Syllabus 2011/2012 VBR171

Syllabus academic year 2011/2012
(Created 2011-09-01.)

RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESSES

VBR171

Credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Cycle: A (Second Cycle). Main field: Technology. Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish. Compulsory for: RH4rh. Course coordinator: Senior lecturer Henrik Tehler, henrik.tehler@brand.lth.se, Fire Safety Engineering. Prerequisites: FMS065 and VBR180. Recommended prerequisits: MAM090. Assessment: The examination will be done both on an individual and a group-work basis. The final certificate is based on project assignments (group work) and essays (individual work), and also requires participation in compulsory seminars. Examination in other cases includes the entire course. Further information: Group assignments require active participation. Each group member must individually be able to account for the content of the assignment. If a group member does not fulfill the demands of the group or ignores hers/his commitment, she/he can be reassigned to another group or get a fail result. Home page: http://www.brand.lth.se/?id=VBR171.

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 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.
demonstrate a capacity for teamwork and for working in groups.

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.
be able to review and evaluate obtained information

Contents

Introduction to the risk management process.
Risk perception and decision-making.
Risk communication.
Enterprise risk management.
Administrative systms for risk management.

Literature
Renn, O. The role of riskperception for risk management. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, Vol. 59, No. 1, 1998, pp. 49-68.
Slovic, P. The risk game. Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 86, No. 1-3, 2001, pp. 17-24.
Garrick, B. J. Technological stigmatism, risk perception, and truth. Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Vol. 59, No. 1, 1998, pp. 41-45.
O'Donnell, E. Enterprise risk management: A systems-thinking framework for the event identification phase. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Vol. 6, No. 3, 2005, pp. 177-195.
Harms-Ringdahl, L. Relationships between accident investigations, risk analysis, and safety management. Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 111, No. 1-3, 2004, pp. 13-19.
Hills, A. Insidious Environments: Creeping Dependencies and Urban Vulnerabilities. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, Vol. 13, No. 1, 2005, pp. 12-20.
Olsen, O. E., Kruke, B. I. & Hovden, J. Societal Safety: Concept, Borders and Dilemmas. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, Vol. 15, No. 2, 2007, pp. 69-69.
Boin, A. & McConnell, A. Preparing for Critical Infrastructure Breakdowns: The Limits of Crisis Management and the Need for Resilience. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, Vol. 15, No. 1, 2007, pp. 50-59.