scholarly journals Managing coastal risks at the Wadden Sea: a societal perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Gerkensmeier ◽  
Beate M.W. Ratter ◽  
Manfred Vollmer ◽  
Cormac Walsh

Purpose The trilateral Wadden Sea Region (WSR), extending from Den Helder in the Netherlands, along the German North Sea coast, to Esbjerg in Denmark, constitutes a unique but vulnerable coastal landscape. Vulnerability to environmental and societal risks is expected to increase in coming decades with encompassing new challenges such as demographic changes and conflicting uses of space, both on land and at sea. Meeting these challenges will require a shift toward an understanding of risk management as a social process, marking a significant departure from the dominant technical risk management paradigm. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In practice, this paradigm shift requires participatory stakeholder engagement, bringing together multiple and diverse perspectives, interests and concerns. This paper aims to support the implementation and expansion of enhanced social processes in coastal risk management by presenting a case study of participatory risk management process. Implemented in collaboration with a trilateral stakeholder partnership, the authors present a mixed-method approach which encouraged a joint, deliberate approach to environmental and societal risks within an overall framework. Findings The results enable the authors to deduce implications of participatory risk management processes for the WSR, wherein the partnership can act as a communicator and ambassador for an improved understanding of risk management as a social process. Originality/value In this context, the trilateral dimension, discussed here for the first time in relation with coastal risk management processes in the WSR, is emphasized as an efficient level that offers room for enhanced participatory and negotiation processes that are crucial for enhanced risk management processes.

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 504-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Schuhmann ◽  
Bert Eichhorn

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to pursue three objectives: to assess the extent to which theoretical concepts and corporate practice are reflecting the contract’s risk management dimensions; to identify ways to make full usage of the contract’s risk dimensions for risk management purposes; to overcome the isolation of the contract caused by its perception as a legal instrument by integrating its handling into the overall corporate management processes. Design/methodology/approachLiterature is analyzed regarding the contract’s roles as a source of risk and as a risk management device. Based on the relevant findings, it uses the Contractual Management Model to develop a concept that integrates all contract-related risk management processes in an enterprise. FindingsThe paper redefines the term “contract risk” in the light of modern understanding of contract functions and contract purposes. It shows that only Contractual Risk Management theory takes the management capacity of the contract fully into account. A Contractual Risk Management process is suggested which integrates all contract-related corporate management processes and aligns them to the requirements of transaction risk management and enterprise risk management. Originality/valueThe paper may guide executives to optimize corporate risk management processes through a better understanding of the risk potential of contract and of its risk management capacity. It provides a checklist of redefined contract risks as well as a concept that, for the first time, is aligning all contract-related management processes to support the corporate risk management system.


2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant Kululanga ◽  
Witness Kuotcha

PurposeThere is relatively low implementation of formal project risk management methods in practice, leading to the construction industry consistently suffering from poor project performance. This study aims to ascertain the extent to which current project risk management practices are used by construction contractors in one of the countries of the sub‐Saharan region – Malawi.Design/methodology/approachA management process tool with statement indicators linked to numerical scores was conceived that characterised a series of steps of project risk management process. To ascertain the degree to which project risk management processes were used, a questionnaire survey was employed. Data were elicited from registered Malawian construction contractors on the elements underlining a series of steps of project risk management process as espoused by the literature. Out of 84 sampled construction contractors, 51 completed questionnaires were received.FindingsApart from large‐sized and more experienced construction contractors, all the small and medium‐sized construction contractors – which constitute the largest proportion of the construction industry – were characterised by a low implementation of the various required steps for the project risk management process. The application of project risk management processes was significantly influenced by the various categories of size and experience of the surveyed construction contractors at p<0.01. Furthermore, contingence planning within the series of steps of project risk management process featured highly among the surveyed construction contractors. The majority of the variables under the series of steps of project risk management process were positively and significantly linked to progression in size and experience of construction contractors at p<0.01.Research limitations/implicationsThe study forms the basis for further research; replication of this study to other parts of world about how the actual implementation of the series of steps of project risk management process is undertaken could yield rich lessons for the construction industry.Practical implicationsThe intentional move by industry towards measuring management processes as a precursor to uncovering the root causes that underlie project success or failure to provide quick feedback for remedial action is supported by an approach such as this.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in its uniqueness for a systematic approach to quantifying the project risk management processes with the view to understanding the implementation behaviours of construction contractors in one country in the sub‐Saharan region.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Crovini ◽  
Gabriele Santoro ◽  
Giovanni Ossola

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is twofold: first, to analyze how risk is considered and managed by entrepreneurial SMEs, where the original founder is still the entrepreneur running the business, and second to understand if risk management is integrated with decision making.Design/methodology/approachThis research is based on a multiple case study. Three entrepreneurial SMEs based in the North-West of Italy were selected to obtain a heterogeneous sample. They operate in the manufacturing sector and they have different size and corporate ownership.FindingsThe risk management process cannot be always formalized but an unconscious risk analysis is always carried out. Risk is intertwined with decision and entrepreneurial orientation. Nowadays, rethinking risk management means enhancing and improving the decision-making process and integrating the phases of the two processes by introducing an alternative new model (RM-DM) that stands for “risk management-decision making”.Research limitations/implicationsConclusions can be generalized at a theoretical level even though this multiple case study represents a contingent analysis.Practical implicationsThis research enhances the understanding of the potential benefits for entrepreneurial SME owners of a risk mind-set while making decisions. RM-DM model is an alternative tool to manage risks properly in SMEs, especially when a formalized process is not implemented, as it improves the way decisions are made and introduces a more reasoned approach to manage risks.Originality/valueThis empirical study introduces a unique model (RM-DM) that helps to rethink risk management in entrepreneurial SMEs, by integrating it with the decision making and by proposing an alternative tool to manage risks with a more structured approach.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 611-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Amoah ◽  
Leon Pretorius

Purpose Risk management has become an integral part in businesses around the world. In the construction industry, risk management has also been introduced and has been mainly entrusted in the hands of the project team to go through a laid down risk management processes to identify possible risk events, which may occur during the project execution and the impact they may have on the project deliverables should they occur. It is, however, believed that small construction firms do not take risk management as a serious exercise even though most of the project risks are transferred to them as subcontractors. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate risk management processes in the small construction companies and the impact of risk management on their project deliverables. Design/methodology/approach A case study of a single construction company was used for this study. Data were collected through structured questionnaire to 16 respondents who are involved in the project execution in the case study company. Two managing directors of the case study company were also interviewed. In total, 11 project site meetings were also attended to observe meeting proceedings and to record issues discussed. In total, 15 monthly project reports and project close-out reports were also studied. In total, One hundred and five completed projects of which 58 per cent were renovation projects, 27 per cent were new projects and 15 per cent were civil/structural works were also examined. The data were then analysed using excel analytical tool and the content analysis method. Findings The findings indicate that small construction companies with respect to the case study company do not have a specific laid down risk management processes that project team are made to go through before and during the execution of their projects. There is, however, no conclusive evidence regarding the impact of risk management on project performance as a significant number of projects done were able to meet a successful project performance indicators even though risk management exercises were not done. Some of the identified risk events that caused project failures are payment delays, labour related issues, subcontractor/main contractor related issues, insufficient contingency reserves/plan, etc. Research limitations/implications Only one construction company was used as a case study for this research and all sources of data were related to a single company. The results may, therefore, be not generalisable. Practical implications The research has discovered that projects outcome could have improved tremendously if proper risk management exercises were implemented before project execution as most of the causes of project failures could have been identified through the risk management processes. This study, hence, gives an insight as to why small construction firms like the case study company should take risk management seriously in their projects execution to improve on the performance of their projects. Originality/value The research has discovered that projects outcome could have improved tremendously if proper risk management exercises were implemented before project execution as most of the causes of project failures could have been identified through the risk management processes. This study, hence, gives an insight as to why small construction firms like the case study company should take risk management seriously in their projects execution to improve on the performance of their projects.


2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surya Prakash ◽  
Gunjan Soni ◽  
Ajay Pal Singh Rathore

Purpose The research on supply chain risk management (SCRM) is visibly on the rise, although its literature still lacks the state of the art that critically analyzes its content. The SCRM literature seems to require studies that utilize risk typology, sources of risk, etc. for reviewing the topic. The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap by synthesizing the information obtained from 343 articles across 85 journals. This study also presents a critical analysis of the content of SCRM in a structured manner to identify the directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was devised and adopted, which involved the selection, classification, and evaluation of 343 research articles published over a period of 11 years (2004-2014). The content of extant SCRM literature was critically analyzed and synthesized from the perspective of the risk management process (RMP). Findings The analysis of extant literature shows that there is a marked rise in research in the SCRM area, especially after the year 2005. It was observed that not only risk but also different forms of uncertainties make supply chain (SC) operations difficult to manage. The SCRM actions yielded most benefits when their implementation was at chain or network level and managed strategically. The analysis also reveals that the manufacturing sector is most affected by risks and highly investigated by researchers. Practical implications A complete process for SCRM based on risk stratification, objectives of risk management, and RMP will be a guiding model for firms to manage risks. The research gaps identified and future directions provided here will encourage researchers and managers to devise new methods, tools, and techniques to address the risks in modern SC operations. Originality/value An SLR and risk-based content classification of SCRM literature were performed. To identify, locate, select, and analyze the SCRM literature, a structured and systematic process was adopted with some very rarely used methods such as two levels of search keywords, and strings were formulated to locate the most relevant articles in major academic databases.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1637-1654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Usai ◽  
Veronica Scuotto ◽  
Alan Murray ◽  
Fabio Fiano ◽  
Luca Dezi

PurposeEntrepreneurial knowledge spurs innovation and, in turn, generates a competitive advantage. This paper aims to explore if entrepreneurial knowledge combined with the attitude to innovate can overcome the key “imperfections” of the innovation process generated by dynamic, current technological progress in the knowledge-intensive sector. The “imperfections” identified in risk management, asymmetric information in the knowledge management process and hold-up problems can all disrupt collaborative partnerships and limit opportunities for innovation.Design/methodology/approachA theory-building approach is applied which offers a case study analysis of two small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These two SMEs operate in Europe but in two different territories: the UK and Italy. The study explores three key imperfections, risk management, asymmetric information in the knowledge management process and hold-up problems, which occur in the innovation process.FindingsThe entrepreneurs face these imperfections by adopting an open innovation model. Notwithstanding, both entrepreneurs had to deal with all “imperfections”, and their skills, attributes, attitude and aptitude allowed them to grow their business and continually develop new products. Therefore, the imperfections do not limit the innovative capacity of an entrepreneur but rather enhance their challengeable attitude. In this regard, the case studies induce a further analysis on entrepreneurial knowledge intertwined with entrepreneurial risk management and networking skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical significance of the two cases does not allow theorisation. However, this research offers interesting results which can be strengthened by a comparative case study with other countries or deeper investigation by applying a quantitative approach.Originality/valueBy leveraging entrepreneurial knowledge, the imperfections noted in the innovation process can be overcome. Entrepreneurial knowledge is recognised as the main asset of an enterprise if it is combined with external talent or human resources. Entrepreneurs aim to develop innovative approaches and ideas through establishing both formal and informal collaborative partnership relationships which are used thanks to the entrepreneurs’ networking skills, knowledge and abilities.


Information ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sérgio Andrade deFreitas ◽  
Edna Canedo ◽  
Rodrigo Santos Felisdório ◽  
Heloise Leão

The Information and Communication Technology Master Plan—ICTMP—is an important tool for the achievement of the strategic business objectives of public and private organizations. In the public sector, these objectives are closely related to the provision of benefits to society. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) actions are present in all organizational processes and involves size-able budgets. The risks inherent in the planning of ICT actions need to be considered for ICT to add value to the business and to maximize the return on investment to the population. In this context, this work intends to examine the use of risk management processes in the development of ICTMPs in the Brazilian public sector.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Firmenich

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to emphasise on the need for efficient and effective project risk management practices and to support project managers in increasing the cost certainty of projects by proposing a new framework for project risk management. Design/methodology/approach The author adopts a “constructivist” methodology, drawing on practices common in construction management sciences and new institutional economics. Findings The author presents a holistic and customisable project risk management framework that is grounded in both practice and academia. The framework is holistic because, amongst others, all steps of the typical risk management process are addressed. The framework is customisable, because it allows for alternative ways of implementing the project risk management steps depending on the project-specific circumstances. Research limitations/implications The framework does not address the potential unwillingness of the project players to set up a project risk management process, at all. The proposed framework has not yet been tested empirically. Future research will seek to validate the framework. Originality/value The framework is designed to account for the difficult circumstances of a complex construction project. It is intended to support decision makers in customising a practical yet comprehensive project risk management concept to the characteristics of the unique project. Although many other project risk management concepts are designed based on the assumption that actors are perfectly rational and informed, this framework’s design is based on the opposite assumption. The framework is dynamic and should adapt over time.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. V. Shamin

The article is devoted to the optimization of the processes of organization and management of international megaprojects based on the formation of a risk management system.Currently, the implementation efficiency of megaprojects remains low due to the emergence of many risks at various stages of project implementation.In this connection, it is proposed to form an integrated risk management system, which implies a three-stage structure for introducing the 6 element risk management system into the project life cycle, into the main project management processes.This article substantiates the need to form a risk management system in three stages in accordance with the key elements of a risk management system: (1) Planning – the block «Objectives and environment of the project»; (2) Approval of the project – the blocks «Identification», «Classification», «Assessment of risks and risk tolerance», «Risk management plan»; (3) Monitoring and control – the block «Control and monitoring of risks».Thus, the proposed integrated risk management system provides: continuity of the risk management process based on the audit of the RMS; the ability to adjust RMS at the stage of forecasting a risk event; possibility of scenario modeling for forecasting risk reduction potential; risk management program, formed by current risks in order to increase the attractiveness of the mega-project for the investor.It is also proposed to introduce an audit of risk management processes and procedures based on an adapted methodology for the following components of the risk management system: defining events and setting goals; the internal environment of the organization; organization risk assessment; risk control tools; responding to risks; communications and information; risk monitoring.This technique allows you to take into account risks not only at the stage of project development, but also during its implementation, which ensures its feasibility, as well as an audit algorithm for risk management systems of a megaproject is developed and recommendations for improving the RMS through this tool are proposed.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 63-80
Author(s):  
Mike Brownsword ◽  
Rossi Setchi

Observations made while working with industry and government organisations have shown a number of issues with the implementation of current risk management best practice. A major issue in many cases is the lack of pragmatism associated with the risk management process and the need for a more formalised approach to risk management. In this paper, the authors propose and validate a multi-view approach to defining the processes required to carry out risk management. The formalised approach proposed includes a definition of risk, an ontology, a set of processes, and a pragmatic methodology, which shows an application of these processes enabling pro-active management of change. The ability of the processes to be applied to different types of risk has been demonstrated through a case study highlighting health and safety issues. Within the current engineering and economic climate this logical approach provides a visualisation which is consistent, repeatable, view based, and pragmatic.


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