Since the project manager cannot avoid, transfer, or mitigate the risk, the only remaining option is to accept the risk and develop a contingency plan to handle it if it occurs.
According to the PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline1, one of the tools and techniques for risk response planning is risk response strategies. These are the actions that the project manager and the project team take to address the identified risks, either positive or negative. For negative risks or threats, the PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline1 lists four possible strategies: avoid, transfer, mitigate, and accept.
* Avoid risk means changing the project plan to eliminate the threat or its impact2. For example, changing the scope, schedule, or budget to avoid a risk.
* Transfer risk means shifting the impact of a threat to a third party, such as a contractor, vendor, or insurer2. For example, buying insurance, outsourcing, or using performance bonds to transfer a risk.
* Mitigate risk means reducing the probability and/or impact of a threat2. For example, conducting more tests, adopting best practices, or providing training to mitigate a risk.
* Accept risk means acknowledging the existence of a threat and being willing to deal with its consequences2. For example, doing nothing, establishing a contingency reserve, or developing a contingency plan to accept a risk.
In this question, the project manager has determined that they cannot outsource work (transfer) nor eliminate the scope (avoid). They also discover that they cannot buy insurance (transfer) or mitigate the risk. Therefore, the only remaining option is to accept the risk. Accepting the risk does not mean ignoring the risk, but rather recognizing it and preparing for its potential occurrence and impact. Therefore, the best answer is D.
References: 1: PMI-RMP Exam Content Outline, page 9. 2: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOKGuide) - Sixth Edition, page 443.

Since the design phase is complete and the identified risks did not materialize, the project manager should close the risks and update their status in the risk register.
The project manager should close the risks that did not materialize during the design phase and update their status in the risk register. Closing risks is part of the monitor and close risks process, which involves tracking the implementation of risk responses, monitoring the residual and secondary risks, and evaluating the effectiveness of risk management throughout the project. Closing risks also involves updating the risk register with the current status of the risks, the outcomes of the risk responses, and any lessons learned from the risk management process. Updating the risk register helps to maintain an accurate and updated record of the project risks and their impacts. References: PMI, Project Risk Management, 2nd edition, 2019, p. 97-981

When managing risks in a project that spans multiple regions with varying degrees of risk appetite, it is essential to align the project's risk thresholds with the organization's overall risk appetite. This approach ensures consistency across all regions and projects, particularly in multinational organizations where varying regional practices and risk appetites could create discrepancies. By aligning with the organizational risk appetite, the project team ensures that the risk management process adheres to the strategic objectives and governance framework set by the organization. This alignment also helps in managing stakeholder expectations and ensuring that the project remains within acceptable risk parameters set by the organization as a whole, as emphasized in the Risk Management Policy.

When a project is delayed, and all contingency reserves have been exhausted, the next step is to escalate the situation to upper management. This escalation allows for additional resources or support to be considered and for strategic decisions to be made at a higher level. According to PMI's risk management practices, escalation is a key strategy when risks exceed the project's control, requiring input or intervention from senior management to resolve.
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The project risk manager should monitor risk thresholds closely, as they represent the organization's risk appetite. In a project with a low risk appetite, it is essential to ensure that risks are managed within the defined thresholds to address stakeholders' concerns and maintain their confidence in the project's success.
According to the PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) Reference Materials, risk thresholds are the measure of acceptable variation around an objective that reflects the risk appetite of the organization1. Risk appetite is the degree of uncertainty an entity is willing to take on in anticipation of a reward2. In this case, the project has a significant impact on the organization and the stakeholders have a low risk appetite, meaning they are not willing to accept much deviation from the project objectives. Therefore, the project risk manager should monitor the risk thresholds closely to ensure that the project risks do not exceed the acceptable level of variation and impact the project performance negatively. By monitoring the risk thresholds, the project risk manager can also identify when risk responses are needed and evaluate their effectiveness.
References: 1: PMI, Practice Standard for Project Risk Management, 2009, p. 20 2: PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOKGuide), Sixth Edition, 2017, p. 720