How does the Project Approach Questionnaire (PAQ) help in identifying and managing approach-based risks?

The Project Approach Questionnaire (PAQ) is a diagnostic tool in AgilePM used to surface approach-based risks early and throughout the project. It examines dimensions such as organizational culture, leadership behaviors, stakeholder engagement, governance expectations, team empowerment, and technical/environmental readiness against AgilePM principles and practices. By assessing these areas, the PAQ highlights misalignments (e.g., low business involvement, decision latency, rigid change control, insufficient empowerment) that could undermine agile delivery. The output informs targeted mitigations—coaching needs, governance adjustments, facilitation plans, risk responses, and communications—embedded into the project approach. It is not a one-off retrospective instrument (contra option C); it is used iteratively to steer the approach. Nor does it “ensure agreement” and “eliminate the need” for other controls (contra option B); instead, it supports informed governance and continuous improvement. Finally, it does not focus solely on technical risks (contra option D); it explicitly covers culture and leadership alongside process and technical considerations.