It is important to remember that risk perception is based on vision and calls for unfailing foresight.

The Japanese Five S methodology, which are the following, demands that we keep both the mind and environment in order:

1.) Sort (Seiri) - Put things in order (remove what is not needed and keep what is needed)
2.) Straighten (Seiton) - Proper Arrangement (Place things in such a way that they can be easily reached whenever they are needed)
3.) Shine (Seiso) - Clean (Keep things clean and polished; no trash or dirt in the workplace)
4.) Standardize (Seiketsu) - Purity (Maintain cleanliness after cleaning - perpetual cleaning)
5.) Sustain (Shitsuke) - Commitment (Actually this is not a part of ‘4S’, but a typical teaching and attitude towards any undertaking to inspire pride and adherence to standards established for the four components)

Cleanliness in Five S is kept at a high level, and disorder is detected instantly. The effect of the environment on both the psychological and physical aspects is the theme behind Five S. Quintessential risk control requires controlling the risk environment. Disorder in the environment, both internal and external, is detected by the risk identifier.

To see risks in perspective, one must clearly distinguish between defects, issues, and risks. Defects are the results of mistakes and are found by inspection, testing, and analysis. Issues are discrepancies between planned and actual results, and are found out by reviews. Risks are futuristic problems that may either materialize or melt away with time. When risks are solved, defects and issues decrease.

In summary, defects, issues, and risks have something in common: they are all problems and disorders. But there is a major difference: defects and issues are historic, things of the past, whereas risks are futuristic.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 8:05 pm and is filed under Software Risk Management.