HKSM

A positive risk response in which the project assigns ownership of an opportunity to an external party that is best positioned to realize and capture its benefits.

Key Points

• Used for opportunities (positive risks), not threats.
• Ownership and accountability to pursue the upside are shifted to a third party more capable of delivering the benefit.
• Common mechanisms include partnerships, joint ventures, licensing, and incentive-based contracts.
• Requires clear agreements on roles, benefit sharing, success criteria, and ongoing monitoring.

Example

The project team develops a new analytics feature but lacks market access. They form a joint venture with a major vendor that takes the lead on commercialization in exchange for a revenue share. The vendor owns the opportunity and is best placed to capture the upside.

PMP Example Question

A software project identifies a significant growth opportunity if a global reseller launches the product in new markets. The team signs a partnership granting the reseller the lead role and a share of profits to pursue this upside. Which risk response strategy is being used?

1. Exploit
2. Share
3. Enhance
4. Accept

Correct Answer: B - Risk sharing (giving opportunity ownership to a partner best able to realize it)

Explanation: The team transfers ownership of the opportunity to a third party that can best capture the benefit, which is the essence of risk sharing.