---
ref_id: PR23
ref_type: Process
ref_name: "Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis"
version: "1.0.0"
status: Active
pmbok8_source: "PMBOK8 Guide §2.7.2.3"
companion_ref_shortcode: PG-APG-5.20
related_skills:
  - SKL-03-11
related_artifacts:
  - A19
file_path: "reference/processes/PR23-perform-qualitative-risk-analysis.md"
---
# PR23 — Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis

## Classification
- **Performance Domain:** Risk
- **Process Group:** Planning (iterative throughout)
- **PMBOK 8 Reference:** Section 2.7.2.3
- **Process Groups Practice Guide Reference:** Section 5.20

---

## Purpose
Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis is the process of prioritizing individual project risks for further analysis or action by assessing their probability of occurrence and impact as well as other characteristics. The key benefit is that it focuses efforts on high-priority risks.

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## Inputs
- Project management plan (risk management plan)
- Project documents: assumption log, risk register, stakeholder register
- Enterprise environmental factors
- Organizational process assets

---

## Tools & Techniques
- Expert judgment
- Data gathering (interviews)
- Data analysis (risk data quality assessment, risk probability and impact assessment, assessment of other risk parameters)
- Interpersonal and team skills (facilitation)
- Risk categorization
- Data representation (probability and impact matrix, hierarchical charts)
- Meetings

---

## Outputs
- Project documents updates (assumption log, issue log, risk register, risk report)

---

## Key Concepts
- Assessments are subjective and based on perceptions of risk; bias must be identified and managed.
- Risk data quality assessment evaluates accuracy and reliability of risk data.
- Risks with low probability and impact may be included in a watch list.
- This process establishes relative priorities for Plan Risk Responses and confirms risk owners.
- In agile environments, qualitative risk analysis is conducted before the start of each iteration.

---

## Source Traceability
- PMBOK 8: Section 2.7.2.3
- Process Groups Practice Guide: Section 5.20

---

## Cross-References

| Related Item | Type | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| A19 | Artifact | Primary artifact produced or updated by this process |
| SKL-03-11 | Skill | Skill that executes this process |

## Practitioner Notes

Practitioners executing this process should seek answers to the following questions:
1. Are probability and impact scales calibrated to the project context?
2. Is the risk probability-impact matrix documented and approved?
3. Are risks prioritized and grouped for efficient response planning?
4. Are data quality assessments performed on risk inputs?
5. Are urgent risks requiring immediate attention separately flagged?

## Change Log

| Version | Date | Description | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.1 | 2026-06-03 | Added Cross-References, Practitioner Notes, and Change Log sections (F-12 Batch 4) | PMO Director |
