According to the PMBOK® Guide, specifically within the Manage Project Knowledge and Monitor and Control Project Work processes, the project manager uses several logs and registers to track the " health " of the project. The Issue Log is the specific document designed to track problems and ensure accountability for their resolution.

An issue is defined as a current condition or situation that may have an impact on the project objectives (unlike a risk, which is a future event). The Issue Log is a project document where all the issues are recorded and tracked.

Accountability: It specifically identifies the owner (the person responsible for resolving the issue).

Target Dates: It includes a " target date " or " resolution date " to ensure the problem does not linger and impact the schedule.

Status Tracking: It monitors the current status (Open, In Progress, Resolved, or Closed) and the final resolution applied.

A. Project Plan: This is a formal, approved document used to guide project execution and control. While it contains many subsidiary plans, it is a high-level strategic document, not a tracking tool for day-to-day " specific problems and concerns. "

B. Responsibility Matrix: Also known as a RACI Chart (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed), this document links work packages or activities to project team members. It tells you who is responsible for tasks, but it does not track problems (issues) or their specific resolution dates.

D. Scope Document: The Project Scope Statement describes the project scope, major deliverables, assumptions, and constraints. It defines " what " is being built, not " who " is fixing " problems " during the building process.

For the exam, it is vital to distinguish between these two:

Risk Register: Deals with uncertain future events. It contains triggers and planned responses.

Issue Log: Deals with certain current events. It contains owners and resolution dates.