There is a risk that the utilities market is changing, with green energy solutions becoming...

Comprehensive and Detailed 200 to 250 words of Explanation From Exact Extract of project-programme-and-portfolio-management of 5th Edition MSP:

The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is applied throughout MSP to ensure continuous improvement and effective risk management. In the context of risk management, the 'Plan' phase involves identifying and assessing risks, understanding the current environment, and designing the appropriate responses. It is the analytical stage where the programme team gathers data to understand the scale and proximity of a threat to the programme’s benefits.

In this scenario, the risk is a shift in market preference toward green energy. Option B is the correct activity for the 'Plan' phase because it involves research and analysis. Before a response can be designed (Do), the programme must understand the market trends and the potential impact on the cross-selling benefits. Analyzing how many customers competitors are gaining through green energy provides the evidence base needed to adjust the Business Case or the Benefit Profiles. In contrast, Option D represents the 'Do' phase (implementing a response), Option A represents the 'Check' phase (monitoring results), and Option C is also a 'Check' or 'Act' activity to verify the effectiveness of a response already taken. For the 'Plan' phase, the focus remains on understanding the uncertainty to enable informed decision-making.