Some problems associated with performing risk assessments
You may have encountered some problems in performing your risk assessment. Most commonly such problems relate to data, knowledge, attitudes, scope of project, and rigid adherence to the process. Did you encounter any of the following problems?
Data |
Unavailability of data on some hazards; too much data on other hazards; too much data on communities and associated difficulty in determining which was relevant. |
Knowledge |
A lack of knowledge of the methods in risk assessment and analysis of hazards on behalf of your planning group; a lack of knowledge on specific hazards. |
Attitudes |
A lack of cooperation from some agencies, particularly response agencies, in what may be perceived to be an academic exercise. |
Scope of project |
Poor selection of topic for purposes of the assignment; trying to analyse too much; determining how much detail was required in the hazard and community descriptions; developing unrealistic and unachievable planning objectives. |
Rigid adherence |
Forcing your hazard and community descriptions into too rigid a framework-some of the descriptors suggested in this subject will simply not work with some hazards and communities; following the process in a 'lock-step' manner and not allowing a return to earlier steps when required. |
You may wish to comment on these and other difficulties in the relevant parts of your assignment.
You might like to make some notes here arising from the points raised above that may assist you in preparing the self-assessment component at the end of your major Risk Assessment project Report (Assignment 2).