HKSM
Trigger Condition
A specific sign or circumstance that warns a risk event is likely to happen soon.
Key Points
- Serves as an early warning indicator that a known risk may materialize.
- Defined and recorded in the risk register during risk planning.
- Monitored throughout the project to decide when to launch risk responses.
- Often tied to clear thresholds or metrics (e.g., dates missed, counts exceeded).
Example
In a software project, the team sets a trigger condition: "Open critical defects exceed 30 for three days in a row." When this occurs, the project manager initiates the contingency plan to add test resources and re-sequence tasks to reduce schedule risk.
PMP Example Question
Which term refers to a predefined sign, such as "the supplier misses two consecutive delivery milestones," that prompts the team to activate a risk response plan?
- Trigger condition
- Risk owner
- Residual risk
- Risk tolerance
Correct Answer: A — Trigger condition
Explanation: A trigger condition is a monitored indicator or circumstance that signals a risk is imminent and that the planned response should be executed.
