Author: Jouke Gaastra
-
Latest Frameworks for Assessing Strength of Knowledge (SoK) in Risk Analysis: Academic Insights and Practical Methods
Modern risk definitions recognise that risk isn’t just about probability and consequence; it fundamentally involves uncertainty. This uncertainty can be operationalised through probability (P) and the Strength of Knowledge (SoK) assessments. Within the industry, a risk definition including an aspect of uncertainty has generally been incorporated. ISO 31000, for example, defines risk as “the effect…
-
Open Source Geographical Data in Norway: Essential Knowledge for Professional and Personal Use
When I moved to Norway three-ish years ago, I quickly learned that understanding geography here means more than just looking at the distance between two points. Because of fjords, mountains, ferries, and tunnels, the shortest distance between two points is rarely a straight line. It makes sense that Norwegians measure the ‘distance’ between two places…
-
Monte Carlo Simulation Explaind Simply
“Must have experience with Monte Carlo simulation.” I see this line often in risk management job postings. It appears in course descriptions, textbooks, and LinkedIn skill endorsements. Yet, few people actually understand what’s happening. I get it. The mathematics can look complex. But the basic concept is actually not so difficult. Building my own Monte…
-
Live music in Stavanger: Where to find it
I’ve been looking around for bars with live music. It’s challenging to locate these spots when you are not ‘in the scene’. These small live acts will often be published only as a Facebook message, if published at all, and the rest is typically spread by word of mouth. I can’t be the only one…
-
Gym Progress Tracking: Why Paper Beats Apps
I’ve been going to the gym consistently for years. Three times a week, rarely missing a session, feeling like I was putting in the work. But the truth was that my progress was rubbish. I was stronger than when I started, but not to the level I should have achieved with that level of consistency.…
-
My AI Stack in 2025: Why the ‘Best’ Model Isn’t Always What You Need
A couple of weeks ago, I was chatting with Claude about European flight rewards programmes, just a conversation on how I could improve one of my existing blog posts. Twenty minutes later, I had a functional Eurobonus calculator running on my blog. The interesting part? I never asked for an app. Claude just… built one. This crystallised…
-
RIS-505 2024 – Autumn Resit Exam – Explanation
This NotebookLM-generated video explains the answers to the first (Autumn) Semester resit exam of 2024.
-
Vacation and Productivity: Lessons from Marrakech
Introduction We’re waiting for the train to Gardermoen Airport. The Oslo sky is autumn blue, warm enough for just a light wool jumper. I can’t quite believe that this afternoon we’ll be in 30-degree heat in the bustling medina of Marrakech. I’m mentally reviewing my packing list, but not the usual holiday checklist. I’m thinking…
-
RIS-505 – Foundations of Risk Analysis and Risk Science – Video 2
Like I said, I am revisiting the RIS505 course material while trying out new AI tools to see how they have improved and whether they are any good at helping me study. I was really surprised by how well NotebookLM has become. It generated an excellent video. Yet, as always, AI should only be used…
-
RIS-505 – Foundations of Risk Analysis and Risk Science – Video 1
I am currently retaking RIS-505 to improve my grade. So I am revisiting the course material while trying out new AI tools to see how they have improved and if they are any good at helping me study. I was really surprised by how well NotebookLM has become. It generated an excellent video. Yet, as…
-
Book Review: The Paradox of Svalbard
After spending seven weeks on Svalbard, I thought I had a good understanding of what life was like in Longyearbyen. I’d experienced the midnight sun, navigated the rules about polar bear safety, and observed the unique dynamics of this remote Arctic community. But it wasn’t until I read The Paradox of Svalbard by Zdenka Sokolíčková…
-
What’s On My Desk: A Windows User’s Apple Ecosystem Experience
Let’s talk tech, that’s always fun. The MacBook I recently bought a MacBook Air—my first Apple laptop. I grew up with Apple computers in the house, but I’ve always been a Windows user. I never understood why you would spend more for having fewer functionalities. But over the last two to three years, things have…
-
What Does It Cost to Study in Norway?
After completing my degree in Risk Analysis at UIS in Stavanger (2023-2025), it’s time to make up the balance. I’ve kept records for most of the months I studied, so I’ll be able to provide you with a reasonably accurate picture of what you can expect to spend if you plan to pursue studies in…
-
My Messy Writing Workflow: From Brain Dump to Published Post
My writing process isn’t what you’d call “polished.” There’s no content calendar, no editorial strategy, and no organised system. What I do have is a workflow that consistently publishes posts, which is more than I can say for the rigid systems I’ve tried and abandoned in the past. Going with the flow This simplicity is…
-
1000 Days of Norwegian On Duolingo; The Strangest Sentences
Duolingo is known for its somewhat strange sentences. Scentences that make you question, when will I ever use this? Because they are so strange, you do tend to remember them. But then again, will you ever use them? questions questions… Here are the eight strangest sentences I’ve encountered or found on the web during my…
-
A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy (1859): Marx’s Preface Explained
Background I was discussing the course literature of ”Philosophy of Science and Research Methods (MEE125)” (Part of the Master Sustainability at the University of Stavanger), and I thought that one of the texts on the list would make for a good blog post. In this blog post, I’ll explain the main arguments of Marx in…
-
Hunting for Ducks: How Well Do You Evade Black Swans?
I’ve built what might be the world’s first risk management training tool disguised as a browser game. Well, sort of. It’s called Black Swan Duck Hunt, and whilst it looks like a simple shooting game, it’s actually a profound metaphor for organisational development. The Art of Duck Hunting In the game, you’re hunting ducks. These…
-
Why Results Matter More Than Degrees in 2025 Job Applications
Here’s an uncomfortable truth about today’s job market: your degree is worth less than it was a decade ago. Look at the numbers. In Ireland, 63.9% of 25-29 year-olds hold tertiary education. In Luxembourg, it’s 61.1%. France sits at 54.3%, while the Netherlands and Cyprus both exceed 55%. Across the Euro area, we’re looking at…
-
The Seven Summits of Norway: My Next Challenge?
I’ve been looking for a new fitness challenge. After six rounds of the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse (the four day marches), I’m ready for something different. Don’t get me wrong, walking 200km in four days through the filled streets of Nijmegen has been amazing, but living in Norway now, the logistics of getting back to Nijmegen each…
-
Rethinking Risk Matrices: A Scoping Review of Probability Consequence Diagrams and Decision Framework for Diagram Selection
Two years ago, when I first started learning the academic side of risk analysis at the University of Stavanger, I discovered the gaps between academics and risk management in practice. Most of these gaps can be traced back to the way risk is defined. The risk definition, which involves multiplying probability by consequences (C×P), is…