What risks are common to or amplified in programmes: Evidence from UK public sector infrastructure schemes

Abstract

The management of risk is critical in organisations that work in multi-project environments. Project risk management is relatively mature. However, the programme risk management body of knowledge is still evolving. This paper presents empirical evidence from the UK public sector highlighting the risks that are common to or amplified by working in programmes. In the main, these risks are associated with changes in government policy, diverse stakeholder aspirations and the challenges of multiple project procurement. These risks relate to the role of programme management in providing the link between individual projects and their strategic context.