Which of the following is an example of a risk symptom?

Question

Options

• AFailure to meet intermediate milestones
• BForce of nature, such as a flood
• CRisk threshold target
• DCrashing front loading or fast tracking

• A
  72% (26)
• B
  8% (3)
• C
  3% (1)
• D
  17% (6)

Explanation

Risk symptoms (also called "triggers" or "warning signs") are indirect indicators that a risk event has occurred or is about to occur. Failing to meet intermediate milestones is a classic symptom - it signals that underlying risks (resource shortages, scope creep, technical blockers) may be materializing, even before the final deadline is missed.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• B (Force of nature/flood): This is a risk event itself - an actual occurrence - not a symptom that warns of risk.
• C (Risk threshold target): This is a risk management parameter used to define tolerance levels, not a symptom of risk.
• D (Crashing, front-loading, or fast tracking): These are schedule compression techniques (responses to risk), not indicators that risk is present.

Memory tip: Think of risk symptoms like a fever - the fever isn't the illness, it's the signal something is wrong. A missed milestone is the "fever" telling you a deeper project risk has flared up. Anything that responds to or defines risk (threshold, compression techniques) is not the symptom itself.

No community discussion yet for this question.