HKSM
Contingent Response Strategies
Preplanned risk responses that are set to be executed when a defined trigger or set of conditions is observed.
Key Points
- They are tied to specific risk triggers (indicators or thresholds) that signal when to act.
- Documented in the risk register with clear decision rules, owners, and required resources.
- Executed only if the trigger occurs; otherwise the plan remains on standby.
- Often require allocated schedule or cost reserves to enable rapid implementation.
Example
If the selected supplier misses two consecutive milestone deliveries, the project will invoke the preapproved backup plan: shift 40% of the scope to an alternate supplier and rebaseline the schedule by one week.
PMP Example Question
During planning, the team defines that if defect rates exceed 5% for two sprints, they will add an extra test cycle and bring in a contract tester. What is this an example of?
- Fallback plan
- Workaround
- Contingent response strategy
- Risk transfer
Correct Answer: C — Contingent response strategy
Explanation: The action is preplanned and linked to a specific trigger (defects > 5% for two sprints), which defines when it will be executed.
