Enterprise-wide risk management (EWRM) : identification, analysis and management of implementation barriers within an African telecommunications enterprise

Abstract

This research study investigated the implementation barriers associated with the introduction of EWRM within an African telecommunications enterprise. Six research questions were developed from the literature which provided a focus for data collection. Based on MTN Group, a single case study method was adopted. Three sub-cases of MTN companies formed the main data sources. In-depth interviews were conducted with senior and middle level management of each sub-case. The research design was based on the established procedures and quality controls associated with qualitative case study method within a critical realism paradigm. Analysis was based primarily on in-case and intra-case analyzes and pattern matching for the purpose of analytic generalization about the research questions. The study concluded that to overcome the implementation barriers people need a platform where they can share knowledge and be rewarded for knowledge transfer, additionally key performance indicators (KPI’s) linked to knowledge transfer and sharing must also be created and utilized. Ultimately, this study has contributed to EWRM implementation strategies for MTN and the creation of associated KPI metrics; both the researcher and MTN consider the research and its outcomes to have been advantageous. More generally the research has also contributed to the wider risk management debate, shedding light on barriers to implementation and suggesting holistic strategies that should embed EWRM more effectively and efficiently.