A fuzzy multi-dimensional risk assessment framework for Integrated Management Systems (MIS)

Quality, environmental and safety management systems are typically combined into an Integrated Management Systems (MIS), for easier management and improved performance. If, as usual, the MIS is developed in accordance to ISO standards, then Process Control becomes the key element regulating the functioning of the system. Indeed, to meet requirements in terms of quality, environment and safety, all processes must be known, standardized and, lastly, controlled. In this regard, risk management plays a critical role because, unless risks and criticality are known, it is not possible to make a process stable, repeatable and controllable. The present paper focuses on the above mentioned topics and proposes a multi-dimensional risk assessment framework purposely developed for MIS. Due to the uncertain nature of the data needed for the analysis, the framework is based on fuzzy-logic rather than on probabilistic models. Specifically, for each process, a set of criteria (related to quality, environment and safety) are defined and their risk level is quantified using fuzzy linguistic variables. Criteria are then aggregated ad different levels of detail, up to a single indicator of global risk. Also, in order to take into account cause and effect relationships (among risk criteria) that cannot be easily measured, but that can only be judged by the experts, the aggregation is performed using a comprehensive set of If-Then rules combined using a Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System. Lastly, a prototype application was coded in Matlab and many tests were performed; preliminary outcomes are encouraging as they indicate framework’s robustness and stability.