Risk Management Practices in Environmental Projects: A Case Study of the Jordanian Ministry of Environment

Abstract

Introduction: The concept of risk management emerged as a continuous process followed by any project to address the risks associated with its activities and implementations. It is concerned with the investigation of the risks involved in the project to enable project management to deal with future risks and difficulties that could hamper its progress.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify the extent to which there are differences in the risk management of projects of the Jordanian Ministry of Environment and its success, as one of the government ministries, based on its strategy on projects.

Methods: To achieve the objectives of the study descriptive analytical approach was deployed. A questionnaire-based was developed, consisting of 42 paragraphs; out of 500 questionnaires were distributed; (430) questionnaires were received, with a return rate equal (86%), all were valid and reliable for further analysis.

Results: The study arrived to a set of important results, among the most: That the Jordanian Ministry of Environment does not give adequate attention to risk management, because all risk management dimensions were low from the point of view of the sample members of the study. Moreover, the level of success of the Jordanian Ministry of Environment's projects was low. In addition, the study found that there were significant differences in the risk management at (α≤0.05) attributed to the purpose of the project, the total duration of the project, and the job position. While there were no significant differences at (α≤0.05) attributed to geographical location, number of years of work in projects, project experience, and qualification.

Conclusions: The study highlights that the implementation of risk management in the projects of the Jordanian Ministry of Environment is generally perceived as low by the study's participants. This shortfall in risk management is reflected in the diminished success rate of the projects, suggesting a need for stronger frameworks, clearer strategies, and more effective tools to address and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle.