1. Ronald Machoian University of Wisconsin-Madison International Safety and Security Director (ISSD) __________________________________________ International Risk Management (IRM) An ORM-based tool for pre-travel safety & security assessment in the international environment http://internationaltravel.wisc.edu

2. Do you think you’re telling us something new here?! Founded on Operational Risk Management (ORM) principles – creation is unclear, but popularized throughout the U.S. Department of Defense (c. 2000) for use in operational safety assessment -Used in flying operations, maritime operations, training activities -- in military flying, ORM was taken very seriously Similar approaches to ORM may be translated to a variety of professional and occupational arenas

3. But I’ve forgotten … what is ORM? ORM: a continual process that includes risk assessment, risk decision making, and implementation of risk controls -- resulting in acceptance, mitigation, or avoidance of risk; at which time the assessment process begins again.

4. What does this ORM stuff do? 4 ORM Principles: A deliberate approach to planning operations in a risk environment Accept risk when benefits outweigh the cost. Accept no unnecessary risk Anticipate and manage risk by thoroughly planning to avoid its most direct impact Make risk decisions at the right level of interest, oversight and responsibility U.S. Department of Defense

5. What does this ORM stuff do for International Education? The same 4 ORM Principles may be translated to the International Education environment: Accept risk only when educational outcomes outweigh the cost and are within the university’s risk tolerance Accept no unnecessary risk or risk that exceeds the institution’s risk tolerance Anticipate and manage known risk by thoroughly planning to avoid or mitigate its impact Make risk decisions at the right level of interest and responsibility – a level that is charged with authority to assume liability on the university’s behalf

6. What does this ORM stuff do for International Education (IRM)? IRM guides a traveler or group through a self- assessment tool, enumerating various activities, environmental or conditional factors present in a planned experience Each activity or factor is self-scored based on questions that identify relative risk to the traveler Resultant total score will tell the traveler or group whether or not their intended profile will fall into a category of concern … Low Risk (1 – 10 pts) Acceptable Risk (11 – 20 pts) Significant Risk (21 – 30 pts) High Risk (31 + pts)

7. What can this ORM (IRM) stuff do for International Education? An example … If the IRM score characterizes a trip as “significant risk” then the traveler should reassess various activities and events to mitigate risks that drive that overall “significant- risk” characterization – it is not the score that is reassessed, it is risk- intensive activities or events planned for the trip itself! It is strongly recommended that self-assessed “high-risk” traveler(s) seek external objective review to help re-plan or even reevaluate the trip to mitigate risk. (e.g., ISSD, dept chair, study abroad office, risk mgt) Low Risk (1 – 10 pts) Acceptable Risk (11 – 20 pts) Significant Risk (21 – 30 pts) High Risk (31 + pts)

8. What does this ORM stuff do for International Education (IRM)? The IRM self-assessment worksheet is best presented as part of a more complete discussion of risk in the international environment. So … the IRM is best presented as part of a more complete document that is available to lead the non-affiliated traveler(s) through “considerations to help you plan international travel” – a set of questions that guide travelers through a safety & security planning process to help identify potential risks.

9. What does this ORM stuff do for International Education? Question from the audience: “Are you for real? Do you actually think travelers will really seek an external review by an objective, knowledgeable source to help re-plan the international trip they want to take?! Really? Ron, if that’s what you think, you’re an idiot.” Answer: No, likely not … but Even the heightened awareness that significant risk exists will increase attention to surroundings and environment with a positive impact on a traveler’s safety and security – The IRM remains a valuable tool!

10. The goal … The goal … vibrant, successful learning, research and outreach experiences for students, faculty and staff who travel abroad!