Conceptual Classification of Leading Indicators for the Dynamic Analysis of Emerging Risks in Integrated Management Systems

Abstract

Companies that implement Integrated Management Systems (IMS) require approaches that optimize resources and results. In the case of IMS of a new or emerging nature, the use of dynamics risk analysis approaches and the integration of real-time monitoring data in the risk assessment process offers news perspectives. The objective of this work is to identify and classify leading indicators that facilitate the dynamic analyses of emerging risks in an IMS for quality, environment, and safety. For it, such indicator analysis has been based on a bibliographic analysis. Regarding results, firstly, a structure of indicators emerges configured of three categories organized in two levels. At the first level, it is established by the indicators of the IMS which can be integrated. The second level is configured of two categories of interrelated indicators, that is, process integrity indicators and occupational risks indicators. In turn, each of these three categories has two dimensions. The first dimension represents the direction of the indicator, leading or lagging indicator. The second dimension represents the risk nature, emerging or traditional risk. Secondly, a classification of the leading indicators is derived according to the categories of the indicators and the risk nature. This classification shows the direction of the leading indicators as well as qualitative graduation of the potential associated consequences. Said theoretical framework has been applied to a case study configured by a manufacturing process. Thus, a conceptual scheme has been developed that represents the first step towards a more in-depth and detailed development that allows the identification and definition of specific leading indicators within an IMS from a dynamic and emerging risk perspective.