(4.0.P1)

An issue is a formally-defined problem that will impede the progress of the project and cannot be totally resolved by the project manager and project team without outside help.

If a problem arises that the project manager and the team can resolve, it is just one of the many fires that will ignite and be put out in a given week. However, an “issue” arises if the problem is impeding the progress of the project and if outside help is needed to resolve it. This is the time to ensure that a process is in place to make the appropriate people aware of the issue and then resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Issues management is one of the fundamental parts of the TenStep Project Management Process and it is one of the skills that all project managers must master. Many projects have to resolve issues. They cannot be ignored and they cannot be deferred to some later time. Issues must be resolved quickly and effectively.