NCJ Number
242338
Date Published
April 2011
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This document, Risk Management Fundamentals, presents a structured approach for the distribution and employment of risk information and analysis efforts across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Abstract
As defined in this document, risk management should "enhance an organization's overall decision making process and maximize its ability to achieve its objectives." Because risk cannot be completely eliminated, risk management should be used to shape and control risk. The key principles of risk management are discussed in this document and include unity of effort, transparency, adaptability, practicality, and customization. This document is intended for use by a wide range of DHS employees including those who establish strategic and operational priorities, program managers and planners that oversee the day-to-day execution of executive decisions, operational personnel who implement plans and programs, and risk and decision analysts who collect and assess risk information to help executives make informed decisions. The fundamentals outlined in this document are intended to promote a "risk-informed culture enabling training, capability development, and integration across DHS to strengthen and improve the Nation's security." The document has five primary goals: promote a common understanding and approach to risk management, establish organizational practices to be followed by DHS personnel, provide a foundation for conducting risk assessments and evaluation risk management options, setting the doctrinal basis for institutionalizing a risk management culture, and educating and informing homeland security stakeholders in risk management applications.