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Strategic Management of Risk - MAN00014H

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims to enable students to develop an understanding of the strategic role risk management techniques and systems play in a global context. While initially focussing on key techniques of risk assessment and management, the module places a strong emphasis on organisational and cultural aspects of risk perception, communication, assessment and management. The module then draws these perspectives together through a series of in-depth, contemporary case studies.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module, students should have acquired knowledge of:

  • How risks are defined and perceived in different organisational contexts

  • The different strategic approaches that organisations use to manage risk

  • The role that cultural and organisational factors play in risk management

  • How approaches to risk management vary in different industries and sectors

  • How organisations are adapting and responding to contemporary environmental and societal risks

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate and compare the way that different organisations manage risk

  • Apply theories about risk management to real-life examples drawn from different sectors

  • Carry out primary research in order to obtain accurate information about how different organisations manage risk

  • Engage in informed debate about the role of risk management in contemporary society

Module content

Amongst the main topics that will be covered on this module are:

  • Risk cognition and perception

  • Organisational cultures and the management of risk

  • Crisis management and crisis communication

  • Health & safety in the workplace

  • Risk management in the public sector

  • The emergence of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

  • Risk management in SMEs and family firms

  • Strategies for promoting organisational resilience

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 80
Essay/coursework 20

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 80
Essay/coursework 20

Module feedback

For the individual report, students will receive feedback before the submission of their essay. Feedback forms will provide feedback on both the content and the delivery/structure of their reports. Feedback forms will also provide guidance on key areas for focusing upon with regards to the essay assignment.

For the formative assessment, students will receive electronic feedback forms (via email) before the end of Week 10. These feedback forms will provide specific guidance on their essay plans and, where appropriate, will offer suggestions about how they might improve/alter their plans.

Feedback for the summative essay will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

  • Margaret Woods (2011) Risk Management in Organizations. London: Routledge
  • Fraser, J. R. S, Simkins, B. J., and Narvaez, K. (eds.) (2015), Implementing Enterprise Risk Management: Case Studies and Best Practice (London: Wiley)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.