How to use the Risk Management Body of Knowledge

A useful reference should help you answer the question in front of you. The Risk Management Body of Knowledge connects the concepts behind risk management with methods for assessment, treatment and learning from results.

The book is organised into six main sections. You can read it progressively or use it to investigate a particular decision, model or term.

Find the section that fits your question

• Foundations: explore concepts, tools and models, human factors and quantitative methods.

• Standards: understand and compare widely used approaches to risk management.

• Principles: consider the ideas that guide the design and practice of risk management.

• Frameworks: connect risk management with the organisation’s management systems and responsibilities.

• Processes: work through the activities that support assessment, treatment, communication and review.

• Definitions: clarify terminology using a practitioner glossary with explanations and examples.

The updated diagram above provides a map of these sections. Begin with terminology when people are using the same words to mean different things; return to the glossary as the work develops.

Start with a decision

If you are new to risk management, the opening chapters and foundations provide a starting point. If you already practise in the field, use the contents and index to locate the question you need to resolve, then follow the supporting concepts and references.

For example, a team reviewing a proposed change might first clarify its objectives and scope, examine the relevant process, and then look up a method for exploring causes and controls. The purpose is to support that decision, rather than to apply every method in the book.

Build a shared reference for your team

A common reference can make discussions about assumptions, evidence and responsibility easier to follow. It still needs to be applied to your objectives, context and the people affected. No single method answers every risk question.

Choose one live question for your next team discussion. Agree what you need to decide, identify the relevant part of the book and record which assumptions still need evidence.

Adapted from the introduction to Risk Management Body of Knowledge, by Julian Talbot, Jason Brown and Miles Jakeman, AM. Updated for the current manuscript in September 2026.

Put the body of knowledge to work

Explore the Risk Management Body of Knowledge for the connected principles, frameworks and methods behind this article.

Considering a shared reference for your team? Enquire about organisational use and tell us how you would use RMBOK.