Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)
- Focus: Numerical estimation of risk level, typically expressed as a probability or frequency of occurrence and magnitude of potential loss.
- Methods: Uses mathematical models, statistical analysis, and historical data to calculate risk metrics. Common techniques include Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Event Tree Analysis (ETA).
- Output: Probabilistic estimates of risk (e.g., probability of an event occurring within a specific timeframe, annual loss expectancy, etc.)
- Applications: Primarily used for high-risk scenarios or situations where accurate risk quantification is required for decision-making, such as engineering design, environmental hazard analysis, and financial risk assessment.
Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA)
- Focus: Non-numerical evaluation of risk level based on subjective judgment and qualitative criteria.
- Methods: Utilizes structured or informal approaches, such as brainstorming sessions, risk workshops, and expert opinion. Common techniques include Risk Ranking and Filtering, Scenario Analysis, and Delphi Method.
- Output: Descriptive or ordinal risk levels (e.g., low, medium, high), without specific numerical estimates.
- Applications: Suitable for lower-risk scenarios or situations where numerical quantification is not feasible or not required. It can also be used as a preliminary assessment to identify and prioritize risks for further quantitative analysis.
Key Differences:
- Numerical vs. Qualitative: Quantitative RA provides numerical risk estimates, while qualitative RA provides qualitative descriptions of risk.
- Level of Detail: Quantitative RA typically requires more detailed data and analysis, while qualitative RA is less data-intensive.
- Accuracy and Precision: Quantitative RA aims for higher accuracy and precision in risk estimates, while qualitative RA provides more general and subjective assessments.
- Applications: Quantitative RA is used for high-stakes decisions and precise risk quantification, while qualitative RA is more suitable for preliminary or lower-risk scenarios.