Security Management Dynamics
2009-2010 - IMT4661 - 5 ECTS

Expected learning outcomes

The emphasis of this course is on the dynamics of security management. This is a much neglected aspect that it is becoming increasingly important.

Security is a highly interdisciplinary challenge, involving Man, Technology and Organization – the famous MTO challenge. Some people would add Economics as a new and important aspect.

Addressing the dynamics of security management provides several bonuses:

• Understand why many managers fail to achieve a satisfactory state of security;
• understand why some important security failures occur as unintended side-effects of management actions;
• and others, such as the increasing importance of employing System Dynamics to manage dynamic complexity.

Topic(s)

Foundations – Security standards from the perspective of change and dynamics

Introduction to qualitative system dynamics: Causal loop diagrams; System archetypes

Modelling security management dynamics using system archetypes and causal loop diagrams

Introduction to quantitative system dynamics: Causal structure and dynamic behaviour. Introduction to stocks and flows. Time delays.

Basic system dynamics models of security management.

Teaching Methods

Lectures
Exercises
Project work

Teaching Methods (additional text)

Web-enabled course with forum

Form(s) of Assessment

Multiple Choice Test(s)
Evaluation of Project(s)

Form(s) of Assessment (additional text)

Two multiple choice exams counting each 15%

Two individual projects (papers) counting each 35%

Grading Scale

Alphabetical Scale, A(best) – F (fail)

External/internal examiner

Evaluated by the lecturer

Re-sit examination

The whole subject must be repeated.

Coursework Requirements

The course requires active participation in projects – both in class and outside class.

Hands-on modelling exercises during class are best carried out in computer lab.

Students are encouraged to bring laptops to the classroom.

Teaching Materials

Literature:

Maani, Kambiz E.; Cavana, Robert Y. Systems Thinking And Modelling. Pearson Education. 9781877371035.

Lectures, exercises and projects by Jose J. Gonzalez in Classfronter

Replacement course for

IMT4111 Sikkerhetsledelse