Which risk might emerge unexpectedly during a project?

Loss of key project resources is a risk that can emerge unexpectedly during a project because it often depends on factors beyond the immediate control of the project team. This could include sudden departures of team members due to personal reasons, illness, or unexpected job changes. Such a loss can significantly impact the project timeline, cost, and quality, since key personnel often possess specialized knowledge or skills that are critical for the project's success.

In contrast, new project manager assignments and increased stakeholder participation could be anticipated and managed as part of the project planning process. A budget surplus is generally a positive development and unlikely to be considered a risk in the context of project execution. Therefore, it is the potential for unexpected loss of key project resources that stands out as a genuinely uncertain risk affecting project outcomes.