Understanding the Impact of Project Risk Management on Project Performance: An Empirical Study

Roque Rabechini Junior; Marly Monteiro de Carvalho

doi:10.4067/S0718-27242013000300006

Authors

Roque Rabechini Junior Universidade Nove de Julho, Programa de Mestrado Profissional em Administração.
Marly Monteiro de Carvalho Associate Professor – Production Engineering Department - Polytechnic School University of São Paulo, São Paulo.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242013000300006

Keywords:

Project risk management, project typologies, project complexity, innovation management

Abstract

The goal of this study is to comprehend the impact of risk management on project performance. Further it aims to investigate the degree of diffusion of risk management practice in Brazilian companies. The methodological approach involves a survey of 415 projects at different levels of complexity in different industrial sectors in several states of Brazil. The results demonstrate that adopting risk management practices has a significant positive impact on project success. They also show a positive impact from the presence of a risk manager on project success. The study’s principal limitations are the methodological choice of non probability sampling and a questionnaire based on respondent perception. From the practical point of view, paying attention to uncertainties during the project, making use of the risk management techniques and deeply understand the business environment are critical success factors, demanding attention of project managers and risk managers. The results demonstrate the impact of risk management practices on project success. They also show a positive impact from the presence of a risk manager on project success. Furthermore, it demonstrated the importance of soft skill in risk management.

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Author Biography

Marly Monteiro de Carvalho, Associate Professor – Production Engineering Department - Polytechnic School University of São Paulo, São Paulo.

Associate Professor, Project Management Lab (LGP) Coordenator, Project Management MBA - Coordinator - USP/FCAV

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