If the scope of a project changes to remove a risky section, which risk response strategy should be used?

When the scope of a project is modified to remove a risky section, the strategy of avoidance is the most relevant response. This approach involves altering the project plan to eliminate the risk entirely, which is precisely what occurs when a risky element is removed from the project. By doing so, the project team prevents any negative impact that could arise from that specific risk, thereby ensuring that it will not affect the project's objectives.

In the context of project management, avoidance means proactively changing the project to dodge potential threats, making it a very effective strategy for managing significant risks. Other strategies, such as mitigation, involve implementing controls to reduce the likelihood or impact of a risk without eliminating it entirely. Transfer involves shifting the risk to another party, like through insurance or outsourcing. Acceptance is a strategy where the project team acknowledges the risk and decides to proceed, often because it’s deemed manageable or minor; however, it does not actually eliminate the risk.

The choice of avoidance indicates a clear intent to eliminate uncertainty and potential negative outcomes associated with the risky section, which is a very prudent project management practice.