds to the contingency reserve is a prudent approach. Contingency reserves are specifically allocated to cover unforeseen risks or uncertainties that may impact the project's budget or schedule. By increasing the contingency reserve, the project manager prepares the project for potential implications of the identified risk without needing to alter the project scope or criteria. This approach acknowledges the uncertainty associated with aesthetic criteria and allows for flexibility in response should the risk materialize. Aesthetic issues can often be subjective and challenging to quantify, making outright removal of the criterion unfeasible and potentially detrimental to project outcomes. Similarly, managing reserves distinctively, such as management reserves, might not directly address this specific risk, as they typically cover unforeseen project risks broadly rather than specific aesthetic considerations. Including a reactive risk response in the risk register can be useful but does not alleviate the need for financial preparedness to address the potential impacts of the risk if it occurs. Therefore, enhancing the contingency reserve is a strategic move that ensures the project remains safeguarded against the unpredictable nature of aesthetic risks while preserving the integrity of the project's objectives.