Title: Development of a framework to evaluate human risk in a complex problem domain

Authors: Raed M. Jaradat; Ariel C. Pinto

Addresses: National Centers for System of Systems Engineering, Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA ' Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA

Abstract: Although there are various techniques such as cost-benefit analysis that risk managers can use to place a monetary value on human life, these techniques have met with only varying levels of success even when applied to problems that have direct relationships among entities. Furthermore, these techniques have not enjoyed even this level of success when applied to problems that have ambiguous, uncertain and dynamic relationships among the entities. This paper proposes a three-phased framework that will attempt to guide decision makers beyond traditional thinking toward a more systemic (holistic) perspective to addressing human risk. The correct implementation of this emerging framework can help risk managers to: 1) better understand the nature of complex systems problems; 2) gain additional knowledge with which to assess human risks; 3) shift away from the traditional way of thinking and toward applying a holistic perspective based on systems theory in conjunction with systems thinking.

Keywords: complex systems; risk management; human risks; emergent framework; monetary value; cost-benefit analysis; CBA; human life; systems theory; systems thinking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCIS.2015.068614

International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, 2015 Vol.11 No.2, pp.148 - 166

Received: 14 May 2013
Accepted: 26 Jul 2013
Published online: 25 Apr 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article