Aim
The overriding aim of the course is that, after completing the course, the students will have an understanding of how risk analysis, risk assessment, and risk reduction / control are dependent on each other, and how these activities can be handled by various organizations. Furthermore, the course is aimed at providing the students with a knowledge base concerning the different methods and techniques applied in the risk management process for various types of risk, as well as developing their ability to critically examine those methods in the context of practical application.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe the most commonly used methods available to support decision-making regarding risks and the problems that are experienced in this type of decision. In addition, the students will be able to place the application of these methods in the context of the risk management process.

• be able to describe the development of the field, "Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM)". In addition, the students will be able to ponder and reflect on the practical application of SCRM within private enterprise and in public operational situations.

• be able to describe tools and models for use in risk management within large enterprises. In addition, the students will be able to ponder and reflect on risk management within business and public operations against the background of earlier knowledge within the filed.

• be able to describe how risk management is carried out at various levels in public administrations and what crisis- and disaster management involves. In addition, the students shall be able to ponder and reflect on the practical application of risk management, as well as crisis and disaster management within public organisations.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to analyse and evaluate communication processes between various players in the event of catastrophe occurrences.

• be able to analyse and assess a management system for safety, health, and environment, as well as make proposals for how such a system should be set up, with regard to the operations of a specific commercial organisation.

• be able to defend, both orally and in writing, his/her opinions regarding various issues relating to the risk management process in private and public enterprises.

• be able to search for and apply information concerning the risk management process published in scientific journals and manuals.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• demonstrate a capacity to make assessments of the applicability of various risk analysis methods for various types of problems.

• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of risk analysis and its role in the risk management process.

Contents

• Introduction. Objective of risk management. International legislation and developments.

• Risk perception and decision-making. Psychological and psychometrical methods. Social and cultural processes. Connection between risk perception and risk assessment. Methods for decision-making – risk assessment.

• Administrative systems. Importance of integrated management systems. Revision of management systems. Downsizing. Review of environment management systems. Objectives and work approaches. Problems with the introduction and operation of environment management systems.

• Risk-related communication. Techniques of effective communication.

• Catastrophe planning. Methods for catastrophe planning. General introduction.

• Vulnerability at the local and regional level. Fundamental concepts. Methods for describing and analysing robustness. Case studies.

• Risks in private companies. Interruptions in the production system and the raw material flow. ARM method (SW.IRMA) and work process in practical applications.

• Risks in public operations. Operations analysis and safety coordination of community-based enterprises.

• Data security. Information processing, data and knowledge within private companies and public organisations.

• Risk management from a government perspective. Views of governmental agencies regarding risk management in planning processes and community building. Interaction between various players.

• Risk management in large private companies. Examples of risk management in large private companies.

Literature
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). International Standard 60300-3-9, Dependability management-Part 3: Application guide - Section 9: Risk analysis of technological systems. Genéve, 1995.
Kammen, D M and Hassenzahl, D M: Should we risk it? Princeton University Press, New Jersey, 1999. ISBN: 0-691-00426-9.
Kemikontoret: Integrerat ledningssystem för säkerhet hälsa och miljö. En handbok, med rutiner om SHM-ledningssystem. AB Industrilitteratur, Stockholm 1997. ISSN: 99-1894017-4.
Kemikontoret: Administrativ SHM-revision: ett hjälpmedel för intern granskning av säkerhet/hälsa/miljö, (Riskhantering 1), Stockholm, 1996.
Svenska kommunförbundet: Verksamhetsanalys och säkerhetssamordning, 2001. ISBN: 91-7099-969-4.
ÖCB, SAF och SilfGruppen: Säkra företagets flöden! Tryckindustri AB, Solna, 1999. ISBN: 91-7097-056-4.