The correct answer is B. Perform sensitivity analysis.
Sensitivity analysis is used to determine which individual risks or uncertainties have the greatest effect on overall project outcomes . It helps the risk manager understand which variables or risks matter most and therefore where response efforts are most critical. In this question, the risk manager wants to know which risk will have an impact on the project outcome and to assess the effectiveness of response planning by understanding impact drivers. Sensitivity analysis is the best fit for that purpose.
This technique is commonly used in quantitative risk analysis to identify which uncertainties most influence objectives such as cost, schedule, or performance. It often supports prioritization of risk responses by showing where management attention will produce the greatest benefit.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. Perform Pareto analysis. Pareto analysis helps identify the most significant contributors among a group of causes or issues, but it is not the primary risk analysis technique used to determine which uncertainties most affect project outcomes in a structured risk context.
C. Perform contingency analysis. Contingency analysis is not the standard technique for identifying which risks most influence project outcomes. Contingency reserves may be determined from risk analysis results, but this option does not directly answer the question.
D. Perform qualitative analysis. Qualitative analysis assesses probability, impact, urgency, and other relative characteristics, but it does not specifically show how much each risk affects the final project outcome compared with others. Sensitivity analysis provides that deeper insight.
Best-practice reasoning:
When a project team needs to identify the risks with the greatest influence on outcomes, sensitivity analysis is the preferred method because it isolates the variables that drive uncertainty and highlights where response plans matter most.
Reference-aligned basis:
This answer is consistent with standard risk management guidance that emphasizes:
sensitivity analysis as a method to determine which risks have the greatest potential effect on project results,
use of analysis outputs to focus response planning and management attention,
support for quantitative understanding of outcome drivers.
[References:, PMI, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis, PMI, Practice Standard for Project Risk Management, ISO 31000, risk analysis principles, ]
