An advanced tool for dynamic risk modeling and analysis in projects management

Abstract

Risk is inherently present in all projects. Quite often, many projects fail to achieve their time, quality, and budget goals. Despite its high relevance to the success of megaprojects, risk management remains one of the least developed research issues. Therefore, advanced risk assessment is essential in minimizing losses and enhancing profitability. This paper proposes an advanced decision support tool using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) for dynamic risk assessment in project management. The proposed tool is able to predict the impact of each risk on the other risks or the outcomes of projects by considering uncertainties and complex interdependencies among risk factors. This tool could help project managers to manage the risks in a more effective and precise way and offer better risk mitigation solutions. The proposed tool could be undertaken by all organizations with the highest level of risk management maturity in the largest and most complex projects. In addition, it can be applied as an advanced decision support tool in variety of problems such as prioritization, failure analysis, etc. An academic numerical example related to outsourcing illustrates the applicability and simplicity of the proposed method.