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Over 40% of Mideast firms lack risk policy: survey

According to a comparative survey of UK and Middle Eastern companies conducted by Collaboration, Management and Control Solutions (CMCS) shows that 59 per cent of Middle Eastern respondents have a risk management policy in place, as opposed to 73.5 per cent in the UK.

Of those Middle Eastern organisations that do have policies, 59 per cent fully implement the policy and adhere to pre-defined procedures for risk management, compared to 73.4 per cent in the UK. The results highlight the need for more improvements to the region’s risk management attitudes and practices.

The CMCS study, which focused mainly on project-based construction firms, analysed the degrees of adoption of formal risk management policies and procedures and the importance given to risk management as a tool for business success. Among the key findings from the Middle East were that 45 per cent of firms with formal risk management policies have a dedicated Risk Management Officer to handle the risk management process (UK: 51 per cent); 49 per cent do not start projects without a complete Risk Register (UK: 69.6 per cent); 61 per cent assess each risk against the probability of occurrence and impact (UK: 79.2 per cent); and 69 per cent of management identify risk response actions for high-exposure risks (UK: 72.3 per cent).

“Although our survey indicates an upward trend in risk management adoption in the Middle East, it also shows more room for improvement in terms of policies and practices. Project-based companies are especially encouraged to enforce better risk management frameworks in light of the volatility of their markets. While projects are inherently risky, a better understanding of potential hazards and how to prevent or deal with them puts a company in a more advantageous position, which makes sound business sense,” said Bassam Samman, CEO and Founder, CMCS.

Survey results also showed that, among Middle Eastern firms with risk management provisions, 53 per cent develop a complete risk management plan for each project (UK, 69.3 per cent); 53 per cent formally implement their plans and conduct periodic risk assessment reviews (UK, 71.5 per cent); and 46 per cent update their risk database after project completion (UK, 39.6 per cent). Risk management studies are of significant value to the region, where project and investment failures commonly trace back to poor risk management strategies.

UAE-based CMCS is a leading regional provider of project portfolio management solutions for project-driven businesses. It also serves Qatar, Bahrain, KSA, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Libya, Kenya, India, Italy and Greece. 
— business@khaleejtimes.com