Risk Intelligence - Learning to Manage What we Don't Know

David Apgar

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Too many executives think risk management is strictly for technical specialists. In Risk Intelligence: Learning to Manage What We Don’t Know, David Apgar challenges this misconception. The author explains how to raise the quality of your risk analysis -thus enhancing your risk IQ”-by applying four simple rules:
1) Recognize which risks are learnable and reduce their uncertainty by discovering more about them.
2) Identify risks you can learn about the fastest. The higher your learning speed, the more a project is worth pursuing.
3) Take on risky projects one at a time learning about the risks underlying each before moving to the next.
4) Build networks of business partners, suppliers, and customers who can collectively manage new ventures’ risks by playing distinct roles.

The book provides two tools for improving your risk IQ the Risk Intelligence Audit and the Risk Scorecard and concludes with a 10-step action plan for systematically raising your managerial and organizational risk IQ. Your reward? Smarter business decisions over time.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Risk Awareness and Assessment: Apgar emphasizes the importance of developing a keen sense of risk awareness. Understanding various types of risks—financial, operational, strategic, etc.—is crucial for effective risk management.

  2. Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: The book discusses the balance between quantitative analysis (using data and metrics) and qualitative analysis (using judgment and experience) in assessing risks. Apgar advocates for a combination of both methods for a comprehensive risk assessment.

  3. Scenario Planning and Modeling: Scenario planning is highlighted as a valuable tool for anticipating potential risks and preparing contingency plans. Building models that simulate different scenarios helps in understanding potential outcomes.

  4. Risk Tolerance and Appetite: Apgar explores the concept of risk tolerance—the level of risk an organization is willing to accept—and risk appetite—the amount of risk an organization is prepared to take to achieve its objectives. Understanding these helps in aligning risk management strategies with organizational goals.

  5. Decision-Making Under Uncertainty: Managing risks involves making decisions in uncertain environments. Apgar discusses strategies for effective decision-making amid uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability.

  6. Risk Mitigation Strategies: The book delves into various risk mitigation strategies, such as diversification, insurance, hedging, and developing robust business continuity plans.

  7. Risk Communication: Effective communication of risks is crucial within organizations. Apgar explores methods for communicating risks to stakeholders, ensuring clarity and understanding.

  8. Cultural Aspects of Risk Management: The book addresses the cultural aspects of risk management within organizations. Cultivating a risk-aware culture, where employees understand and actively manage risks, is essential.

  9. Continuous Improvement: Apgar emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in risk management processes. Organizations should regularly review and refine their risk management strategies based on new information and changing circumstances.

  10. Integration with Strategy: Finally, the book emphasizes the integration of risk management with overall strategic planning. Aligning risk management practices with the organization's strategic objectives ensures that risks are managed in a way that supports the company's mission and vision.

Language English
ISBN-10 1-59139-954-8
No of pages 210
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Harvard Business School Publishing
Published Date 07 Aug 2006

About Author

Author : David Apgar

2 Books

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