Review
At last, a truly fresh idea appears on the scene, an idea that will permit a more rational assessment and control of the multiplicity of risks that face the modern organization. Dr. Vernon Grose, in "MANAGING RISK: Systematic Loss Prevention for Executives," has described in clear and lucid language a risk management methodology that has been successfully applied to many organizations, large and small, both profit-making and non-profit. MANAGING RISK will almost certainly become the most well-thumbed volume in the risk manager's library.
Dr. Grose's style is that of the classic teacher. The book is organized in seven sections and 33 brief chapters. Each chapter begins with a short paragraph synopsis and ends with three bullet reminder points, supplemented with numerous charts, graphs, tables and figures. Once read, his SMART methodology is remembered! -- H. Felix Kloman, editor of RISK MANAGEMENT REPORTS
The systems approach had quite a vogue in management some years ago. Somewhat like the holistic approach to health, it is more a way of thinking than a precise methodology, but can be a powerful tool for bringing all elements of a problem into view.
I consider this the most useful book on risk management I have ever read, different from others, but more rational. Its value stems from its approach: management rather than techniques; that is, it considers the system rather than elements.
This is a book not just to be read, but studied. Rush out and buy it. -- David Warren, editor of THE WARREN REPORT
Vernon Grose, formerly of the US Government Highway Safety Commission, the National Transportation Safety Board and NASA, is one of these rare birds who appreciate that management cannot do everything, but that does not stop them doing something -- and he spells out the priorities.
Grose likens management to sitting on top of a three-legged stool: one leg for Cost, another for Performance and a third for Schedule and, if any one fails, then management is out of control. The main thrust of his book, however, is that loss control experts should identify risk in a 'logical' rather than a 'chaotic' way.
I firmly recommmend this book to any serious safety, risk or loss control manager. I would agree with long-time safety man John Grimaldi's thought that Grose 'has approached the subject of managing risk and the systematic prevention of losses with knowledge and a fresh point of view.' -- James Tye, editor of British Safety Council's SAFETY MANAGEMENT
About the Author
Dr. Grose has been described in Business Week as a founding father of the application of systems methodology to managing risk, and he enjoys world-wide recognition as an authority in that field. He has served as an executive in three major corporations, university professor in Europe as well as the US, and consultant to Fortune 100 corporations such as AT&T, EXXON, and IBM.
President Reagan appointed him a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board, and he held White House assignments with NASA's Chief Engineer and EPA's R&D Administrator.
As CNN's Risk Analyst, he has given over 100 interviews and also has been a frequent featured guest on NBC Today Show, ABC Good Morning America, ABC 20/20, and CBS Evening News. He gave over 170 interviews on the crash of TWA 800.
His professional papers have been published internationally in over 60 journals and periodicals. The Peoples Republic of China invited him to address their Academy of Sciences in Beijing in 1981. The National Academy of Sciences has named him to three commissions regarding risk.
He is Chairman of Omega Systems Group Incorporated, a management consulting firm with clients in petrochemicals, health care, transportation and many other fields.
