controls are the activities Schwan puts into place to manage or mitigate the risks. Controls are often
built into the core business processes and support processes (see Exhibit 7 for a graphical
representation of the risk assessment framework).
Within each process, the internal audit personnel assess gross risk (threats or impediments
to the accomplishment of corporate or process objectives), the strength of relevant controls and of
management’s response to the identified risks, and residual risk (a re-evaluation of risk in light of
controls and management’s response). At the end of this process, residual risks are compared to
gross risks for reasonableness. See Exhibit 8 for a graphical representation of this risk assessment.
The risks are rated based on the magnitude of the impact to the organization of the risk
occurring, as well as on the probability of occurrence. Residual risk assessments are conducted
through focused interviews with multiple levels of management, a review of business plans, analysis
of financial and operational reports, and a review of miscellaneous information (e.g., industry
information, process documentation, etc.). For validation, the assessment results are discussed with
the appropriate levels of management.