Common Lexicon Project Information
From SARMA Common Knowledge Base Project
As part of its Common Knowledge Base Program, SARMA is currently developing a dictionary of Security Analysis and Risk Management terms using wiki technology. The Common Lexicon Project is necessitated by the lack of a common frame of reference for security risk analysis terminology, a problem which continues to impede the maturation of the discipline as a whole.
The importance of words, and their proper usage, have been noted by experts throughout history. Noted American linguist Benjamin Lee Whorf observed in the notable Sapir-Whorf hypothesisthat, "Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about." The application of his theory to the development of the profession of security risk analysis is profound. Without a common and consistent vocabulary for security risk analysis, its development is constrained, much like the completion of the biblical Tower of Babel was made impossible by the lack of a uniform language shared by those building the tower. Similarly, SARMA's founders believe that efforts to advance the profession and its analytical methods without a common professional language will end in frustration, inefficiency, and perhaps even failure.
If you are interested in participating in the Common Lexicon Project, please contact the SARMA Projects Committee at projects@sarma.org. You will be given instructions on how to register and participate in editing the web pages of this project using the Wiki technology. To learn more about Wiki technology, go to the original Wikipedia.
[edit] Processes and Procedures
The Common Lexicon Project will accept suggested terms and definitions via the SARMA web site on a rolling basis. Once a submission period has completed, the Project Team will review all of the entries in a two part process. The first step in this review process will involve consideration of which terms should be accepted and included, and which lie outside the scope of the Project. Once the list of terms has been finalized, the Project Team will then review the inputs received for each term, as well as definitions elicited from existing glossaries, reports and other relevant publications. A proposed list of terms and associated definitions for the Common Lexicon will then be published for final review and comment via the SARMA web site. The final step in the process of completing and promulgating the Security Risk Analysis Common Lexicon will involve review and approval by the SARMA Executive Team and Board of Directors. It is anticipated that the process will be completed and the Common Lexicon published by Spring 2008.
As a part of their effort, the Project Team will also develop a plan for updating the Common Lexicon annually to ensure it remains current and topical.
[edit] SARMA Project Team
This project is led by Andrew Harter under the direction of Nancy Renfroe. Other participants include:
Arion Pattakos
Irwin Pikus
Brian Moon
Ed Jopeck
Kerry Thomas
If you would like to become a participant in this project, please send an e-mail to the SARMA Projects Committee at projects@sarma.org.
[edit] DISCLAIMER
WIKIS ARE COLLABORATIVE TOOLS, AND THUS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ENSURE EVERY PIECE OF INFORMATION PROVIDED IS ACCURATE, COMPLETE AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTIONS. CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS SITE ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION THEY PROVIDE, PROPER SOURCING, AND ANY LEGAL CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR INPUT. USERS OF THE SITE ARE ADVISED THAT THIS DATA IS BEING COLLECTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PROFESSION, AND MAY BE INNACURATE UNTIL VERIFIED BY SECONDARY SOURCES. SARMA MAKES EVERY ATTEMPT TO ENSURE ACCURACY, BUT MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS INFORMATION.
If you see inaccurate, inflammatory or libellous information, intentional vandalism, personal view points or original research posted here, please immediately send an e-mail with information on the issue to wiki@sarma.org immediately.
