[CM] [SMU] [C6] [CRA] Crisis Scenario Risk Assessment

Chapter 6-1: Crisis Scenario Risk Assessment

Here’s a structured list of potential crisis scenarios that could affect Singapore Management University (SMU), tailored to Singapore’s context and organized by the provided risk categories:

Natural Disasters

Pandemic Resurgence: A new COVID-19-like outbreak leading to campus closures or hybrid learning disruptions.
Flash Floods: Heavy monsoon rains cause flooding in the downtown campus area, damaging infrastructure or blocking access.
Haze Crisis: Toxic haze from regional forest fires (e.g., Indonesia) impacting air quality and outdoor activities.
Severe Thunderstorms: Extreme weather damaging campus facilities, trees, or power lines.
Prolonged Heatwaves: Extreme heat disrupting outdoor events, exams, or student well-being.

Security Threats

Cyberattacks: Ransomware targeting SMU’s IT systems, compromising student/faculty data or disrupting online learning.
Terrorism Threat: A high-profile incident near SMU’s city-centre campus prompted lockdowns or evacuations.
Violent Intruder: An active shooter or hostile individual entering campus buildings.
Protests/Unrest: Student-led demonstrations (e.g., over political or social issues) escalating into clashes or disruptions.
Unauthorized Access: Breaches of restricted areas (e.g., administrative offices or data centres) leading to theft or sabotage.

Operational Disruptions

IT System Collapse: Server failures during exam registration or virtual learning sessions.
Power Outages: Prolonged blackouts in key buildings, halting lectures, research, or administrative work.
Supply Chain Delays: Shortages of critical resources (e.g., lab equipment, cafeteria supplies) due to global/logistical issues.
Public Transport Breakdown: Major MRT disruptions affecting student/staff commutes to the downtown campus.
Construction Mishaps: Accidents in nearby infrastructure projects (e.g., tunnelling) causing noise, dust, or safety hazards.

Reputational Crises

Academic Misconduct: Plagiarism or research fraud scandals involving faculty or students.
Social Media Backlash: Viral controversies (e.g., offensive remarks by staff/students, insensitive policies).
Mishandled Harassment Cases: Poor institutional response to discrimination or sexual misconduct allegations.
Data Breach: Leak of sensitive student/faculty information (e.g., admissions data, financial records).
Partnership Scandals: Ethical controversies involving corporate sponsors or international collaborations.

Health and Safety Incidents

Disease Outbreaks: Cluster infections (e.g., dengue, norovirus) linked to campus facilities.
Mental Health Emergencies: Student suicides or stress-related crises tied to academic pressure.
Food Poisoning: Contaminated meals at campus eateries cause mass illness.
Event Accidents: Injuries during festivals, sports, or orientation activities.
Chemical Spills: Hazardous material leaks in labs (e.g., business analytics or computing facilities).

Singapore-Specific Considerations

SMU’s urban location increases exposure to downtown flooding and high-profile security threats.
Heavy reliance on digital infrastructure heightens vulnerability to cyberattacks.
International student demographics raise risks tied to visa issues or cross-cultural tensions.

Summing Up ...

This list balances global university risks with Singapore’s unique environmental, social, and operational context. Given SMU's compact, interconnected campus, mitigation strategies should prioritize adaptability and rapid response.

More Information About Crisis Management Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the CM-300 Crisis Management Implementer [CM-3] and the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer [CM-5].