PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlinePredictive, Plan-Based MethodologiesMedium

A project manager is managing a complex IT infrastructure upgrade. The project team has identified several risks, including a potential failure of a critical server component. To address this, they decide to procure a backup server and have it ready for immediate deployment if the primary server fails. Which risk response strategy is being employed?

  1. ATransfer
  2. BAvoid
  3. CMitigate
  4. DAccept
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Mitigate

Mitigation is a risk response strategy where actions are taken to reduce the probability or impact of a risk event. Procuring a backup server reduces the impact of a primary server failure, thus it is a mitigation strategy.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Transferring risk involves shifting the impact and ownership to a third party, typically through insurance or contracts.
  • B. Avoidance eliminates the risk entirely, which is not the case here as the risk of failure still exists.
  • D. Acceptance is acknowledging the risk and taking no action, which is not what the team is doing.

Risk Mitigation

A risk response strategy where actions are taken to reduce the probability or impact of a threat, or to increase the probability or impact of an opportunity.

  • Aims to lessen severity or likelihood of risk.
  • Does not eliminate the risk, but reduces its effect.
  • Examples include backup plans, enhanced testing, training.

Memory trick: Avoid, Transfer, Mitigate, Accept – ATM's for Risk.

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