Developpement de trois elements d'une methodologie de gestion du risque de portefeuilles de projets

Risk management plays an important role in managing a portfolio of projects. The reason for having a portfolio of projects is the maximization of the portfolio value following a selection of projects under an accepted level of risk. The concepts of value maximization and risk-benefit balancing are fundamental concepts in the theory of portfolio management. This is the importance of risk management which maintains an acceptable level of risk and maximizes the portfolio value searching and increasing opportunities.;Research has revealed the existing relationships between portfolio objectives and projects which form a network of interdependences. These interdependences are built from objectives, benefits and projects; once these components are extended on a time scale, they form flows of "projects-profit- objectives." This way of exhibiting those concepts is very useful because it allows for searching the impact on the achievement of objectives. At the same time, they allow for setting the manoeuvre margin to react and minimizing or maximizing consequences. Action plans are put in place since the first detection of materialized risks or opportunities. It provides an anticipatory characteristic which helps adapt the portfolio to changing conditions in which the portfolio progresses.;The research has explored several concepts, such as benefits management, key performance indicators, critical success factors, and the complexity of a project portfolio. It has also explored current guides and methodologies in order to establish a framework within which the developed elements would be integrated. In addition, a theoretical framework was set for each component in order to provide a solid theoretical basis on which further development of the element could be established.;There are still areas of opportunity for continuing the development of a risk management methodology specifically designed for the management of a portfolio. The processes of identifying, analyzing, evaluating, and controlling risks need techniques and tools that consider the characteristics of this area. It will facilitate the achievement of portfolio strategic objectives or even exceeding them. By this means, it supports the role of risk management by helping maximize the strategic value of the portfolio.;The research conducted has had as result the development of three elements of a risk management methodology which is specifically designed for the management of project portfolios. The three developed elements consider decisions taken during the processes of portfolio management; they also consider portfolio characteristics from a strategic standpoint. They highlight the research of opportunities as well as their maximization. Specifically, the developed elements are: a structure for identifying risks and opportunities, a set of key strategic performance indicators, and a framework for building and using a matrix to monitor risks and opportunities. These elements can be easily integrated within generic methodologies or accepted standards of risk management. The elements do not invalidate existing concepts in the literature. In opposite, they complement existing theory of risk management adding concepts found in the literature and considered as a need by other researchers.