Managing Risk in Higher Education. A Theoretical Perspective – Dr. Hala Sabri

Managing Risk in Higher Education. A Theoretical Perspective – Dr. Hala Sabri

Abstract

The notions of risk and risk management have received continuing attention in the management literature and hence, they are set at the forefront of the organization’s strategic planning agenda. Yet, Risk management is not a process for avoiding risk. When used well, it can actively encourage an institution to take on activities that have a higher level of risk, because the risks have been identified and are being well managed, so the exposure to risk is both understood and acceptable. For this reason observers imply that before risk management solutions can be developed, the current drivers of risk must be identified and then evaluated.

This paper is part of an ongoing research project that considers how risk management could be applied to higher education institutions. A case in focus is Jordan where there has been rapid quantitative expansion of the higher education system, but has not yet been accompanied by a sufficient qualitative shift. Therefore, this paper highlights some of the reviewed literature which consider risk management in relation to higher education.