A simpler way to assess risks?

The vast majority of companies assess risks by evaluating both the likelihood that a risk event will occur and the impact of the risk event if it does occur. The actual ranking of risks is then determined by either calculating the product of likelihood x impact scores, or in some cases the sum of a risk’s likelihood and impact scores. When using this methodology, the organization must develop rating scales for both likelihood and impact (and any other dimensions to be assessed, such as velocity or preparedness) as well as deFInitions for each point on the scales.