In the Risk Identification process of Project Risk Management, which tool or technique is commonly used to identify potential project risks?

Introduction / Context:
Risk Identification is a core process in Project Risk Management that aims to determine which risks might affect the project and document their characteristics. Tools and techniques for this process focus on generating a broad, structured list of possible risk events. This question asks you to identify one of the most common techniques used for that purpose.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are in the Risk Identification process.
• The goal is to identify potential project risks.
• Options include brainstorming and Delphi technique plus several other methods from different processes.
• We assume PMI aligned names and uses of these techniques.

Concept / Approach:
Risk Identification often uses techniques that bring together knowledge and perspectives from multiple experts and stakeholders. Brainstorming, Delphi technique, checklists, interviews, and root cause analysis are typical. Brainstorming encourages free generation of ideas in a group setting, while Delphi technique uses anonymous expert input and iterative feedback to reach consensus. Monte Carlo simulation belongs to quantitative risk analysis, schedule compression techniques belong to time management, contract negotiation belongs to procurement, and benchmarking is more frequently associated with quality management and performance improvement.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Risk Identification requires tools that generate a wide range of risk ideas from people who understand the project context. Step 2: Recognize that brainstorming and Delphi technique are classic methods for collecting expert judgment and ideas about potential risks. Step 3: Evaluate the answer choices and determine which one names these techniques directly. Step 4: Option a mentions brainstorming sessions and Delphi technique with subject matter experts, which matches the known Risk Identification tools. Step 5: Confirm that the other options describe techniques used primarily in quantitative analysis, schedule management, procurement, or quality benchmarking, not in initial risk identification.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine starting risk work for a large project. You might schedule a workshop with key team members and stakeholders where everyone contributes ideas about what could go wrong. This is brainstorming. For particularly complex or controversial areas, you might send multiple rounds of anonymous questionnaires to external experts and aggregate their opinions, which is the Delphi technique. These examples show exactly how option a supports Risk Identification in practice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Monte Carlo simulation is a numeric simulation tool for Quantitative Risk Analysis. Fast tracking and crashing are schedule compression techniques used after the schedule has been developed, not tools for listing risks. Contract negotiation is a procurement activity used when buying from sellers. Benchmarking against industry standards is more associated with quality management. None of these is the primary tool for generating a list of potential risks in Risk Identification.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is assuming that sophisticated numeric tools are always the right answer for risk questions. In fact, the first step is to identify risks qualitatively using expert input. Numeric analysis comes later. Keeping the sequence of risk processes clear will help you choose brainstorming and Delphi technique as correct tools for Risk Identification.

Final Answer:
A commonly used Risk Identification technique is brainstorming sessions and Delphi technique with subject matter experts.