What is the process of identifying potential issues before starting a project called?

The correct answer is risk assessment. This process involves systematically identifying, analyzing, and managing potential issues or risks that could impact a project’s success. By conducting a risk assessment, project managers and stakeholders can gain insight into potential challenges, enabling them to devise strategies to mitigate these risks before they arise. This proactive approach helps ensure that projects are not only completed on time but also within budget and to the desired quality standards.

In contrast, options like potential problems refer to the issues that might arise but do not encompass the systematic method of evaluating risks. Needs analysis is focused on understanding the requirements and objectives of a project rather than identifying risks. Project scoping defines the boundaries and deliverables of a project but does not specifically target identifying potential issues. Thus, risk assessment is the comprehensive and established process for anticipating and preparing for challenges in a project.