Q. Basic Methods of Risk Management?

Risk is inherent in business and hence there is no escape from the risk for a businessman. However, he may face this problem with greater confidence if he adopts a scientific approach by dealing with risk. Risk management may, therefore, be defined as adoption of a scientific approach to the problem dealing with risk faced by a business firm or an individual. broadly, there are five methods in general for risk management.

1) Avoidance of Risk: A business firm can avoid risk by not accepting any assignment or any transaction which involves any type of risk whatsoever. This will naturally mean a very low volume of business activities and losing of too many profitable activities.

2) Prevention of Risk: In case of this method, the business avoids risk by taking appropriate steps for prevention of business risk or avoiding loss, such steps include adaptation of safely programmers, installation of burglar alarm and extinguisher, employment of night security guard, arranging for medical care and disposal of waste material etc.

3) Retention of Risk: In case of this method, the organization voluntarily accepts the risk since either the risk is insignificant or its acceptance will be cheaper as compared to avoiding it.

4) Transfer of Risk: In case of this method, risk is transferred to some other person or organization. In other words, under this method, a person who is subject to risk may induce another person to assume the risk. Some of the techniques used for transfer of risk are hedging, sub-contracting, getting surety bonds, entering into indemnity contracts etc.

5) Insurance: This is done by creating a common fund out of the contribution (known as premium) from several persons who are equally exposed to the same loss. Fund so created is used for compensating the persons who might have suffered financial loss on account of the risks insured against.