CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Basics of IT and GovernanceHard
A project involves upgrading a critical legacy system that has been stable for over a decade. The project team has identified potential compatibility issues with newer hardware and operating systems, and a high risk of service disruption during the migration. To minimize impact, they plan a phased rollout, extensive testing in a non-production environment, and a detailed rollback plan. This approach is an example of which key aspect of change management in IT?
- AStandard Change
- BRisk Assessment and Mitigation
- CPost-Implementation Review
- DEmergency Change
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Risk Assessment and Mitigation
The scenario describes identifying potential problems (compatibility issues, service disruption) and then developing strategies (phased rollout, testing, rollback plan) to reduce the likelihood and impact of those problems. This is the core definition of risk assessment and mitigation within change management.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Standard Change refers to pre-approved, low-risk, routine changes, unlike this critical legacy system upgrade.
- C. Post-Implementation Review occurs after the change is complete to evaluate its success and lessons learned, not during the planning for mitigation.
- D. Emergency Change is for urgent, unplanned changes, which doesn't fit a planned upgrade with extensive preparation.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation (Change Management)
In change management, risk assessment involves identifying potential negative impacts of a change, and mitigation involves planning and implementing actions to reduce the likelihood or impact of those risks.
- Crucial for critical and complex changes.
- Involves identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and potential consequences.
- Mitigation strategies include testing, phased rollouts, and rollback plans.
Memory trick: Assess Risks Before Changing Anything Critical.