Effective Strategies in Business Process Risk Management


Intro
In the fast-paced world of business, staying ahead often requires more than just a keen intuition or a sharp mind. It demands a solid approach to managing the risks that can derail even the most well-laid plans. Business process risk management is not merely an afterthought; it’s a cornerstone of a resilient organizational strategy. In this ever-evolving landscape, understanding the interplay between risk and efficiency can spell the difference between success and failure.
Risk manifests in various forms and can stem from numerous sources—be it market fluctuations, regulatory changes, or operational hiccups. The key is to navigate through these uncertainties with a clear strategy that allows for both the mitigation of risks and the enhancement of business processes. Within this context, we shall explore the fundamental principles of risk management, the frameworks to apply, and the methodologies suitable for diverse business environments.
As we delve deeper, this article aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for decision-makers, IT professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking effective techniques to identify, assess, and manage risks. Our goal is to equip you with the insights necessary to safeguard your operations while also enabling informed decisions, especially in today’s digital landscape where the stakes are high and the margin for error is slim.
Understanding Business Process Risk Management
Understanding business process risk management requires a thorough examination of how potential disruptions can impact the efficiency and success of an organization. At its core, this approach recognizes the inevitability of risk in various forms and emphasizes the need for a structured method to identify, assess, and mitigate it. For decision-makers, IT professionals, and entrepreneurs alike, grasping this concept is about more than just keeping an eye on the horizon; it's about positioning themselves to respond effectively when storms arise.
Definition and Scope
Business process risk management refers to the systematic identification and management of risks that might affect a business's processes. In simpler terms, it involves spotting risks, evaluating their potential impact, and deciding how to handle them. This practice is not just about avoiding pitfalls but also about capitalizing on opportunities that may arise from uncertainties.
Specifically, the scope of this management field extends beyond traditional financial and operational risks. It encompasses legal, environmental, reputational, and strategic risks, making it crucial for comprehensive organizational strategies. For example, the panic induced by a sudden regulatory change could disrupt operations if businesses are not prepared. By understanding potential shifts in the regulatory landscape, organizations are better equipped to adapt their processes accordingly.
The Importance of Risk Management in Business
Risk management in business functions like a safety net; it provides companies with resilience against unforeseen challenges. Implementing robust risk management strategies helps protect assets, enhance decision-making, and cultivate a proactive culture. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for several reasons:
- Minimizes Losses: Addressing risks early means potential losses can often be contained or avoided entirely.
- Enhances Credibility: When businesses manage risks effectively, they build trust with stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, and partners.
- Facilitates Compliance: Companies that effectively navigate regulatory environments are less likely to face fines or legal troubles, which can cripple financial health.
- Strengthens Competitive Advantage: Organizations that can quickly pivot or adapt to changing conditions often outperform competitors who do not prioritize risk management.
"In the world of business, those who fail to plan for risks may just be planning to fail."
Key Components of Risk Management
Risk management is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor; rather, it consists of several interrelated components that work together to form a cohesive strategy. Some crucial elements include:
- Risk Identification: This involves pinpointing potential risks across various domains, whether through brainstorming sessions or employing frameworks like SWOT analysis.
- Risk Assessment: Once identified, evaluating the likelihood and potential consequences of these risks helps prioritize which ones require immediate attention.
- Risk Response: Here, organizations decide how to approach each risk, whether through avoidance, mitigation, or transfer.
- Monitoring and Review: Risks are not static; continuous monitoring ensures that strategies remain relevant and effective over time, allowing for adjustments as new risks evolve.
By integrating these components into the fabric of business processes, organizations can develop a proactive stance instead of a reactive one. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a culture of accountability and transparency, vital in today’s complex business climate.
Identifying Risks in Business Processes
Identifying risks in business processes is not just about crossing the proverbial t's and dotting the i's; it’s a fundamental step in establishing a fortified operational framework. With the ever-changing landscape of business, understanding where risks lurk can be the difference between success and failure. When organizations pinpoint potential risks, they enable themselves to take proactive measures that not merely shield them, but also guide strategic decision-making.
Risk identification is akin to shining a flashlight into the dark corners of an organization’s processes. By exposing the risks, businesses can prioritize their responses, tailor their strategies, and ultimately enhance their readiness to tackle uncertainties. The benefits are multifaceted: smoother operations, improved compliance, and, more intriguingly, the assurance of achieving business objectives resonate with stakeholders. However, neglecting this step is like leaving a door ajar for potential disasters. Therefore, engaging deeply in this phase is not optional but essential.
Common Sources of Risk
Every organization, big or small, must recognize that risks are omnipresent, often stemming from diverse sources. These can be internal, such as inadequate procedures or employee negligence, or external, like economic fluctuations or regulatory changes. Here are some common sources:
- Operational Risks: Misalignment in processes can lead to delays or wastage, directly impacting efficiency.
- Financial Risks: Fluctuating currencies or unexpected changes in funding can derail projects and forecasts.
- Compliance Risks: Companies must adapt to regulations. Failing to do so can precipitate legal troubles.
- Technological Risks: As cyber threats become prevalent, dependency on technology introduces vulnerabilities.
Understanding these sources is critical for any organization aiming for resilience.
Tools for Risk Identification
SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps organizations highlight their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Its contribution to risk identification is invaluable. By combining internal and external factors, businesses can make informed predictions about potential pitfalls.
A key characteristic of SWOT is its simplicity—it’s accessible and easy to implement across various departments. This makes it a beneficial choice for organizations that wish to foster a culture of risk awareness. One unique feature lies in its ability to facilitate discussions among team members, leading to a well-rounded perspective on the organization's positioning.
However, it’s not without shortcomings. The subjective nature of defining each component can sometimes lead to biases in assessment. Nonetheless, when utilized correctly, SWOT Analysis can illuminate crucial risks lurking within an organization's landscape.
PEST Analysis
PEST Analysis examines Political, Economic, Social, and Technological factors that might impact an organization’s operation. Its primary contribution to risk identification revolves around framing external influences in relation to organizational vulnerabilities.


The key characteristic of PEST is its broad focus, allowing for an encompassing view of macro-environmental risks. This is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to expand or pivot strategically. A unique feature of PEST is its forward-looking approach—analyzing trends can help predict future risks.
Despite its advantages, PEST Analysis can often be too generalized. Distilling specific risks from such a broad range can become an overwhelming challenge for decision-makers if done without context. Nonetheless, it provides vital insights especially in fast-evolving sectors.
Risk Checklists
Risk Checklists serve as a systematic approach to evaluate various potential threats and complications. Their importance lies in their ability to prompt comprehensive consideration of risks that might slip under the radar in day-to-day assessments.
A key characteristic of Risk Checklists is their structured format—it offers a clear methodology that employees can follow, making it easier to understand and utilize. This makes it a popular choice in organizations of all sizes aiming to instill disciplined risk management practices. One of their unique features is the ability to customize checklists tailored to specific processes or projects, enhancing their relevancy.
However, over-reliance on checklists can lead to complacency. Organizations may neglect nuanced risks that don’t fit neatly into predefined categories. Therefore, while beneficial, Risk Checklists should be used in conjunction with broader analysis techniques to ensure comprehensive coverage of risks.
“To forge ahead without identifying risks is like sailing a ship without a compass.”
Assessing Risks: Techniques and Frameworks
Assessing risks is akin to taking a good look in the mirror for any blemishes before stepping out. It plays a pivotal role in how an organization positions itself against potential threats that could hinder its success. This section dives into the methods and frameworks that businesses can utilize to not just recognize risks but also prioritize them based on severity. A solid understanding of risk assessment allows decision-makers to allocate resources effectively, make informed choices, and enhance overall resilience.
Qualitative Risk Assessment
Qualitative risk assessment is the art of understanding potential risks without relying heavily on numerical data. Instead of crunching numbers, it leans towards subjective judgments about the probability and impact of risks. In simpler terms, it's like asking seasoned employees what they think about certain risks based on their experiences.
The brilliance of qualitative assessment is its flexibility. You can gather insights through interviews, focus groups, or workshops, fostering a collective effort in identifying risks. It’s especially useful for new businesses or projects where historical data might be thin. Here’s what makes it valuable:
- Perspective: Gathers different viewpoints, giving a fuller picture.
- Simplicity: Doesn’t require extensive data analysis, making it quicker to implement.
- Focus on Human Factors: Highlights intuitive or emotional aspects that pure data might miss.
However, one must also remain cautious; the subjective nature could lead to biases affecting the outcomes, so it’s essential to involve diverse teams in the process.
Quantitative Risk Assessment
On the flip side, quantitative risk assessment crushes numbers into insights. This technique harnesses mathematical models to estimate risks, often translating potential impacts into financial terms. For businesses sitting on large data troves, this method can provide a clearer, more precise picture of potential losses or threats.
Quantitative assessment relies on statistical techniques and historical data. It’s a more rigorous process that can lead to concrete numbers regarding risks. Here are the significant boons:
- Data-backed Insight: Provides a factual basis for decision-making.
- Predictive Power: Allows the modeling of potential future scenarios based on trends.
- Prioritization: Helps in ranking risks based on their likelihood and impact, facilitating clearer action plans.
However, one must tread lightly with this method, as it can sometimes overlook softer aspects of risks, like public perceptions or employee sentiment, which are vital in today’s scrutinizing world.
Risk Matrix Approaches
A risk matrix is a visual representation that lays out risks in a grid format, typically plotting likelihood against impact. It’s like a big playing field where businesses can see which risks are the most threatening without needing a PhD in data science.
Creating a risk matrix can offer several advantages:
- Visual Clarity: Provides an at-a-glance understanding of risk priorities, highlighting where focus is needed.
- Immediate Understanding: Even stakeholders without technical backgrounds can grasp the information quickly.
- Actionable Insights: Guides leaders on where to allocate resources or attention first.
Nevertheless, the matrix can be somewhat simplistic, sometimes oversimplifying complex situations with a mere grid. Thus, while it can provide foundational insights, it often needs to be coupled with other assessment techniques for a complete understanding.
"Effective risk assessment is like fine-tuning a machine; every part must work in harmony to avoid breakdowns down the road."
Risk Management Strategies
In the realm of business process risk management, having strategies in place isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Here, strategies are the game plan that helps organizations identify their vulnerabilities and capitalize on their strengths. They not only provide a roadmap for effective risk management but also ensure the business operates smoothly amidst uncertainties. Implementing these strategies offers numerous benefits, including minimizing potential losses, safeguarding resources, and enhancing decision-making processes.
Risk Avoidance Techniques
Risk avoidance is akin to steering clear of treacherous waters; rather than confronting risk head-on, organizations can simply sidestep it. This could mean eliminating certain actions or processes entirely that may introduce risk into the equation. For instance, if a company recognizes that venturing into a particular market presents substantial geopolitical risks or uncertainty, it might choose to forgo that opportunity altogether.
Another approach could be enhancing a product design to sidestep potential safety issues. This preventative measure not only protects the organization from potential harm but also establishes a stronger brand reputation. Here are some techniques to engage in risk avoidance:
- Process Elimination: Discontinuing products or services that do not align with the risk threshold.
- Market Withdrawal: Exiting markets that present more risk than reward.
- Policy Revisions: Altering company policies to prioritize lower-risk operational methods.


This proactive stance often yields immediate benefits, reducing vulnerability. However, decision-makers should weigh the long-term implications of such avoidance, particularly regarding market position and competitive edge.
Risk Mitigation Tactics
While avoidance focuses on steering clear of risk, mitigation aims to reduce the negative impacts of risk that cannot be eliminated. It’s about putting on a life jacket rather than avoiding the water. The goal here is to prepare and respond effectively when risks materialize. Organizations can implement several tactics to mitigate risks, including:
- Contingency Planning: Developing comprehensive plans to handle potential issues, which can also include risk response strategies.
- Diversification: Spreading investments or resources across various domains to minimize the impact should one fail.
- Training and Awareness Programs: Educating employees about risks fosters a culture of preparedness and swift response.
In this pursuit, balance is crucial. Too much focus on mitigation might stifle innovation, while too little can lead to unchecked vulnerabilities. Thus, organizations must find a sweet spot where they can protect themselves without suffocating growth.
Risk Transfer Mechanisms
Risk transfer is akin to outsourcing a headache; it allows businesses to pass on potential losses to a third party. This could be done through various mechanisms, most notably through insurance or outsourcing services. When companies purchase insurance policies, they're essentially transferring the financial implications of certain risks to the insurer. Here are some examples:
- Insurance Policies: Covering assets, liabilities, or operational risks by paying a premium.
- Contracts and Agreements: Including clauses that transfer risk to suppliers or vendors.
- Joint Ventures: Sharing the risk of a new project with another entity.
Although transferring risk can provide peace of mind, it’s critical for organizations to clearly understand the terms and conditions of these arrangements. Misinterpretations can lead to unforeseen liabilities, negating the intended benefits of transferring risk. Also, too much reliance on transfer mechanisms might lead to a diminished sense of ownership over risk management. Striking a balance is essential.
"Risk management is about more than just avoiding the worst; it's about maximizing potential and safeguarding what matters."
In summary, the strategies employed in business risk management hold the key to not only survival but also success. Whether through avoidance, mitigation, or transfer, a well-rounded approach fosters an environment where risks are managed effectively, enabling organizations to thrive in an unpredictable landscape.
Implementing Risk Management Practices
Implementing effective risk management practices is essential for businesses aiming to safeguard their interests while optimizing operational efficiency. Organizations face various risks that could disrupt their processes, and failing to have a robust framework in place can lead to dire consequences, such as financial losses or reputational damage. The importance of this topic lies not only in identifying potential hazards but also in establishing actionable plans to counteract them. A well-devised risk management approach allows for better decision-making, enhanced organizational resilience, and the ability to seize opportunities while minimizing adverse outcomes.
One key aspect of implementing these practices is the need for a thorough Risk Management Plan. This plan acts as a guiding document that outlines an organization's strategic approach to recognizing and mitigating risks. By formally documenting processes, businesses can ensure all stakeholders are on the same page regarding risk responsibilities and escalation procedures. Moreover, having a structured plan fosters a culture of proactive risk management, encouraging employees to be vigilant and responsive.
Integrating risk management into everyday business processes is also vital. This integration allows for continuous monitoring and adjustment of risk strategies as the business landscape evolves. Moreover, when risk management becomes part of an organization's DNA, it can significantly enhance adaptability to change and help secure a competitive edge.
Developing a Risk Management Plan
A well-structured Risk Management Plan serves as the backbone of an organization’s risk management efforts. It outlines the methodology for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks, and articulates the risk responses in detail.
- Define Objectives: Initially, it's crucial to define what the organization aims to accomplish with its risk management efforts. Clear objectives pave the way for targeted actions.
- Risk Identification: Carry out a systematic identification of risks associated with various business processes. This should include engaging stakeholders from different levels of the organization to gather diverse insights.
- Risk Evaluation and Prioritization: Assess identified risks based on their likelihood and impact on business objectives. Assign a risk rating to facilitate prioritization.
- Response Strategies: Outline actions to mitigate, transfer, avoid, or accept each risk. Keeping a documented strategy in place helps streamline responses during crises.
Having a clearly defined plan not only provides a roadmap for risk management activities but also inspires confidence among stakeholders regarding the organization's commitment to secure their interests.
Integrating Risk Management into Business Processes
Integrating risk management practices into daily business operations is a step that can’t be ignored. This integration brings the world of risk analysis closer to the strategic components of the business itself, shaping its operations and decision-making processes.
Cross-Department Collaboration
Cross-department collaboration stands out as a significant factor in successfully integrating risk management into business processes. When departments collaborate, it allows for a more holistic approach to risk examination. Issues that may not seem relevant to one department could have ripple effects across others.
The key characteristic of effective collaboration is breaking down silos between departments. This openness ensures that knowledge and information are shared, leading to better-informed decision-making. When diverse teams come together, they can pool their expertise, allowing the organization to create comprehensive risk solutions.
However, while the unique feature of cross-department collaboration is undeniably beneficial, it can present challenges. Miscommunication or conflicting priorities may arise, which can hinder progress. Therefore, fostering a culture of trust and shared responsibility needs to be prioritized to minimize potential downsides.
Technology's Role in Risk Management
In today’s digital world, the role of technology in risk management is undeniably pivotal. With new tools and platforms emerging rapidly, businesses are equipped better than ever to handle uncertainties. Technology enables organizations to streamline processes, automate data collection, and analyze complex risk factors efficiently.
The primary advantage of leveraging technology is the enhancement of data accuracy and accessibility. Real-time data collection tools can provide immediate insights into risk factors, making it possible to act swiftly to potential threats. Moreover, the use of analytics and algorithms helps predict future risks based on historical data, thereby allowing for smarter decisions.
However, relying heavily on technology might come with certain disadvantages, such as overdependence on automated processes and potential vulnerabilities in digital platforms. Organizations must balance their technology use with traditional risk management practices to ensure a well-rounded approach to handling risks.
In summary, implementing risk management practices is not just about ticking boxes. It requires a strategic approach that incorporates planning, collaboration, and the embrace of technology. Each element plays a crucial role in empowering organizations to navigate the turbulent waters of today’s business environment.
Monitoring and Reviewing Risks


Monitoring and reviewing risks is crucial for maintaining a proactive approach in business process risk management. This is not merely an administrative task; it's about keeping your finger on the pulse of your operations. When organizations make the effort to systematically monitor their risks, they can anticipate changes instead of just reacting to them. The benefits of monitoring extend beyond immediate risk management. It also leads to more informed decision-making and can significantly enhance overall operational efficacy.
A solid monitoring process involves continuously tracking risk indicators, assessing whether current controls are effective or need adjustment. This is where careful consideration comes into play. Companies need to view risks as dynamic and fluid entities rather than static threats. The landscape can change overnight, and what seemed like a score of seven on the risk scale could shift to a ten before you can say "compliance policy."
Another element to consider is the need to engage stakeholders across the organization. Effective monitoring cannot be a siloed effort confined to one department. It should foster collaboration between departments so that varying perspectives on risks can be integrated. This collective intelligence is invaluable in painting a fuller picture of the risks your business faces.
"The best defense against risk is knowledge. By understanding what to monitor, businesses can navigate challenges rather than being blindsided by them.”
Establishing Key Risk Indicators
Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) serve as the measuring sticks for risk exposure and effectiveness of risk management strategies. Establishing these indicators is a tailored process, dependent on the unique characteristics of an organization and its industry. Consider the specific goals of your business—what potential risks could significantly affect achievement of these objectives?
KRIs often include a mix of quantitative and qualitative metrics. For instance, a financial services firm might monitor its loan delinquency rates, while a tech startup might focus on the frequency of system downtimes. Choosing the right KRIs requires deep understanding and thorough analysis of your operations, ensuring each indicator provides actionable insights.
Once established, it's essential to continually review these indicators. What may be relevant today could quickly become obsolete tomorrow. As the organization evolves, so should the KRIs to ensure they remain aligned with current risks and strategic goals.
Regular Risk Audits
Conducting regular risk audits is like giving your risk management framework a health check-up. Frequent audits ensure that potential vulnerabilities are not just examined but are also actively addressed. These audits should not be relegated to the 'down the line' bucket; they deserve priority in your calendar.
Regular audits can help highlight discrepancies between expected risk levels and actual conditions, helping organizations take corrective action before risks can escalate. Moreover, these audits should involve a collaborative effort between different teams; this cross-functional collaboration often yields insights that a single unit might overlook.
To effectively implement these audits, organizations must establish clear protocols that outline the audit's scope, objectives, and methodology. Each audit should be followed by a detailed report that summarizes findings and actionable steps, ensuring continual improvement in risk management practices.
In summary, monitoring and reviewing risks through the establishment of KRIs and regular audits creates a robust framework that not only protects but also empowers organizations. As business landscapes shift and evolve, having these systems in place is not just beneficial—it’s essential for sustainable success.
Case Studies in Risk Management
Case studies serve a powerful function inherent in risk management literature. They are paths through the forest of organizational challenges, illuminating successful strategies as well as cautionary tales. Their importance lies in their ability to translate abstract principles into concrete examples. This allows decision-makers, IT pros, and entrepreneurs to draw parallels with their own situations, making the study of real-life cases an invaluable tool.
Successful Risk Management Examples
In the realm of risk management, success stories often take center stage, exemplifying effective strategies and innovative techniques that lead to significant positive outcomes. One such case is Johnson & Johnson's handling of the Tylenol crisis in the 1980s. When cyanide-laced capsules led to several tragic incidents, the company promptly recalled millions of bottles and successfully communicated its transparency and concern to the public. This quick response not only salvaged their reputation but also set a benchmark for crisis management in the pharmaceutical industry.
Another commendable example is Microsoft. In the early 2000s, as they rolled out new software, they established a strong risk management framework that focused on identifying potential security vulnerabilities proactively. By heavily investing in their cybersecurity infrastructure and promoting a culture of security awareness among employees, they significantly reduced the number of incidents that could affect their customer trust and bottom line.
These cases underscore that successful risk management isn’t solely about avoiding crises but also about preparing for potential risks while maintaining transparency and communication with stakeholders. Effective measures can often turn a potential setback into a lesson for growth and improvement.
Lessons from Failed Risk Management
Conversely, the landscape also offers poignant examples of missteps that serve as cautionary tales. A notable instance is the Blockbuster case. Once a giant in the video rental industry, Blockbuster failed to adapt to changing technology, particularly the rise of digital streaming. Ignoring the risks associated with evolving market demands and customer preferences proved catastrophic. By the time they considered adapting their business model, competitors like Netflix had surged ahead. This serves as a pivotal lesson in recognizing and adapting to external risks swiftly — a failure to do so can lead to irrelevance.
Another example lies in the Equifax data breach of 2017. The leading credit reporting agency exposed sensitive information of over 147 million consumers due to a vulnerability in their system. Despite knowing about the risks, their delayed response in patching software vulnerabilities led to a devastating impact on consumer trust and confidence. This incident emphasizes the critical nature of routinely assessing and managing cybersecurity risks, especially as businesses increasingly rely on technology.
The Future of Business Process Risk Management
As businesses face an evolving landscape punctuated by technological advancements and market fluctuations, understanding the future of business process risk management becomes imperative. An organization’s viability hinges not just on its ability to execute daily operations, but also on its capacity to foresee and adapt to emerging risks. In a world driven by data, the significance of proactive risk management coupled with adaptive strategies cannot be overstated.
Key considerations for navigating the future include recognizing potential risks from new technologies, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer behaviors. Furthermore, integrating these insights into the organizational fabric enhances resilience and cultivates a culture of risk awareness.
Emerging Trends and Technologies
The horizon of business process risk management is shaped significantly by emerging trends and technologies. Here are a few salient trends:
- Digital Transformation: As companies leverage digital tools, risks associated with cyber threats increase. Businesses must not only invest in cybersecurity protocols but also ensure employee training programs are in place to guard against human errors that could lead to exposure.
- Blockchain Technology: This technology can offer enhanced transparency throughout supply chains, thereby reducing risks linked to fraud and misinformation. It allows businesses to track transactions seamlessly, making it easier to identify and rectify discrepancies.
- Remote Work Dynamics: In the wake of global shifts toward remote work, organizations must address risks related to team collaboration and data security outside traditional office environments. Solutions such as secure virtual private networks (VPNs) and cloud-based tools are essential in maintaining operational efficiency without compromising risk profiles.
By keeping abreast of these trends, businesses can prepare better and align their risk management strategies with contemporary practices.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Risk Management
Artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a vital player in the evolution of risk management. Its capability to process vast amounts of data quickly positions it as an invaluable tool in identifying and mitigating risks. Key applications of AI include:
- Predictive Analytics: By harnessing algorithms, AI can predict potential risks by analyzing historical data patterns. This enables organizations to address potential issues before they escalate.
- Automation of Risk Assessments: Automating routine risk evaluations can save time and resources, allowing teams to focus on strategic decision-making rather than getting bogged down by administrative tasks.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: AI-powered systems can provide recommendations based on analyzed data, thereby bolstering the decision-making process. This not only enhances efficiency but also increases the accuracy of identifying potential risks.
"In the coming decade, the integration of AI into risk management processes will not just be a competitive edge; it will be the standard."
To capitalize on these advancements, organizations must foster a culture that embraces new technologies and continuously revisits their risk management frameworks.
By anticipating changes and adapting to trends, businesses position themselves not simply to respond to risks, but to ride the wave of uncertainty towards opportunity.