1st Edition

Building a Resilient Organisation The Design of Risk-Based Reasoning Chains in Large Distributed Systems

By John Arthur, Louise Moody Copyright 2019

    In this book, John Arthur and Louise Moody introduce the concept of the reasoning chain, a new approach to risk-based reasoning systems in large, complex and distributed organisations. Arguing that large, complex and distributed organisations are particularly focussed on a triple-helix of chain metaphors – supply, value and reputation chains – the authors propose that there is overwhelming evidence that the accepted approaches to risk and resilience do not compliment this architecture. This is extremely problematic because risk and resilience constructs have been formally and informally regulated for these industries.

    The Reasoning Chain proposes and illustrates a holistic solution to the problems thrown up by existing norms. It is proposed that the reasoning chain be intentionally designed on an equal footing with supply, value and reputation; a quadruple helix. Through challenge of best practice, an argument unfolds to outline the novel approach for risk based resilience reasoning in large distributed organisations, illustrated through a series of case studies and guidance to implementation.

    This book is an accessible and valuable resource for risk managers and decision makers responsible for complex business decisions.

    List of figures, Part One: A Journey of Design, Chapter 1. Introduction – Landscape and Journey, Chapter 2. Risk as a Construct, Chapter 3. Designing a Risk System – Some Key Early Challenges, Chapter 4. Transformation Risk - A Case Study, Chapter 5. Beginning to Measure Risk, Part Two: Risk Based Resilience, Chapter 6. What is Organisational Resilience? Chapter 7. Design for Reasoning, Chapter 8. What and How Shall we Measure? Chapter 9. Reforming Conventional Risk Measurement – A Case Study, Part Three: Deeper into Systems, Chapter 10. Introduction to Part Three – Risk and Resilience as Distributed Systems, Chapter 11. Taking a Standard Approach – A Hybrid Case Study, Chapter 12. A Systems Evolution Approach – Experiences of BCM, Chapter 13. Resilience and Other Legacy Systems, Chapter 14. Taking an Infrastructural Approach, Part Four: Risk-Based Resilience Reasoning Chain, Chapter 15. Introduction to Part Four – Making the Resining Chain Work, Chapter 16. A Reasoning Chain Example, Chapter 17. The So What Moment, Chapter 18. Deconstructing Organisational Goals for Resilience, Chapter 19. Taking Stock of the Reasoning Chain, Chapter 20. The Reasoning Chain, Index.

    Biography

    John Arthur has a background in Psychology and Human Factors and blends multi-sector academic and industry interests. Initially focused on researching expert reasoning for high risk professions (e.g. air traffic control), he has held international roles in Unilever, (e.g. Resilience Director) before becoming a freelance consultant.

    Louise Moody has a background in psychology and human factors predominantly applied in a design context. She is currently Deputy Head of the School of Art and Design, Coventry University. As an academic consultant she has worked globally in the areas of crisis, risk and resilience.