Issue

Issue

An issue is a current condition or situation that may impact one or more project objectives. Unlike risks, which are potential future events, issues are problems that have already occurred and require resolution.

Key Aspects of an Issue

• Already Happening – Unlike risks, issues are not hypothetical.
• Requires Immediate Attention – Needs mitigation or resolution.
• May Affect Scope, Budget, or Schedule – Can cause delays or cost overruns.
• Tracked in an Issue Log – Helps teams document and manage resolution efforts.

Common Types of Issues

Issue Type	Description
Technical Issues	Software bugs, infrastructure failures, system downtime.
Resource Issues	Lack of staffing, skill shortages, equipment unavailability.
Stakeholder Issues	Conflicting priorities, misaligned expectations, lack of engagement.
Scope Issues	Unapproved scope changes, unclear requirements, miscommunication.

Example Scenarios

Software Development

• Issue: A critical security vulnerability is discovered in production.
• Impact: Must be fixed immediately to prevent data breaches.

Construction Project

• Issue: A supplier fails to deliver materials on time.
• Impact: Causes delays in structural work and affects the project timeline.

Marketing Campaign

• Issue: A key partnership falls through before a product launch.
• Impact: The team must find alternative promotional strategies quickly.

Mermaid Diagram: Issue Resolution Process

graph LR;
    A["Issue Identified"] --> B["Assess Impact"]
    B -->|Low Impact| C["Monitor & Log"]
    B -->|High Impact| D["Escalate for Immediate Action"]
    C --> E["Resolved in Team"]
    D --> F["Stakeholder & Management Involvement"]
    F --> E

Why Issue Management Matters

• Prevents Project Disruptions – Ensures issues don’t escalate into larger problems.
• Improves Decision-Making – Helps teams act quickly with documented resolution steps.
• Enhances Communication – Keeps stakeholders informed about ongoing challenges.
• Supports Project Success – Ensures timely issue resolution to maintain progress.

See also: Risk Management, Issue Log, Change Control Process, Stakeholder Communication.