HKSM

A present condition or circumstance that could influence or affect the project's objectives.

Key Points

• Exists now and requires attention; unlike a risk, it is not uncertain.
• Recorded in an issue log with an owner, priority, and target resolution date.
• May need escalation or decisions and can trigger change control if baselines are impacted.
• Can affect scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, or stakeholder satisfaction.

Example

During system testing, a critical interface fails, blocking progress. The project manager logs an issue, assigns an owner to investigate, assesses impacts on the test schedule and budget, escalates to the sponsor for a decision, and raises a change request if the plan must be adjusted.

PMP Example Question

A stakeholder reports that last night's data migration failed and testing cannot proceed. How should the project manager categorize and handle this?

1. Add it as a risk and plan a response later.
2. Log it as an issue, assign an owner, manage it through the issue process, and initiate change control if needed.
3. Treat it as an assumption to be validated.
4. Document it as a dependency and continue with the plan.

Correct Answer: B — Log and manage it as an issue

Explanation: The event has already occurred and is affecting objectives now, so it is an issue requiring immediate tracking, ownership, and potential change control.