Overview

This seminar defines key concepts of Operational risk as it affects institutions especially in Sub Saharan Africa. It looks into the various operational risk issues and challenges that various organizations will have to grapple with in their day-to-day operations of their institutions.

Brief Course Outline

Session 1: Risk Management

• The key areas of risk
• Risk management – components and definitions
• A systematic process for risk management
• Preventive, detective, and corrective controls

Session 2: We Are the Institution

• The role of people in risk management
• Key elements in effective risk management

Session 3: Tools for Risk Management

• Human Resource policies and mitigating risks
• Preventive actions to mitigate risks
• Proper separation of job functions
• Using policies and procedures to mitigate risks
• The critical role of the information system in risk management

Session 4: Business Cycles, Risks, and Internal Controls

• Using the cycle approach to identify risk areas and need for internal controls
• Objectives and purpose of internal controls
• Characteristics of effective controls
• Limitations of IC and how to compensate for them

Session 5: Internal Audit

• The difference between internal and external audits
• The role of internal audit in the internal control system
• Characteristic internal audit activities
• How to use internal audit results

Session 6: External Audit

• The role of external audit in risk management
• Planning and coordinating external audit activities
• Formulating terms of reference (ToR) and establishing scope for an external audit
• Selecting quality external auditors
• Evaluating audit results and planning for appropriate corrective action

Session 7: Mitigating Risks – Implementing Corrective Controls and Moving Forward

• Corrective controls and their role in risk management
• The dynamic process of risk management

Session 8: Action Plan, Evaluation, and Closure