Thesis: Risk and Rationality: An Exploration of Prospect Theory in the Context of Project Management
Name:
Zakari Danlami Tsiga
Supervisors:
Dr Michael Emes
Professor Alan Smith
Abstract:
Economic theory presents the concept of utility in decision making and suggests that people are rational decision makers, although this idea has been challenged by behavioural economics and prospect theory. This project examines decision making in the context of project risk management and explores whether project participants in practice make decisions based on rationality (and if not, what are the possible reasons for any deviations). The research implements a mixed-method approach involving surveys and focus groups, to explore the research question quantitatively and qualitatively.
Biography:
Zakari Danlami Tsiga, MSc is a PhD student working at the University College London. Prior to beginning the PhD program, Zakari undertook a masters’ program at the same university, this gave him the opportunity to work on the delivery of various projects for different clients such as Microsoft and the London Clearing House. From his work he developed an interest in Technology management and the importance of successful project delivery.
Publications:
Tsiga, Z., Emes, M. and Smith, A. (2017). Implementation of a risk management simulation tool. In: ProjMan 2017 – International conference on Project Management. Barcelona, Spain: Elsevier – Procedia Computer Science.
Tsiga, Z., Emes, M. and Smith, A. (2017). Critical success factors for projects in the petroleum industry. In: ProjMan 2017 – International conference on Project Management. Barcelona, Spain: Elsevier – Procedia Computer Science.
Tsiga, Z., Emes, M. and Smith, A. (2016). Attitudes to risk in petroleum projects. In: ProjMan 2016 – International conference on Project Management. Porto, Portugal: Elsevier – Procedia Computer Science.
Tsiga, Z., Emes, M. and Smith, A. (2016). Risk management – perceptions and attitudes in space projects. In: INCOSE UK Annual Systems Engineering Conference. Coventry, United Kingdom: INCOSE UK.