What is one of the primary goals of risk management in projects?

One of the primary goals of risk management in projects is to identify and mitigate potential issues before they occur. This proactive approach allows project managers and teams to recognize potential risks early in the project lifecycle, which can be critical for minimizing their negative impact. By identifying risks, project teams can develop strategies to either avoid, transfer, mitigate, or accept those risks, ensuring that the project proceeds more smoothly.

Effective risk management enhances the likelihood of project success by enabling informed decision-making, thereby reducing uncertainty and improving the overall project environment. While it's impossible to eliminate all risks completely, managing them effectively helps to keep the project on track regarding scope, schedule, and budget. This systematic approach not only fosters a culture of awareness around potential challenges but also ensures that contingency plans are in place, should a risk materialize.

Other options focus on narrower aspects that do not encompass the full scope of risk management. For instance, merely monitoring the project budget or deferring decisions can lead to reactive rather than proactive project management approaches. Thus, identifying and mitigating potential issues stands out as a fundamental goal within the broader context of project risk management.