--- title: "Tools and techniques for risk identification" subject: "Project Engineering" chapter: 5 key: "semester_7/project_engineering:risk-identification-tools-techniques" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/risk-identification-tools-techniques site: BCT Engineering --- # Tools and techniques for risk identification Project Engineering · Chapter 5: Project Risk Analysis and Management - Asked in: 2082 Baisakh, 4 marks; 2076 Asoj, 4 marks (asked 2 times) - Video: [7 Powerful Risk Identification Techniques Most PMs Never Learn](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISkhghb1AbA) — The Bearded Risk PM | Russ Parker - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/risk-identification-tools-techniques - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/project_engineering/chapter-5 ## Question Write down the tools and techniques used for risk identification in a project. ## Short answer Documentation review, information gathering (brainstorming, Delphi technique, interviews, root cause analysis), checklist analysis, assumption analysis, diagramming techniques, SWOT analysis, expert judgement and PESTLE prompts. Combining several techniques with team and stakeholder involvement yields the best identification. ## Answer **Risk identification** is the process of finding and documenting the risks that may affect the project. It is done at the start and repeated during the project. The output is the risk register. #### Tools and techniques 1. **Documentation review:** study the project plan, drawings, contracts, assumptions and previous reports to find inconsistencies and weak points. 2. **Information gathering techniques:** - *Brainstorming:* a team (engineers, client, contractor) freely lists possible risks. - *Delphi technique:* experts give anonymous opinions in rounds until they reach agreement. - *Interviews:* talking with experienced people and stakeholders. - *Root cause analysis:* find the basic cause behind a risk, and then find further risks arising from it. 3. **Checklist analysis:** a list prepared from similar past projects (e.g. hydropower or road projects) is checked item by item. 4. **Assumption analysis:** test whether the assumptions (e.g. availability of land, material prices) are valid and complete. 5. **Diagramming techniques:** cause-and-effect (fishbone) diagrams, flow charts, influence diagrams. 6. **SWOT analysis:** the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the project are used to find risks and opportunities. 7. **Expert judgement and lessons learned:** use experts and the records of earlier projects. 8. **Prompt list / PESTLE:** political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental categories are used as prompts. The best result comes when several techniques are combined and the project team, experts and stakeholders are all involved. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What is the Delphi technique? A. Experts give anonymous opinions in rounds until they agree B. A team openly shouts ideas C. A fishbone diagram D. A cost estimating formula Answer: A. Delphi collects anonymous expert opinions in repeated rounds until consensus. (Key point: Delphi technique) 2. What is brainstorming in risk identification? A. Reading the contract only B. A team freely lists possible risks C. A simulation of cost D. Buying insurance Answer: B. Engineers, client and contractor freely list possible risks. (Key point: Brainstorming) 3. Which is a diagramming technique? A. Cause-and-effect (fishbone) diagram B. Delphi C. Checklist D. Interview Answer: A. Fishbone diagrams, flow charts and influence diagrams are diagramming techniques. (Key point: Diagramming) 4. What is the output of risk identification? A. Risk register B. Final account C. Contingency payment D. Completion certificate Answer: A. Risks found are documented in the risk register, and identification is repeated through the project. 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