The Rules of Project Risk Management

‘The strength of Dr Chapman’s book lies in the international reach of the case studies he has chosen to illustrate the application of risk management to project implementation. Along with the inclusion of formal methodologies and risk management techniques, this practical learning based on real events will help the reader come to grips with the essential skills of project risk management.’ – Dr Ian Livsey, CEO, Institute of Risk Management, UK

‘I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Robert for nearly fifteen years – he is the true master of risk management. If you have any involvement with projects, this is a must-have learning and reference book with countless local and global case studies applicable to every project type. As project professionals, we are overdue in making a step change in risk management – don’t miss out on these nuggets of gold.’ – Andy Norris, FAPM (RPP), FCILT, FCMI, FCIOB, Partner, CPC Project Services LLP

‘The rules of Project Risk Management is essential reading for anyone entering the project world or risk management in general. The book is well structured, easy to access and has a wealth of practical examples. Robert has approached the subject in a practical and straightforward manner. This provides readers, new to risk management or experienced professionals a great source of learning material and a great reminder of the essentials of risk management.’ – Helen Hunter-Jones MIRM, Head of Group Risk and Business Continuity, Network Rail. Director, Institute of Risk Management, UK

‘This is an important book for anyone with a stake in a project. It provides a comprehensive model of the processes needed to manage risk in projects. This second edition has added a critical and often neglected section on the governance and oversight of the project by senior stakeholders. This is a very practical and readable text on the subject. The book is enhanced with real case examples and informed by the author’s extensive practical experience in this field.’ – Ian Jay BSc, MBL, PMP, Convenor – MSc (Project Management) Programme, University of Cape Town, South Africa

From the First Edition:

‘This is a well-researched and authoritative book on managing risks in projects. It is written by an acknowledged expert who has devoted his lifetime career to the study and application of risk management. Its approach is aligned with the international standard, "Risk Management Principles and Guidelines", ISO 31000 and it represents key principles for managing project risks. However, the unique feature is its structure, based on twenty-two practical guidelines, called "rules". The author suggests that, as an alternative to reading this book cover to cover, the reader might prefer to peruse individual rules when time permits. Anyone involved in project or risk management should read this book.’ – Mike Nichols, Chairman and Chief Executive at the Nichols Group, Chairman of the Association for Project Management UK and Board Member of the Major Projects Association

‘Rob Chapman’s book is highly unusual but completely invaluable in taking a case study-based approach to a subject that often is confused by an excess of jargon and process. Dr Chapman draws on an extensive international range of real projects to demonstrate how things can so easily go wrong, and what project managers can learn from high profile failures. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone involved in project and programme management.’ – Steve Fowler, CEO, The Institute of Risk Management, UK

‘A unique combination of the foundations of project management and the latest trend in risk management standardisation with clear alignment with the ISO 31000 risk management standard.’ – Alex Dali, President, The Global Institute for Risk Management Standards, France

‘More than ever, larger, more complex and more expensive projects are required in a severely constrained global economy. The Rules of Project Risk Management is essential reading, not merely for the project management professional but for all stakeholders who have a keen interest in leveraging better results from project investments. Whether a project is executed for commercial or social benefit, the insights given in this book are invaluable. Chapman shares his vast experience in risk management through practical case studies and pertinent guidance tools. He deals with the factors which have habitually influenced performance but refreshingly provides beneficial insight into the delicate factors of the human psyche and behaviour which have been little understood or quantified for the influence they bear in managing project risk. Proactive and sustained risk management is rightly placed at the heart of project success.’ – Moira Moses, Group Executive, Transnet Capital Projects (2007–2012), South Africa

‘Dr. Chapman’s book is extremely timely. All projects are subject to risk, the challenge is to identify and effectively manage risk. Project risk management is a rapidly emerging tool, but is often not well understood by executive and senior management. Dr. Chapman’s book is a must-read for anyone responsible for profit and loss as well as project delivery. The book is structured in a concise effective manner with outstanding case studies that bring life to the concepts and theory through real life examples of success and failure. This is a book that I will keep close by for ready reference.’ – Thomas Topolski, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Middle East North Africa, Louis Berger, Qatar

‘I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Dr. Chapman on the Transnet Capital Expansion Program in South Africa, one of the largest centrally-managed programs of projects the country has seen. In his capacity as Program Practice Lead for Risk Management, Dr. Chapman brought a level of expertise and experience and instituted processes that served us proud. The Program was a major success, and Dr. Chapman’s oversight of risk management at multiple levels was a significant contributor to that. I am delighted that he has authored this book which I know will help us all deliver projects more successfully.’ – Alan Grey, Managing Director: Industrial Infrastructure, Global Director: Gateway Logistics, Hatch Goba, South Africa