Distinguished iNANO Lecture: Integrating Risk-Based Thinking for Project Performance Improvement

Dr. Ronald Dyer, Lecturer – Project Management (Risk)
Director of Studies – MSc Programme & Project Management
University of Liverpool, Management School
Liverpool, UK

Integrating Risk-Based Thinking for Project Performance Improvement

Projects and by extension project management represent a necessary extension of work environments. We are constantly faced with complexity and uncertainty impacting decisions associated with projects and their performance. Across the boundaries of business, science and even third sector ecosystems rest an inherent need to manage uncertainty to allow for project optimization.

Risk, probabilistic in nature with a high degree of measurability vs uncertainty i.e. a future situation where events are not known (Knight 1885-1972) represent an epistemic reality for projects and project management. However, as project managers, owners or stakeholders we need to take a step back before attempting to quantify predictability and understand the nature of risk through risk-based thinking. I.e. rather than treating (prevention) as a separate component of projects we adopt a process approach as part of organizational routines.

In our discussion we will explore the what, why and how of risk-based thinking in projects to assist in identification of opportunities and de-stigmatize the negative connotations associated with risk management in projects.

Host: Rajiv Vaid Basaiawmoit, Head of SciTech Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Aarhus University

Coffee, tea and buns will be served from 10 am in front of the auditorium