Smart Risk

We all know that the future is uncertain, but rather than make any attempt to actively manage our futures in a consistent way, we tend to make broadbrush assumptions based on common-sense and intuition alone. Successfully managing risk is a primary ingredient for success in a fast-paced environment where we are bombarded by the need to make critical decisions, often with little or no solid facts available and little insight into the likely outcomes.
Smart Things to Know About Risk Management, in a step-by-step approach, shows the reader what is risk management and why it matters, the categories of risk, how to achieve the right balance of risk, knowing your risk appetite, how to actively manage your risks and develop a risk culture and techniques, tools and models for managing risk. Case studies are also included.
* Perfect for the SMART treatment - this book starts from basics, assumes no prior knowledge and gives a step-by-step approach.
* Step-by-step approach. Covers the background to risk and risk management as well as practical application and techniques, tools and models for managing risk.
* Written by a highly experienced practitioner with a formidable working knowledge in this area.

Instant knowledge for ambitious and information-hungry business people everywhere!

Risk is as inescapable as it is ubiquitous. But how far do we really understand what risk is, and how to turn its careful management to our advantage? In business and in life we tend to make broadbrush assumptions based on common sense and intuition alone rather than make any attempt to actively manage our futures in a consistent way. Risk management has evolved to become a primary ingredient for success in every organization that is bombarded by the need to make critical decisions, often with little or no solid facts available and little insight into the likely outcome. Managing risk is not just about avoiding trouble. It can also bring significant rewards.

Smart Risk starts from basics. It assumes no prior knowledge and gives a step-by-step approach, along with plenty of practical application and techniques, tools and models for managing risk. You will be given everything you need to become the risk master in your organization. This includes:

• understanding what risk management is and why it matters

• recognising the complete risk landscape by understanding the categories of risk

• knowing your risk appetite; the risks you are willing to take and those you aren't

• developing a risk culture by formalising the risk management process

• learning from success and failure

• understanding that risk management is closely linked to innovation, vital for the long-term survival of the organisation

"Where there is risk, there is opportunity" [source of quote?]

Andrew Holmes is a Director with PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Risk Management Solutions. He has consulted in a large numnber of UK, overseas and global companies. He specializes in strategy, programme and project management and IT, and is a regular speaker on IT and consultancy. He is the author of two books in the ExpressExec series as well as Smart Things to Know About Technology Management and Smart Things to Know About Lifelong Learning.