5 Operational Risk Examples John Spacey, updated on
Operational risk is the probability of a loss due to the day-to-day operations of an organization. Every endeavor entails some risk, even processes that are highly optimized will generate risks. Operational risk can also result from a break down of processes or the management of exceptions that aren't handled by standard processes. The following are a few examples of operational risk.
1. Human ErrorA mechanic leaves a tool inside an jet engine resulting in the blowout of the engine during flight. The aircraft is able to return to the airport but the passengers are shaken, the airline's reputation is damaged, they face a government investigation and the engine must be completely replaced.2. Information TechnologyA critical network device experiences an error that results in a 4 hour outage for the website of an online retailer. Revenue is lost and customer satisfaction declines for the month.3. Insufficient ProcessesThe settlement process for an investment bank is only designed for regular market volume. One day there is a market crash and volume on the stock exchanges spikes to 50x normal. The settlement process fails because it involves manual steps and the bank doesn't have enough trained staff to complete the processes in a timely fashion. Customers are impacted as their orders don't show as settled within the regular time. The bank suffers a loss of reputation with its customers and trading counterparties.4. Process FailureA customer service process breaks down due to a lack of training. A number of customers who were entitled to refunds according to local regulations are mistakenly told they do not qualify. The customers complain to regulators who launch an investigation of the company. The company faces fines and negative publicity.5. Quality RiskAn electronics company establishes a quality assurance process that catches 99.99% of defects in their vacuum cleaners. They therefore expect that 0.01% of their products with have a minor defect and they establish a return policy that allows customers to get a replacement product should they discover a problem. The company budgets for such returns in their cost forecasts.NotesIt should be noted that some definitions of operational risk suggest that it's the result of insufficient or failed processes. However, risk can also result from processes that are deemed sufficient and successful. In a practical sense, organizations choose to take on a certain amount of risk with every process they establish.Business RisksThis is the complete list of articles we have written about business risks.If you enjoyed this page, please consider bookmarking Simplicable.
ErrorsThe common types of error with examples.Business RisksA list of common business risks.Risk TreatmentThe five things that can be done about risk.Risk MitigationA list of techniques for reducing risk.Positive RiskThe potential that you'll achieve too much of a good thing.Dread Risk
Any risk that people have a strong aversion too.
Risk vs Opportunity
The surprising similarities between risk and opportunity.
Risk Management vs Contingency Planning
The difference between risk management and contingency planning.
UncertaintyThe common types of uncertainty in decision making and strategy.Inventory Risk
The common types of inventory risk.
Business Risk Management
An overview of common business risk management techniques.
Risk ManagementAn overview of the risk management process.
Enterprise Risk ManagementA complete overview of enterprise risk management with examples.
Enterprise Risk
A list of common enterprise risks.
Risk Management Plan
An overview of risk management plans with detailed examples.
Crisis Management Plan
Full examples of crisis management plans that can be used as a template.
Turnaround ManagementThe definition of turnaround management with examples.Negative Risk
The definition of negative risk with examples.
Insurance
An overview of various types of insurance.
Internal Risks
The definition of internal risk with examples.
Business Impact
A list of business impacts.
TrendingThe most popular articles on Simplicable in the past day.New ArticlesRecent posts or updates on Simplicable. Site Map
Accountability
Business Business Analysis Change Management Competency Management Compliance Crisis Management Economics Failure Types Goals Governance Information Technology Knowledge Management Management Metrics Objectives Operations Management Organizational Culture Planning Project Management Quality Assurance Risk Risk Analysis More ...
© 2010-2024 Simplicable. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of materials found on this site, in any form, without explicit permission is prohibited. View credits & copyrights or citation information for this page. |