Does expectation match reality? Examination of risk management education in China

Improving the performance of risk management has become necessary, and the concerns over the teaching of risk management are increasing. This research aims to explore the key contents of a risk management course and provide a method for course improvement. Whether or not the practitioners' expectation matches reality was investigated via survey questionnaires. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and a t-test and 31 items were identified as key contents. It is recommended that educators could improve the course by focusing on the practitioners' expectations, reality, and/or the gap between them. An expectation-reality distribution map is provided as a guide to steer construction risk management course development, which could benefit other fields where risk management has been highlighted for improvement. The research findings presented in this paper can be used to optimize risk management course design, development, and delivery, and to improve risk management practice. © 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.