A qualitative study of the competencies that should be covered by a specialised undergraduate degree in risk management

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the research was firstly, to determine the competencies required of risk managers and secondly, to consider the implications of such competencies in determining possible modules for inclusion in the design of a specialised undergraduate qualification in Risk Management. Methodology A qualitative research approach was followed, involving focus group interview sessions as part of an Interactive Qualitative Analysis (IQA) research study. Focus Group 1 comprised of academics teaching risk management at public universities in South Africa, and Focus Group 2 comprised of risk management practitioners in South Africa. Findings The competencies identified are business management and risk management knowledge; attributes such as assertiveness and courage; values such as ethics and integrity; as well as people, business and technical skills. Research implications The unique contribution of the current research was the innovative use of IQA for data collection, the removal of subjectivity and the rigour in analysing and presenting the results. The results are a starting point or foundation for the design of a specialised undergraduate degree in risk management that will both meet the requirements of the risk management profession and will equip learners with the best possible combination of knowledge, skills, attributes, values and attitudes to effectively manage risk in organisations. The implications for further research are that a study of the design, benchmarking and validation of a curriculum framework for a specialised undergraduate degree in risk management could be conducted. The development of a curriculum framework or curriculum did not form part of the scope of this study.

Okokuqala inhloso yocwaningo, ukuthola amakhono adingekayo kubaphathi bezinhlekelele kanti okwesibili, ukubheka imiphumela yalokho kusebenza ekunqumeni amamojuli angafakwa ekwakhiweni kweziqu ezikhethekile ezingakaphothulwa ngabafundi ku-Risk Management. Kwalandelwa indlela yocwaningo efanelekile, ebandakanya izikhathi zokuxoxisana zamaqembu njengengxenye yocwaningo lwe-Interactive Qualitative Analysis (IQA). I-Focus Group yoku-1 inabafundi abafundisa ukulawulwa kwezinhlekelele emanyuvesi vi kahulumeni aseNingizimu Afrika, kanye neFocus Group yesi-2 inabasebenzi bokulawulwa kobungozi eNingizimu Afrika. Amakhono ahlonziwe ukuphathwa kwebhizinisi nolwazi lokulawulwa kobungozi; anezimpawu ezinjengokuzethemba kanye nokuba nesibindi; ubugugu obufana nokuziphatha nobuqotho; kanye nabantu, amakhono ebhizinisi nezobuchwepheshe.

Die doel van die studie was eerstens om die bekwaamhede waaroor risikobestuurders moet beskik te bepaal, en tweedens, wat die implikasies van sodanige bekwaamhede inhou vir die modules vir insluiting in die ontwerp van ‘n gespesialiseerde voorgraadse kwalifikasie in Risikobestuur. Die studie het ‘n kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering gevolg deur gebruik te maak van fokusgroepsessies as deel van ‘n Interaktiewe Kwalitatiewe Ontleding (IKO) navorsingstudie. Fokusgroep 1 het bestaan uit akademici wat risikobestuur by openbare universiteite in Suid-Afrika doseer, en Fokusgroep 2 het uit risikobestuurpraktisyns in Suid-Afrika bestaan. Die bekwaamhede wat identifiseer is, is kennis van ondernemingsbestuur en risikobestuur; eienskappe soos selfgeldendheid en moed; waardes soos etiek en integriteit; asook mense, sake en tegniese vaardighede.