Risk management strategies refer to the processes, policies, and procedures that businesses put in place to identify, assess, and mitigate risks. Risk management is essential for businesses to protect themselves from various threats that can impact their operations, reputation, finances, and stakeholders.
By implementing effective risk management strategies, businesses can minimize their exposure to potential losses and maximize their chances of success. This article will explore the different types of risk management strategies that businesses can employ to ensure their continued growth and success.
Introduction To Risk Management Strategies
Definition Of Risk Management Strategies
Risk management is a critical component of every organization that seeks to achieve its objectives. It is the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks, followed by the selection and implementation of the relevant risk management strategies. Risks can be defined as events, circumstances, or conditions that may negatively impact an organization\’s ability to achieve its goals.
Risk management strategies are actions taken to mitigate, avoid, transfer, or accept the risk. The objective of risk management is not to eliminate all risks but to manage them proactively and minimize their negative impact. The process of risk management involves four main steps: risk identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and risk monitoring.
Importance Of Risk Management Strategies
Risk management is an integral part of any organization\’s operations. It involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing possible risks, followed by the application of necessary resources to minimize, control, or eliminate them. The importance of having an effective risk management strategy cannot be overstated, particularly in today\’s dynamic and unpredictable business environment.
Developing such measures can help an organization mitigate its exposure to risks that can negatively impact its operations, financial stability, reputation, and many other critical aspects. Effective risk management can also help an organization take calculated risks necessary for growth and business success.
A well-designed risk management strategy enables an organization to assess the potential consequences of risks and to develop contingency plans to respond to events should they occur. By implementing a robust risk management plan, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to their stakeholders and customers by ensuring that their operations are well-managed and sustainable.
Types Of Risks
There are several types of risks that organizations or individuals should consider when forming risk management strategies. One important type of risk is financial risk, which can arise from fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, commodity prices, or stock values. Another type of risk is operational risk, which refers to the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, systems, or external events.
Legal risk is another type of risk that can arise from changes in laws or regulations or from legal disputes. Reputational risk is also important, as it relates to the potential harm to an organization\’s reputation that can result from negative publicity or a loss of stakeholder trust.
Cybersecurity risk is another type of risk that has become increasingly important as organizations increasingly rely on digital systems and data. Finally, strategic risk relates to the potential for an organization to fail to achieve its goals or to make decisions that have a negative impact on its long-term success. It is important for organizations to identify these types of risks and to develop strategies to mitigate them.
Risk Identification
Sources Of Risk
One of the most crucial steps in risk management is identifying the sources of risk. This involves recognizing potential threats that could negatively impact an organization\’s operations, assets, and objectives. Some of the main sources of risk that businesses face include external factors such as economic conditions, natural disasters, and technological disruptions.
Internal factors, like weak governance structures or inadequate security protocols, can also pose significant risks to a company\’s success. Additionally, human factors such as employee errors or misconduct, can create risks that need to be addressed. Other potential sources of risk could include legal or regulatory changes, reputational damage, and environmental factors.
By understanding the sources of risk that apply to a specific organization, businesses can develop targeted risk management strategies that help mitigate potential harm and safeguard their operations.
Risk Assessment
One of the most critical steps in risk management is risk assessment. A comprehensive risk assessment is vital to identify potential hazards that could affect an organization\’s activities, employees, and assets. It is important to conduct regular risk assessments to stay up-to-date on possible risks and their potential impact on the organization.
Risk assessment is a process of analyzing and evaluating the risks to an organization. The process involves identifying potential hazards, evaluating the likelihood of occurrence, and assessing the potential consequences. This process provides valuable insights into the risks an organization faces and helps inform decision-making on risk mitigation and management strategies. A thorough assessment considers all potential risks, including physical, financial, legal, and reputational risks.
Several methods can be used to conduct risk assessments. One common approach is to use risk matrices, which provide a visual representation of the likelihood and impact of a risk. The matrix can be used to prioritize risks based on their likelihood and potential impact.
Another approach is to use statistical models, which use historical data to identify potential risks and their likelihood of occurring. This can help inform decision-making by identifying trends and patterns that may indicate an increased risk of an event occurring.
When conducting a risk assessment, it is essential to involve key stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure that all potential risks are considered. It is also important to gather and analyze data from a variety of sources, including risk assessments from similar organizations, industry reports, and internal data. This information can help identify emerging risks and inform risk management strategies.
In conclusion, conducting a comprehensive risk assessment is a critical step in developing an effective risk management strategy. By identifying potential risks and assessing their likelihood and impact, organizations can take proactive steps to avoid or mitigate the consequences of those risks. As the risk landscape continues to evolve, organizations must stay vigilant and conduct regular risk assessments to stay ahead of potential threats.
Risk Mapping
Risk mapping is an essential component of any comprehensive risk management strategy. It involves the identification and evaluation of potential risks that may arise within an organization. This process assists in determining the probability and impact of various risks, which are then utilized to develop effective mitigation plans.
The primary objective of risk mapping is to provide organizations with an overview of their risk profile, empowering them to make informed decisions about risk management. Through this process, businesses can identify events that pose a significant threat to their operations, prioritize risks, and allocate resources accordingly. Risk mapping is beneficial in numerous industries, including finance, health care, transportation, and construction.
The first step in creating a risk map is to identify potential risks that may impact the organization. This involves a comprehensive assessment of all areas of the business, including infrastructure, staffing, operations, and supply chains. Once this has been completed, risks are evaluated based on their likelihood and impact.
High-risk areas are prioritized for mitigation efforts, while low-risk areas may receive less attention. The risks identified during the mapping process are then subject to ongoing monitoring and review. This helps ensure that potential risks are identified and addressed in a timely and effective manner.
Another key benefit of risk mapping is that it allows organizations to anticipate and respond to worst-case scenarios. For example, by mapping potential disruptions to the supply chain, businesses can develop contingency plans to ensure that they can continue to operate in the event of a disruption.
This type of planning not only minimizes the impact of potential risks but also ensures that the business is well-positioned to recover quickly in the event of a disaster. By identifying and planning for worst-case scenarios, businesses can significantly reduce their exposure to risk and improve their overall resilience.
In conclusion, risk mapping is an essential component of an effective risk management strategy. By identifying potential risks and developing mitigation plans, organizations can prioritize risks and allocate resources accordingly.
This process allows businesses to anticipate potential disruptions and plan for worst-case scenarios, improving their overall risk profile and resilience. As a result, businesses that invest in effective risk mapping are well-positioned to minimize the impact of potential risks and thrive in an increasingly uncertain business environment.
Risk Analysis
Qualitative Analysis
The qualitative analysis is a crucial component of a successful risk management strategy. It involves identifying and analyzing risks that cannot be easily quantified, such as reputational or strategic risks. Qualitative analysis provides a detailed understanding of each risk, its potential impact on the organization, and the likelihood of occurrence.
The process typically involves a series of workshops or interviews with key stakeholders to gather information about potential risks and their likelihood and impact. These stakeholders may include employees, customers, suppliers, and other relevant parties. The analysis is then used to identify risk mitigation strategies that can be implemented to minimize the impact of these risks on the organization.
During the qualitative analysis, it\’s important to use a structured approach to ensure that all potential risks are identified and analyzed. This can be achieved by using a risk assessment framework, such as ISO 31000, which provides a systematic approach to risk management.
The framework includes several steps that can be followed to ensure a comprehensive analysis of each risk. These steps include identifying the context and scope of the analysis, identifying potential risks, analyzing the risks, evaluating the risks, and developing risk mitigation strategies.
Qualitative analysis can also be used to identify emerging risks that may not have been previously considered. These risks can be identified through environmental scanning, which involves monitoring external factors that may impact the organization.
This can include changes in legislation, emerging technologies, or shifts in consumer behavior. By identifying these emerging risks early, organizations can proactively develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize their impact.
One of the key benefits of qualitative analysis is that it provides a detailed understanding of each risk, allowing organizations to prioritize their risk management efforts. This prioritization is based on the severity of each risk, its likelihood of occurrence, and the resources required to mitigate it. This enables organizations to focus their resources on the risks that pose the greatest threat to the organization, ensuring that they are adequately prepared to manage these risks.
In summary, qualitative analysis is an essential component of a successful risk management strategy. It provides a detailed understanding of each risk, enables the identification of emerging risks, and allows organizations to prioritize their risk management efforts. By using a structured approach to qualitative analysis, organizations can ensure a comprehensive analysis of each risk and develop effective risk mitigation strategies.
Quantitative Analysis
The Quantitative Analysis subsection involves the calculation of numeric data to determine the overall level of risk for a project. This section involves the use of statistical models and calculations to assess the likelihood of specific risks and determine their potential impact on the project. One of the key advantages of quantitative analysis is that it provides a more objective assessment of the risks, which can be useful for making informed decisions.
In addition, quantitative analysis allows for the identification of potential risks that may not have been apparent through qualitative analysis alone. The main steps involved in quantitative analysis include identifying the risk factors, defining the risk events, estimating the probability of each risk event, determining the impact of each event, and calculating the overall level of risk.
The results of the quantitative analysis can then be used to develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans, which can help to minimize the impact of any potential risks. However, it is important to note that quantitative analysis requires a significant amount of data and resources, as well as the expertise to properly interpret and analyze the results.
As such, it may not be suitable for all projects, and a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis may be necessary to fully assess and manage risk.
Risk Probability And Impact Matrix
The Risk Probability and Impact Matrix is a crucial tool for analyzing and evaluating risks that a project might encounter. It is used in the Qualitative Analysis phase of Risk Management Strategies. This matrix assesses the likelihood and impact of a risk occurring and calculates the risk score by multiplying the probability and impact ratings.
The probability rating assesses the chance of the risk occurring on a scale of low to high. The impact rating evaluates the severity of the potential consequences on a scale of insignificant to catastrophic.
The matrix helps to identify the level of risk associated with each event, which enables project managers to prioritize risks in order of significance. By prioritizing high-risk items first, managers can minimize potential damage and make informed decisions based on resource allocation and planning.
The Risk Probability and Impact Matrix is a useful tool for categorizing risks and prioritizing mitigation measures for each risk identified. When developing a successful risk management strategy, it is important to be proactive and to identify all possible risks.
The resulting analysis demonstrates the importance of early stage risk analysis and how proactive planning can mitigate or even prevent risks. Risk Management Strategies should also rely on strategy evaluation and adaptation as circumstances change during a project, as well as making proactive risk identification an ongoing process.
Furthermore, this analysis tool may serve as an important asset to tailor and maximize the implementation of a risk management strategy that is customized to a particular project\’s risk context.
Risk Response Planning
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Risk mitigation strategies refer to the measures taken by businesses or individuals to minimize the impact of potential risks. These strategies are crucial to ensure the sustainability and continuity of operations in the face of unforeseen events.
One of the most effective risk mitigation strategies is insurance coverage. Insurance provides businesses and individuals with financial protection in case of losses resulting from an unforeseen event. Another way to mitigate risk is by diversification. Diversification involves spreading investments, assets, or resources across a range of different areas to minimize dependence on any one area.
This approach reduces the overall risk and ensures that any losses incurred are mitigated by gains made in other areas.
Implementing an effective risk management framework also serves as a critical risk mitigation strategy. A comprehensive risk management framework evaluates and prioritizes risks based on their potential impact and likelihood of occurrence.
The framework should include contingency plans and response strategies that provide guidance and support in the event of a crisis. For instance, businesses can use technology to monitor potential risks in real-time, allowing them to respond promptly before risks turn into full-blown crises.
Another risk mitigation strategy is investing in preventive measures to reduce the probability of risks occurring. For example, businesses can invest in cybersecurity systems to prevent data breaches from occurring. Training employees and stakeholders and ensuring compliance with regulations and industry standards also help mitigate risks. This minimizes the chances of fines, legal action, or reputational damage for non-compliance.
Lastly, evaluating risk is a crucial risk mitigation strategy. Risk evaluation helps to identify and prioritize potential risks and prepare appropriate mitigation strategies. Evaluation involves analyzing risks in terms of their probability of occurrence, potential impact, and resources available to address them. This enables businesses and individuals to identify potential vulnerabilities in their systems and processes and take mitigating actions to reduce risk.
Risk Avoidance Strategies
Risk avoidance strategies are an important aspect of risk management. These strategies aim to eliminate the possibility of a potential risk from occurring before it even arises. One effective strategy is to avoid doing a task or engaging in an activity that carries a high risk of failure or loss. Another strategy is to avoid a particular scenario that may be potentially risky. For example, a company may choose to avoid investing in a particular region due to the high risk of political instability or natural disasters.
Another risk avoidance strategy is to implement strict guidelines and policies designed to prevent risky behavior within an organization. This can include implementing strict hiring policies to ensure only qualified individuals are hired, prohibiting risky behavior such as drug or alcohol use during work hours, and enforcing strict safety protocols to minimize hazardous working conditions.
Additionally, companies can avoid financial risks by only investing in stable and reliable markets or by diversifying their investments across different sectors and regions.
It is important to note, however, that risk avoidance strategies may not always be feasible or realistic. In some cases, it may be necessary to engage in high-risk activities in order to achieve important goals. In such cases, it is important to carefully weigh the potential risks against the potential benefits and implement effective risk mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of potential losses.
Overall, risk avoidance strategies are an important aspect of effective risk management. By avoiding potential risks before they arise and implementing strict policies to prevent risky behavior, organizations can significantly reduce their exposure to potential losses and mitigate the impact of any losses that do occur. It is important to carefully evaluate each potential risk and implement the most appropriate strategies to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the organization.
Risk Transfer Strategies
Risk transfer strategies involve shifting the risk of loss from one entity to another. In this strategy, a business transfers the responsibility of a particular risk to another party through contracts or agreements. One of the most common examples of risk transfer strategy is insurance, where the business transfers the risk of loss to the insurance company by paying premiums. Other examples of risk transfer strategies include leasing and outsourcing.
Leasing is another risk transfer strategy that businesses use to shift the risk of loss to another party. In leasing arrangements, the business transfers the risk of ownership to the lessor, who assumes the responsibility of repairing and maintaining the leased asset. Outsourcing is another risk transfer strategy where a business transfers a part of its operations to another entity. This strategy can be used to shift risks associated with certain functions or processes to a specialized provider, who may have better expertise and resources.
Risk transfer strategies can be an effective approach to manage risks that a business may not be able to avoid or mitigate. However, it is important to carefully consider the terms and conditions of the transfer agreements to ensure that the business is adequately protected. The agreements should clearly define the scope and nature of the risks being transferred and the responsibilities of the parties involved. It is also important to ensure that the transfer is to a reliable and financially stable entity.
One of the key benefits of risk transfer strategies is that they can help businesses to reduce their financial exposure to certain risks. By transferring the risk to another party, the business can limit its liability and protect its assets. However, risk transfer strategies also come with some disadvantages, such as the cost of the premium or fees paid to the transfer entity.
In addition, the business may still be responsible for some aspects of the risk, such as deductibles or co-payments.
Overall, risk transfer strategies can be an effective way to manage risks that businesses cannot avoid or mitigate. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of transfer agreements and ensure that they are designed to meet the specific needs of the business. By using a combination of risk transfer, avoidance, mitigation, and acceptance strategies, businesses can develop a comprehensive risk management plan to protect their assets and achieve their goals.
Risk Acceptance Strategies
Risk acceptance is a strategy that involves accepting the negative consequences of a risk. This strategy is usually employed when the potential cost of mitigating a risk outweighs the risks\’ negative outcomes. An organization employing this strategy may choose to allocate resources to other areas that require their attention.
One way that organizations can employ this strategy is by implementing a risk management plan that prioritizes risks according to their potential impact on the organization. The organization can then accept the risks ranked lowest on the priority list.
Another way organizations can implement a risk acceptance strategy is by using an insurance policy to transfer the burden of the financial cost of a risk to a third party. This strategy is usually employed when the cost of insurance is lower than the potential cost of a catastrophic event.
While risk acceptance strategies are not always effective, they are often sensible, especially when the cost of avoiding the risk or transferring it is greater than the potential cost of not accepting it. However, organizations must ensure that they maintain a high level of awareness of the risks they have chosen to accept and have a plan to mitigate them if they become severe.
In conclusion, risk acceptance strategies are a valuable tool in a company\’s risk management plan. While they may appear counterintuitive, they can often provide significant value if utilized appropriately. Organizations must carefully weigh the potential costs and benefits of this strategy when deciding whether to implement it or not. If employed correctly, organizations can ensure that they are operating efficiently and mitigating the most significant risks while simultaneously maintaining the capability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Risk Monitoring And Control
Risk Tracking
Risk tracking is an essential component of risk management strategies. It involves identifying potential or existing risks, analyzing, and monitoring them continuously throughout the project\’s lifecycle. The goal of risk tracking is to maintain an up-to-date awareness of risks and their impacts on the project\’s objectives.
A project manager, together with the risk management team, should establish a risk-tracking plan, which outlines the frequency of risk assessments and the measures that will be taken if a risk materializes. To streamline the process, the risk tracking plan should define the roles and responsibilities of the team members involved in monitoring and managing risks.
Effective risk tracking involves regular data collection, analysis, and reporting. The data collected should be stored in a centralized system that all team members can access. Furthermore, a project manager should use a risk tracking software tool for making the process easier and more manageable.
One effective way of tracking risks is by creating a risk register or a risk log. A risk register is a document that provides an overview of all identified risks, including their probability, impact, and root cause. It also outlines the actions that have been taken to mitigate risks and the status of each risk.
By updating the register continuously, the risk management team can keep track of the risks throughout the project\’s lifecycle. Moreover, a risk register facilitates decision-making, as it provides the necessary information for evaluating the risks and their potential impacts on the project.
Another critical aspect of risk tracking is risk communication. The project manager should communicate the risks and their potential impacts to all stakeholders. Communication can be done through meetings, reports, or other relevant communication channels.
Stakeholders should also be informed of any updates or changes to the risks and the measures that are being taken to manage them. By keeping stakeholders informed, they will be better equipped to make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to mitigate the risks as well.
In conclusion, risk tracking is a critical component of risk management strategies. By establishing a risk-tracking plan, creating a risk register, and communicating the risks, a project manager can maintain an up-to-date awareness of the risks and their potential impacts on the project.
Effective risk tracking requires regular data collection, analysis, and reporting, with the use of a risk tracking software tool for streamlining the process. With proper risk tracking, a project manager can make informed decisions, take proactive measures, and prevent risks from materializing or reducing their impacts.
Risk Reporting
Risk reporting is an integral part of risk management strategies. It provides a comprehensive insight into the organization\’s risk profile, allowing the management to make informed decisions. The goal of risk reporting is to communicate the risk information to stakeholders effectively.
Risk reporting primarily comprises three components, such as risk identification, risk analysis, and risk communication. Risk identification involves identifying the potential risks that can affect the organization\’s objectives. Risk analysis helps to understand the potential impact of the risks on the organization and prioritize them.
Risk communication refers to sharing the risk information with relevant stakeholders, including the board of directors, shareholders, and regulators. Effective risk reporting should be timely, accurate, and relevant to stakeholders\’ needs. It should be concise and understandable, reducing the chances of misinterpretation.
The risk reports should also include an overview of the risk management strategies adopted by the organization and their effectiveness.
Risk Response Control
In obtaining and analyzing project risks, it is imperative to implement control measures to manage uncertainties that could pose a threat to the project. Risk response control is the section of risk management that evaluates the effect of the risk controls in place and identifies areas of improvement.
To achieve effective risk response control, the project team needs to measure the effectiveness of the various risk management strategies in place. One of the techniques involved in risk response control is the evaluation of the control effectiveness. This technique compares the efficiency of the implemented control measures to the level of risk in question.
The team also examines how the risk planning process improves the feasibility of the established control measures, helping to determine areas where improvements are needed.
Another essential component of risk response control is the evaluation of the residual risk. This is the risk that remains after the implementation of the risk avoidance, acceptance, mitigation, or transfer strategies. The project team assesses the residual risk to check whether it is still within the acceptable risk thresholds. This evaluation helps to determine whether additional risk response strategies are required or whether the existing ones need to be revised.
The project team can also evaluate the effectiveness of risk identification using risk response control. Techniques such as risk audits are employed to identify any potential risks that may have gone unnoticed during the analysis phase. The goal is to identify areas where the risk analysis process could be improved to enhance the effectiveness of the response techniques.
Additionally, the project team evaluates the effectiveness of risk analysis, which helps to determine whether the analysis adequately identified potential risks, thereby improving the effectiveness of the response techniques.
Lastly, risk response control evaluates the effectiveness of the entire risk management process. The project team assesses whether the entire process is effective in addressing the identified risks, whether the process is implemented as designed, and the extent to which each process component contributes to the overall effectiveness of the response strategies.
The primary objective of evaluating the effectiveness of the complete risk management process is to identify areas where improvements are needed to enhance the efficiency of the techniques used to address identified risks.
Conclusion
Summary Of Risk Management Strategies
After analyzing various risk management strategies, it is evident that effective measures must be implemented to mitigate the various risks that businesses face. Understanding the risks and developing strategies to manage them can help minimize losses and create stability within an organization.
The primary goal of risk management is to develop a system that accurately identifies, evaluates, and prioritizes risks to minimize their potential negative impacts. One of the significant takeaways is that risk management strategies must be ongoing and adaptable to changing circumstances.
In addition to identifying and prioritizing risks, risk management strategies must also provide clear guidance on how to address these risks effectively. Mitigating risk has become increasingly vital for large-scale businesses as they are more susceptible to global market fluctuations and external factors that could impact their operations.
For these types of companies, having a comprehensive risk management strategy in place ensures the well-being of their stakeholders, including their employees and customers.
There is no single “perfect” risk management strategy. Instead, risk management plans must be customized to fit a company\’s unique needs and operations. Going forward, risk management strategies will continue to evolve along with new technologies and market trends to create a more secure business environment.
Future Directions In Risk Management Strategies
As the field of Risk Management continues to evolve, several key trends are emerging that will shape the future of this critical practice. One of these trends is the increased use of data-driven approaches to identify, assess and mitigate risk. In the coming years, we can expect to see more Risk Managers relying on advanced analytics tools to help them identify emerging risks and to assess the potential impact of those risks on their organizations.
Another important trend is the growing recognition of the importance of cross-functional collaboration in Risk Management. Going forward, we can expect to see more Risk Managers working closely with other departments within their organizations, such as Compliance, Operations, and IT, to develop more comprehensive and integrated risk management strategies that better align with the overall objectives of the organization.
Another important area of focus for future research in Risk Management is the impact of new technologies on risk. With the increasing use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other advanced technologies, Risk Managers must be prepared to address new and emerging risks related to these technologies.
Some of these risks include cyber threats, data privacy concerns, and the potential for massive disruptions due to technology-related failures. To effectively manage these risks, Risk Managers must stay abreast of current trends and best practices in technology risk management, and work proactively to identify and mitigate potential threats.
Finally, as the world becomes more interconnected, global risks are becoming a more significant concern for organizations of all sizes. In the years ahead, we can expect to see more organizations developing comprehensive risk management strategies that address the unique challenges of operating in a global market.
This may include strategies for managing political risk, supply chain risk, and market risk in emerging markets. Ultimately, successful Risk Managers will be those who are able to adapt to these trends and anticipate emerging risks, while also staying focused on the fundamentals of sound risk management.
Risk Management Strategies: FAQs
What Is Risk Management?
Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing and prioritizing risks to minimize or eliminate their impact on an organization’s operations, finances, and reputation.
What Are The Key Components Of A Risk Management Strategy?
The key components of a risk management strategy are risk identification, risk assessment, risk response, risk mitigation, and risk monitoring and review.
What Types Of Risks Should Be Included In A Risk Management Strategy?
A risk management strategy should address both internal and external risks, including strategic, financial, operational, legal and regulatory, and reputational risks.
What Are The Benefits Of Implementing An Effective Risk Management Strategy?
An effective risk management strategy can help an organization to minimize potential negative impacts, improve decision-making, enhance resilience, and increase stakeholder trust and confidence.
How Can An Organization Assess Risk?
An organization can assess risk by conducting a risk assessment, which involves identifying potential hazards, analyzing their likelihood and impact, and prioritizing them according to their level of risk.
What Are The Challenges Of Implementing A Risk Management Strategy?
The challenges of implementing a risk management strategy include resistance to change, lack of resources, lack of awareness or understanding, and difficulty in measuring the effectiveness of risk management activities.
