PMP Practice Questions #161
Which of the following elements are essential components of an Issue Log?
A) Issue Description, Expected Resolution Date, Probability of Issue, Mitigation Steps Taken
B) Issue Description, Impact, Workaround, Stakeholder Analysis
C) Risk Impact, Priority, Mitigation Steps Taken, Added Date
D) Issue Description, Impact, Priority, Expected Resolution Date
Analysis
The given PMP exam question focuses on identifying the essential components of an issue log. An issue log is a critical document used to capture and manage issues that arise during a project. It includes various details about each issue to ensure they are tracked, prioritized, and resolved effectively. The analysis involves evaluating each option and eliminating those that include elements more relevant to other project management documents or that lack essential components.
Analysis of Options
Option A: Issue Description, Expected Resolution Date, Probability of Issue, Mitigation Steps Taken
- Analysis:
- Issue Description: Essential for identifying and describing the issue.
- Expected Resolution Date: Important for tracking when the issue is expected to be resolved.
- Probability of Issue: More relevant to risk management, as it pertains to potential future events rather than current issues.
- Mitigation Steps Taken: Also more relevant to risk management, where mitigation is about reducing the likelihood or impact of risks.
This option includes two relevant components but also two elements that are more applicable to a risk register, making it less suitable for an issue log.
Option B: Issue Description, Impact, Workaround, Stakeholder Analysis
- Analysis:
- Issue Description: Essential component.
- Impact: Crucial for understanding the significance of the issue.
- Workaround: Relevant for documenting temporary solutions until a permanent resolution is found.
- Stakeholder Analysis: More relevant to the stakeholder engagement plan, focusing on stakeholder identification and analysis rather than issue tracking.
This option includes three relevant components but is weakened by the inclusion of stakeholder analysis, which does not belong in an issue log.
Option C: Risk Impact, Priority, Mitigation Steps Taken, Added Date
- Analysis:
- Risk Impact: Misplaced here, as it belongs to a risk register.
- Priority: Relevant for prioritizing issues based on their impact and urgency.
- Mitigation Steps Taken: More appropriate for a risk register, addressing actions to reduce risks.
- Added Date: Useful for tracking when the issue was logged.
This option mixes elements of a risk register with an issue log, making it less appropriate despite having some relevant components.
Option D: Issue Description, Impact, Priority, Expected Resolution Date
- Analysis:
- Issue Description: Fundamental for documenting the issue.
- Impact: Essential for understanding the severity and implications of the issue.
- Priority: Important for determining the order in which issues should be addressed.
- Expected Resolution Date: Critical for planning and tracking the resolution timeline.
This option includes all relevant and appropriate components for an issue log, making it the best choice.
Conclusion: The most suitable option for the essential components of an issue log is Option D: “Issue Description, Impact, Priority, Expected Resolution Date”. This option comprehensively covers all necessary elements for effectively tracking and managing issues within a project. Other options include elements that are more relevant to other project management documents, such as a risk register or stakeholder engagement plan, making them less appropriate for an issue log.
PMP Exam Content Outline Mapping
| Domain | Task |
|---|---|
| Process | Task 15: Manage project issues |
Topics Covered
- Project Issues
