Author(s)

Safiye Turgay ¹, Abdulkadir Aydin ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ Department of Industrial Engineering, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey

Corresponding Author

Safiye Turgay

ABSTRACT

The success and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) significantly influences by their ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively. However, many SMEs often lack the resources and expertise to establish a robust risk management framework, leaving them vulnerable to potential threats and uncertainties. This comprehensive guide aims to bridge that gap by providing SMEs with a step-by-step approach to develop and implement an effective risk mitigation framework. The guide begins by highlighting the importance of risk management in the context of SMEs and its direct impact on their long-term growth and survival. A framework for ranking and categorizing risks based on their severity provided to help SMEs allocate resources efficiently. Once risks identified and prioritized, the guide delves into risk mitigation strategies. Various risk treatment options, including risk avoidance, risk reduction, risk transfer, and risk acceptance, explored in detail, enabling SMEs to make informed decisions based on their specific risk appetite and capacity. To ensure successful implementation, the guide outlines a step-by-step plan to integrate risk management into the organization's culture and operations. Key stakeholders' involvement and clear communication channels emphasized to foster risk-awareness throughout the SME. Furthermore, the guide underscores the significance of continuous monitoring and evaluation of the risk management framework. Periodic reviews allow SMEs to adapt their strategies as the business landscape evolves and new risks emerge. Real-world case studies and best practices incorporated throughout the guide to offer practical insights and illustrate the benefits of a well-structured risk management framework. By following this step-by-step guide, SMEs can proactively mitigate risks, enhance their decision-making process, and fortify their business against potential threats, ultimately paving the way for sustainable growth and long-term success.

KEYWORDS

Risk Mitigation; Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs); Risk Management Framework; Step-by-Step Guide; Effective Implementation; Risk Assessment; Risk Treatment

CITE THIS PAPER

Safiye Turgay, Abdulkadir Aydin, Risk Mitigation for SMEs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing an Effective Framework. Financial Engineering and Risk Management (2023) Vol. 6: 71-80. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/ferm.2023.060808.

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