SMS Decision maker
By OffRoadPilots
A safety management system (SMS) enterprise is required
to appoint an accountable executive (AE) who is the key
decisionmaker and authority, and who is responsible for
operations or activities authorized under the
certificate and accountable on their behalf of the
certificate holder for meeting the regulatory
requirements. A condition for accepting the position as
an AE is that they have control of the financial and
human resources that are necessary for the activities
and operations authorized under the certificate.
The responsibility and accountability of the
accountable executive appointed are not affected by the
existence of a person responsible for the maintenance
control system, a person responsible for maintenance,
or a maintenance manager, or the operations manager. A
safety management system is a process and project
management system, where the most desired outcome is
the objective. This does not only include safety, but
also financial outcome. The accountable executive is
responsible for process and financial results. While
the AE is the person making safety in operations key
decisionmaker, the AE does not override their
organizational SMS experts, unless they conduct a new
system analysis, change management assessment, or risk
assessment to justify their decisions.
Risk assessment and risk analysis are related concepts
in the field of risk management, but they refer to
different processes within that framework.
Risk analysis is a more focused and detailed
examination of specific risks identified during the risk assessment phase.
It involves a deeper analysis of
the nature and characteristics of each risk. Key
components of a risk analysis are revisiting and
refining the list of identified risks from the risk
assessment phase, assigning numerical values to the
probability and impact of risks to quantify the overall
risk exposure, developing strategies to manage or
mitigate the impact of identified risks, and
considering different scenarios to understand the
potential outcomes of specific risks.
The primary purpose of risk analysis is to provide
detailed insights into specific risks, allowing for
more informed decision-making and the development of
effective risk mitigation strategies.
In summary, risk
assessment is a
broader process that
involves the initial
identification,
evaluation, and
prioritization of
risks, while risk
analysis is a more
in-depth examination
of specific risks to
better understand
their
characteristics and develop strategies for managing
them. The two processes are interconnected, with risk
analysis often following risk assessment as part of a
comprehensive risk management approach.
Risk assessment is a broader process that involves
identifying potential risks, evaluating theirsignificance, and determining the likelihood of those
risks occurring. Key components of a risk assessment
are identifying and listing potential risks that could
impact a project, organization, or system, assessing
the significance and potential impact of each
identified risk, estimating the likelihood of each risk
occurring, and ranking or categorizing risks based on
their severity and probability.
The main goal of risk assessment is to provide an
overall understanding of the risk landscape and help
prioritize risks for further analysis and management.
System analysis is a process of studying a system or a
complex process with the goal of understanding its
components, interactions, and functionalities. The
primary objective of system analysis is to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of the system by
identifying problems, finding solutions, and defining
requirements for the development or improvement of the
system.
Key components of a system analysis are analyzing the
system involves gaining a comprehensive understanding
of how it works, its goals, its components, and how
these components interact with each other, system
analysts aim to identify any existing problems or
inefficiencies within the system, which involve
studying user feedback, examining performance metrics,
or conducting interviews with stakeholders.
Once problems are identified, the system analyst works
on defining requirements for improvements or new
features. This involves specifying what the systemshould do, how it should behave, and what constraints
or limitations exist.
System analysts apply modeling techniques to represent
the system visually. This may include flowcharts, data
flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, or other
graphical representations that help in understanding
and communicating the system's structure and
functionality.
Evaluating the costs and benefits of proposed changes
or new systems is crucial in system analysis. This
helps in making informed decisions about the
feasibility and potential return on investment.
System analysts need effective communication skills to
interact with stakeholders, including end-users,
management, and developers. Clear communication is
essential for understanding user needs and expectations
and for conveying system requirements.
System analysts often participate in the planning phase
of system implementation, helping to coordinate the
development and deployment of new systems or
improvements to existing ones.
System analysis is a critical phase in the development
life cycle of a system and is often followed by system
design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. It is
commonly applied in various fields, including
information technology, business process improvement,
and engineering.
A change management analysis refers to the systematic
process of assessing, planning, and implementingchanges within an organization. Change management is a
structured approach to transitioning individuals,
teams, and organizations from their current state to a
desired future state. The analysis aspect of change
management involves evaluating various factors to
understand the potential impact of the proposed changes
and to develop strategies for effectively managing the
transition.
Key components of a change management analysis are:
Í
Current state
assessment by
understanding the
existing
organizational
structure,
processes, and
culture. Identifying
strengths,
weaknesses,
opportunities, and
threats related to
the change.
Stakeholder analysis by identifying and analyzing key
stakeholders who will be affected by the change, and
assessing their interests, concerns, and level of
influence.
Risk analysis Identifying potential risks and
challenges associated with the proposed changes and
developing strategies to mitigate or manage these
risks.Impact analysis by assessing the potential impact of
the changes on various aspects of the organization,
including people, processes, technology, and culture.
Understanding how the changes may affect different
departments, teams, and individuals.
Communication analysis by developing a communication
plan to ensure that information about the changes is
effectively communicated to all stakeholders.
Identifying key messages, communication channels, and
timing for communication.
Training and development analysis by assessing the
skills and competencies required for individuals to
adapt to the changes. Developing a training plan to
address any gaps in knowledge or skills.
Change readiness assessment by evaluating the SMS
enterprise’s readiness for change, including its
culture, leadership support, and overall capacity to
adapt. Identifying factors that may facilitate or
hinder the success of the change initiative.
Measurement and evaluation by establishing key
performance indicators (KPI) to measure the success of
the change initiative. Regularly evaluating progress
and adjusting the change management plan as necessary.
Change management analysis is crucial for ensuring that
the organization navigates through transitions smoothly
and that the intended benefits of the changes are
realized. It involves a combination of data analysis,
stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to
create a comprehensive approach to managing change
effectively.An assessment that is new with the implementation of
the safety management system is an environmental
assessment.
An environmental assessment (EA) is a process that
evaluates the potential environmental impacts of a
proposed project, plan, or program before it is
implemented. The goal of an environmental assessment is
to identify and analyze potential environmental
effects, consider alternatives, and provide information
to decision-makers and the public. The assessment helps
ensure that environmental considerations are integrated
into the decision-making process, and it may be
required by laws and regulations in many jurisdictions.
An environmental assessment is necessary for various
reasons, primarily to evaluate the potential
environmental impacts of a proposed project, policy, or
development. A new regulatory requirement, standard, or
new SMS policy are alle administrative in nature, but
still requires an environmental assessment to be
completed.
Many countries have laws and regulations that require
environmental assessments for certain types of
projects. These regulations are in place to ensure that
environmental considerations are taken into account
during the planning and decision-making process.
An environmental assessment helps in identifying
potential adverse effects a project may have on the
environment. This includes impacts on air and water
quality, soil, wildlife, ecosystems, and human health.By identifying these impacts, measures can be taken to
minimize or mitigate them.
Environmental
assessments often
involve public
consultation and
engagement. This
allows the public to
provide input and
express concerns
about the proposed
project. Public
participation helps
ensure that diverse
perspectives and potential impacts are considered in
the decision-making process.
The information gathered during an environmental
assessment provides decision-makers with a
comprehensive understanding of the project's potential
environmental consequences. This knowledge allows them
to make informed decisions that balance the benefits of
the project with its potential impacts on the
environment.
Environmental assessments help in assessing the risks
associated with a project and developing strategies to
manage or mitigate those risks. This includes
identifying potential hazards and establishing measures
to prevent or minimize negative impacts.
The findings of an environmental assessment can inform
the design and planning of a project. If significant
environmental impacts are identified, modifications tothe project can be made to reduce or eliminate these
impacts.
Assessing environmental impacts is a key component of
promoting sustainable development. It ensures that
economic and social development occurs in a way that
minimizes harm to the environment, preserving resources
for future generations.
In some cases, international agreements or funding
sources may require environmental assessments as a
condition for approval or funding. This ensures that
projects adhere to globally recognized environmental
standards.
Environmental assessments play a crucial role in
promoting environmentally responsible decision-making,
protecting ecosystems, and fostering sustainable
development. They provide a systematic approach to
evaluating potential impacts and identifying measures
to address environmental concerns associated with human
activities.
There is also a difference between a non-certified
aerodrome and certified aerodrome as it applies to
above ground fuel storage tanks. The compliance
requirements for non-certified aerodromes are more
restrictive than for certified aerodromes. A non-
certified aerodrome may be in non-compliance with the
regulations without their comprehensive plan, while
there are limited requirements certified aerodrome
remain in compliance. There are several benefits for
aerodromes to be certified which are not available to
non-certified aerodromes.Key components of an environmental assessment are:
Scoping: Identifying the environmental aspects and
potential impacts that should be considered in the
assessment.
Baseline Study: Establishing the current environmental
conditions in the area where the project is proposed to
take place.
Impact Assessment: Evaluating the potential positive
and negative effects of the project on the environment,
including factors such as air and water quality,
biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health.
Alternatives
Analysis: Examining
different options or
variations of the
proposed project to
identify
alternatives that
may have fewer
environmental
impacts.
Mitigation Measures:
Proposing measures
to minimize or
offset potential adverse environmental effects.
Public and Stakeholder Involvement: Seeking input and
feedback from the public, local communities, and
relevant stakeholders to ensure that diverse
perspectives are considered.Decision-Making and Documentation: Providing the information gathered during the assessment to decision-
makers who then consider the environmental implications
in their decision. Documentation of the process and
findings is typically required.
Environmental assessments are often a prerequisite for
obtaining permits or approvals for certain projects,
especially those with the potential for significant
environmental impacts. In some cases, if a project is
expected to have more substantial environmental
effects, a more comprehensive environmental impact
assessment may be required.
An SMS enterprise is required to operate with an SMS
policy, or also called their safety policy. A safety
policy must remain in existence, followed, and
understood.
An SMS enterprise is required to base its safety
management system on the safety policy and there is a
clear commitment to safety.
The safety policy is agreed to and approved by the
accountable executive. Approving an SMS policy is a
vision of the path an SMS enterprise is taking, and it
is a business decision and the foundation of their
safety management system. Their SMS manger build the
SMS based on the SMS policy, regulatory requirements,
and their work practices.
The SMS policy is implemented at all levels of the
organization, and is applicable to the AE, managers,
and operations personnel.Their safety policy is reviewed periodically for continuing applicability to regulatory requirements and
their vision of their SMS path forward.
When implementing a new SMS policy and reviewing a
current SMS policy a safety policy assessment is
necessary to maintain integrity of their SMS.
A safety policy assessment is an evaluation or analysis
of an SMS enterprise’s safety policies, objectives,
processes, procedures, and acceptable work practices.
It involves a systematic examination of the policies
and practices that airports and airlines have in place
to ensure the safety in operations, and well-being of
its employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
The assessment typically includes a review of written
safety policies, procedures, and guidelines, as well as
an evaluation of how well these policies are
implemented and followed within the organization. The
goal of a safety policy assessment is to identify areas
where improvements can be made to enhance the overall
safety culture and reduce the risk of accidents,
injuries, or other safety-related incidents.
Key components of a safety policy assessment are:
Policy Documentation Review: Examining written safety
policies and procedures to ensure they are
comprehensive, up-to-date, and aligned with relevant
regulations and industry standards.
Implementation Evaluation: Assessing how well safety
policies are implemented throughout the organization,including the level of awareness among employees and
the effectiveness of training programs.
Compliance Check: Verifying that the organization is in
compliance with the SMS regulations, and operational
regulations as applicable to airports or airlines.
Incident Analysis: Reviewing past incidents, accidents,
or near-misses to identify patterns or areas where
safety policies may need to be strengthened. A review
and analysis of why daily operations are without
incidents is also necessary when conducting incident
analysis.
Communication and Reporting: Evaluating the
effectiveness of communication channels related to
safety, including reporting mechanisms for potential
hazards or incidents.
Continuous Improvement: Assessing the SMS enterprise’s
approach to continuous improvement in safety, such as
the process for reviewing and updating processes,
procedures and acceptable work practices based on
lessons learned and changing circumstances.
Safety policy assessments are crucial for maintaining
the integrity of their SMS and ensuring that an
organization is proactive in addressing risks. They may
be conducted internally by the organization's safety
team or externally by third-party experts. The results
of a safety policy assessment can be used to develop
action plans for improvement and to demonstrate a
commitment to safety to personnel, regulators, and
other stakeholders.An accountable executive is a term used in the context of organizational or project management. This role
refers to an individual who is ultimately responsible
and accountable for the success of a particular
initiative, project, or area within an organization.
The accountable executive is expected to provide
leadership, make key decisions, and ensure that the
goals and objectives are achieved.
The specific
responsibilities and
scope of authority
associated with the
role of an
accountable
executive vary
depending on the
context. In some
cases, it might be a
senior executive
within a company who
oversees a specific
business unit or department. In other situations, it
could be an individual appointed to lead a particular project, ensuring that it stays on track, meets its
objectives, and aligns with the overall strategy of the
organization.
Having an accountable executive is crucial for clear
lines of responsibility, effective decision-making, and
overall policy success, and in achieving organizational
objectives and goals. This individual is often held
responsible for the outcomes and is accountable to
stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, and
employees.As the SMS decisionmaker and the final authority of the
safety management system, the accountable executive is
responsible for accepting or rejecting the different
analyses necessary for a successful SMS.
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