Issue

What is an Issue?

An issue is a problem, concern, or unexpected event that arises during a project and requires attention or action. It differs from a risk because it has already occurred and may affect the project’s timeline, budget, scope, or quality if not addressed. Issues can range from technical failures and resource shortages to stakeholder disagreements or regulatory delays. Project teams typically document issues in a log to monitor their resolution progress.

Project managers and team members must promptly address issues to maintain project control and ensure that they meet project objectives. Addressing them effectively requires clear communication, decision-making, and often input from multiple stakeholders. Many projects have formal processes for reporting, analyzing, and resolving problems.

Key Points

• It represents an active problem that has already occurred and needs resolution.
• It can impact the project’s success if not handled quickly and effectively.
• Project teams track them in a centralized tool or document, such as an issue log.
• They can be internal (within the team) or external (from clients or outside sources).
• Their timely escalation and prioritization are critical to prevent delays.

Related Terms

• The issue log is the primary tool used to record, monitor, and update information about identified problems during a project.
• A risk differs from an issue in that it represents a potential future event that might impact the project.
• An escalation process provides a structured method for addressing unresolved issues and escalating them to higher levels of authority.
• A change request may result from an issue if the solution requires altering the project scope, schedule, or budget.
• A stakeholder can raise an issue or be impacted by one, especially if it affects project outcomes or expectations.

Issue: Example

During the development phase of a software project, a key developer unexpectedly resigns. The resignation creates a gap in the team’s technical capacity, which delays progress. The project manager records this in the issue log, assigns a priority level, and works with human resources to find a replacement. The team also redistributes tasks to maintain momentum.

Issue: Best Practices

• Record it as soon as it is identified, including details such as date, impact, and responsible party.
• Assess and prioritize them based on their urgency and potential effect on the project.
• Communicate openly with stakeholders about significant issues and proposed solutions.
• Use the issue log consistently to monitor progress and follow up on resolutions.
• Implement a clear escalation path for unresolved or high-impact issues.

Additional Resources

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