Using a System Description to Understand Your Risk

Tuesday, March 5 | | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Room N261
Safety Management Trackl

The International Civil Aviation Organization describes the system description as “the first prerequisite” to developing a safety management system (SMS), yet most organizations jump straight to the gap analysis as the starting point of their SMS implementation. So what is a system description, and what are the benefits of creating one?

Following a brief introduction, a hands-on exercise will create a simple system description. The result will demonstrate the methods for mapping an operation and the interfaces between departments and service providers. The goal is to focus on hazards and a systemic approach to managing risk.

Learning Objectives/Benefits

The session will enable participants to bring the knowledge and skills to create a system description back to their organizations. The methodology is useful for SMS implementation, risk management, and project management.

Instructor

Sonya Tietjen has a master’s in project management with specific expertise in SMS implementation. Tietjen provides expertise for clients and colleagues in SMS and SMS tools, aviation, consulting, and training. Previously a consultant, Sonya has worked with a variety of clients, from major airlines to small helicopter operations and oil and gas companies, and is a founding member of the Global Helicopter Flight Data Monitoring Steering Group.