In which phase of the development process should risk assessment be first introduced?

Introducing risk assessment during the feasibility phase of the development process is crucial because this phase is where the project's viability is evaluated. At this early stage, stakeholders analyze the potential challenges, costs, benefits, and risks associated with the proposed system or solution. Conducting a risk assessment here allows teams to identify and prioritize risks before significant resources are committed to development.

By addressing risks in the feasibility phase, organizations can make informed decisions about whether to proceed, modify the project, or abandon it altogether. This proactive approach helps ensure that risks are manageable and that the project aligns with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

In contrast, introducing risk assessment at later stages, such as programming, specification, or user testing, may not provide the same level of strategic insight and can lead to more significant issues down the line, as fundamental decisions about the project's direction will already have been made without a comprehensive understanding of potential risks.