The mission of the Wildlife Forensic DNA Laboratory is to provide evidence to governmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure the protection of the wildlife in the country. The company provides such services as species identification, individual identification, population identification, expert testimony and consultation (Trent University Wildlife Forensic DNA Laboratory Services, n.d.).
As regards the services provided, it is possible to identify a number of threats. Equipment and software failures can prevent the company from providing high-quality services in a timely manner. Power failure can be a common threat during various risk events (natural disasters, fire, terroristic attack and so on). The samples cannot be examined as equipment needs power. Moreover, some data can be lost. Sabotage can pose a significant threat as the services provided may often result in considerable fines for people or organizations (Appendix C: Internal and external threats, n.d.). The cyber attack can also be a possible threat (Risk assessment, n.d.).
The organization is located in Peterborough, Ontario. This geographic location can be associated with a number of threats. Some of the most probable threats are natural disasters or severe weather conditions. During the past decade, the area was affected significantly by floods, heavy snow, ice storm (Mortillaro, 2013). These weather conditions can disrupt the organization’s operations.
It is necessary to note that many organizations have faced the threats mentioned above irrespective of the services and products provided. When it comes to laboratories and similar facilities, it is necessary to consider the risk of contamination. Trevan (2015) notes that biosafety is one of the most important concerns for laboratories, and the recent events associated with laboratories operations with anthrax can be a good illustration. Clearly, the company in question does not have the hazardous specimen. However, the samples examined can be contaminated, which brings biosafety cautions to the fore.
As for general threats that any company can face, it is possible to name the following: natural disasters, severe weather conditions, pandemic disease, fire, mechanical breakdown, software failure, power failure, workplace violence, sabotage, terrorism. These threats are placed in terms of their likelihood where natural disasters are highly likely to occur, and terroristic attacks are characterized by low likelihood.
When it comes to company-specific threats, it is possible to point out the following. Since the company is located in Ontario, severe weather conditions are likely to happen. These can be ice storms, heavy snow, rain, floods.
Equipment and software failures can disrupt the work of the company and cause the loss of data. Contamination is another probable risk event that can occur and affect the company’s functions as well as its reputation. Sabotage is the threat specific to the organization in question as the results of the research are often use in the court, and significant fines can be imposed. Cyber attack is also a possible threat associated with the company’s operations. Again, it can lead to the loss of data, disruption of work, and inappropriate analysis.
The relative likelihood of each threat is provided in the table below (see Table 1). The analysis is implemented on the basis of the historical perspective. The data on geographic location and services provided were primary for this investigation. Notably, although some risks are not characterized by high likelihood, they should be considered to avoid any disruption in the company’s operations.
Table 1: Likelihood of Threats Identified.
The process of risk assessment is implemented quite properly. Of course, more details and data are necessary to assess risks and prioritize them. However, I tried to use a variety of sources, which increases the validity of my analysis. I still feel I could improve the risk assessment process by improving my research skills. I think I could have collected more data. This may be important for my skills in BCM. I would also like to practice assessing risks in numerical (and graphical) terms. This will help me prioritize risks more effectively and provide the rationale to the stakeholders involved.
Reference List
Appendix C: Internal and external threats. (n.d.). Web.
Mortillaro, N. (2013). Worst natural disasters in Toronto’s history: How they compare. Global News. Web.
Risk assessment. (n.d.). Web.
Trent University Wildlife Forensic DNA Laboratory Services. (n.d.). Web.
Trevan, T. (2015). Biological research: Rethink biosafety. Nature. Web.