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Interpreting Assessment Results

This guide explains how to read and understand the risk scores, indicators, and recommendations generated by the CGIAR Risk Intelligence Tool.

Overview

After AI analysis completes, your assessment includes:
  • Overall Risk Score: Aggregate score across all categories (0-100)
  • Risk Level: Traffic-light classification (Low, Moderate, High, Critical)
  • Category Scores: Individual scores for 7 risk dimensions
  • Subcategory Analysis: Detailed 5-indicator breakdown per category
  • Evidence Narratives: AI-generated explanations with source citations
  • Actionable Recommendations: Prioritized mitigation strategies
  • Executive Summary: High-level overview for stakeholders

Accessing Your Results

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From your dashboard:
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  • Locate the completed assessment (status: COMPLETE)
  • Click the assessment row to open details
  • Progress bar should show 100%
  • 4
    View Risk Scorecard
    5
    The assessment detail page opens to the Risk Scorecard tab, showing:
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  • Overall risk score and level
  • 7 category cards with individual scores
  • Radar chart visualization
  • Quick action buttons
  • 7
    Switch Between Views
    8
    Use the tab navigation:
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  • Risk Scorecard: Summary scores and visualizations
  • Full Report: Complete analysis with evidence and recommendations
  • Documents: Uploaded files and parsing status
  • Comments: Team discussion and notes
  • Understanding the Overall Risk Score

    Score Components

    The overall risk score is displayed prominently at the top of the scorecard: Score: Numeric value from 0-100
    • Lower scores = Higher risk (0 = maximum risk)
    • Higher scores = Lower risk (100 = minimal risk)
    • Aggregated from 7 category scores
    • Weighted by category importance
    Inverted Scale: The platform uses an inverted scale where 0 represents critical risk and 100 represents minimal risk. This aligns with credit scoring conventions.

    Risk Levels (Traffic Lights)

    Scores map to four risk levels:
    Score RangeLevelColorMeaning
    76-100LOWGreenMinimal risk exposure, strong controls
    51-75MODERATEYellowAcceptable risk with minor concerns
    26-50HIGHOrangeSignificant risk requiring mitigation
    0-25CRITICALRedSevere risk, immediate action needed
    Visual Indicators:
    • Color-coded badges: Background and text color match risk level
    • Progress bar: Filled portion shows score with matching color
    • Border styling: Cards have colored borders matching severity

    Score Interpretation Guide

    Interpretation:
    • Business shows strong risk management
    • Most risk factors well-controlled
    • Documentation complete and thorough
    • Financial position stable
    Typical Actions:
    • Monitor ongoing performance
    • Maintain current controls
    • Focus on growth opportunities
    • Standard reporting frequency
    Example Scenario: An established dairy cooperative with 10 years of operations, diversified revenue streams, strong governance, comprehensive insurance, and detailed financial records scores 82/100.
    Interpretation:
    • Generally acceptable risk profile
    • Some areas need improvement
    • Controls present but could be stronger
    • Minor gaps in documentation
    Typical Actions:
    • Address identified gaps
    • Strengthen weaker areas
    • Enhance monitoring in flagged categories
    • Quarterly risk reviews
    Example Scenario: A 3-year-old organic farm with growing sales but limited financial history, basic governance structures, and moderate climate adaptation measures scores 67/100.
    Interpretation:
    • Significant risk exposure identified
    • Multiple categories require attention
    • Controls insufficient or missing
    • Financial or operational vulnerabilities
    Typical Actions:
    • Develop mitigation plan immediately
    • Prioritize high-impact recommendations
    • Increase monitoring frequency
    • Consider additional support or training
    Example Scenario: A startup agricultural enterprise with limited track record, high debt, single-crop dependency, and minimal climate resilience scores 38/100.
    Interpretation:
    • Severe risk exposure across multiple areas
    • Business viability concerns
    • Major gaps in controls and documentation
    • Immediate intervention required
    Typical Actions:
    • Halt funding until risks addressed
    • Require comprehensive restructuring plan
    • Weekly monitoring and reporting
    • On-site assessment recommended
    Example Scenario: A business with negative cash flow, no formal governance, single buyer dependency, highly volatile input prices, and no climate adaptation strategy scores 18/100.

    Category-Level Risk Scores

    The 7 Risk Categories

    Each assessment evaluates seven risk dimensions:

    1. Behavioral Risk

    What it measures:
    • Management capabilities and experience
    • Decision-making processes
    • Organizational culture
    • Stakeholder relationships
    • Commitment to sustainability
    Indicators (5 subcategories):
    • Leadership quality
    • Team experience
    • Stakeholder engagement
    • Ethical practices
    • Learning capacity

    2. Operational Risk

    What it measures:
    • Production processes and efficiency
    • Supply chain management
    • Quality control systems
    • Infrastructure adequacy
    • Operational resilience
    Indicators:
    • Process reliability
    • Supply chain stability
    • Quality assurance
    • Infrastructure condition
    • Capacity utilization

    3. Financial Risk

    What it measures:
    • Revenue stability and growth
    • Profitability and margins
    • Cash flow management
    • Debt levels and servicing
    • Financial planning maturity
    Indicators:
    • Revenue diversification
    • Profitability trends
    • Liquidity position
    • Leverage ratios
    • Financial controls
    Critical Category: Financial risk often has the highest weight in overall scoring. Strong financial performance can offset moderate risks in other areas.

    4. Market Risk

    What it measures:
    • Market positioning and competition
    • Customer concentration
    • Price volatility exposure
    • Market access barriers
    • Demand stability
    Indicators:
    • Competitive advantage
    • Customer diversification
    • Pricing power
    • Market accessibility
    • Demand predictability

    5. Climate & Environmental Risk

    What it measures:
    • Climate change vulnerability
    • Environmental compliance
    • Resource sustainability
    • Adaptation measures
    • Environmental impact
    Indicators:
    • Climate exposure
    • Adaptation capacity
    • Environmental compliance
    • Resource efficiency
    • Sustainability practices
    What it measures:
    • Organizational structure and governance
    • Legal compliance
    • Regulatory adherence
    • Contract management
    • Dispute resolution
    Indicators:
    • Governance structure
    • Regulatory compliance
    • Legal standing
    • Contract coverage
    • Risk oversight

    7. Technology & Data Risk

    What it measures:
    • Technology adoption and integration
    • Data management practices
    • Cybersecurity measures
    • Digital literacy
    • Innovation capacity
    Indicators:
    • Technology infrastructure
    • Data quality and security
    • Digital skills
    • System reliability
    • Innovation adoption

    Viewing Category Details

    Click “View Details” on any category card to see:
    1. Category Score: Overall score for this dimension
    2. 5 Subcategory Scores: Individual indicator ratings
    3. Evidence Narrative: AI explanation with citations
    4. Risk Factors: Specific concerns identified
    5. Recommendations: Targeted mitigation actions

    Subcategory Scores and Indicators

    Each category contains 5 subcategory indicators scored individually:

    Indicator Components

    Name: Specific risk factor (e.g., “Revenue Diversification”) Score: 0-100 value for this indicator Level: Traffic-light classification (Low/Moderate/High/Critical) Evidence: Text explaining the score with document citations Mitigation: Suggested actions to improve this indicator

    Example: Financial Risk Subcategories

    IndicatorScoreLevelKey Finding
    Revenue Diversification45HIGHSingle crop (coffee) represents 87% of revenue
    Profitability Trends62MODERATEMargins improving but still below sector average
    Liquidity Position38HIGHCurrent ratio of 0.8, insufficient working capital
    Leverage Ratios71MODERATEDebt-to-equity at 1.2, manageable but high
    Financial Controls55MODERATEBasic accounting but no formal budgeting process

    Evidence and Narratives

    The AI generates evidence narratives explaining each score:

    Evidence Structure

    Components:
    1. Summary statement: Brief overall assessment
    2. Key findings: Bulleted list of main observations
    3. Document citations: References to source material (page numbers)
    4. Data points: Specific metrics or facts extracted
    5. Risk implications: How findings affect the score

    Example Evidence Narrative

    Financial Risk - Revenue Diversification (Score: 45/100 - HIGH RISK)
    
    The business shows significant revenue concentration risk. Analysis of 
    the financial statements (p. 12-14) reveals:
    
    • Coffee sales account for 87% of total revenue ($234K of $269K)
    • Only two other revenue streams: vegetables (8%) and dairy (5%)
    • No evidence of value-added products or processing
    • Revenue from top customer represents 34% of total sales
    • No contracts or agreements securing multi-year revenue
    
    This concentration exposes the business to:
    - Coffee price volatility (prices dropped 23% in 2025)
    - Single-crop disease or pest risks
    - Customer dependency vulnerabilities
    - Seasonal cash flow gaps
    
    Immediate diversification is recommended to reduce financial vulnerability.
    

    Interpreting Citations

    Document references appear as:
    • (p. 12-14) - Pages 12 through 14 of uploaded PDF
    • (Business Plan, Section 3) - Specific section reference
    • (Financial Statements 2025, Income Statement) - Document and table
    Click citations to jump to the source document (if enabled).
    AI Limitations: Evidence is extracted automatically. Always verify critical findings against source documents, especially for high-stakes decisions.

    Recommendations

    Each category and subcategory includes actionable recommendations:

    Recommendation Structure

    Priority: HIGH, MEDIUM, or LOW Text: Specific action to take Impact: Expected effect on risk score Timeframe: Suggested implementation timeline

    Priority Levels

    PriorityBadge ColorMeaningTypical Timeframe
    HIGHRedCritical action, addresses severe riskImmediate (0-30 days)
    MEDIUMOrangeImportant improvement, material impactShort-term (1-3 months)
    LOWYellowEnhancement opportunity, minor impactMedium-term (3-6 months)

    Example Recommendations

    Sample HIGH priority recommendation:
    Priority: HIGH
    Category: Financial Risk - Revenue Diversification
    
    Recommendation:
    "Develop and launch at least two new revenue streams within 90 days 
    to reduce dependency on coffee sales. Consider value-added processing 
    (coffee roasting), complementary crops (avocados, macadamia), or 
    agritourism services."
    
    Expected Impact: +8 to +12 points in Revenue Diversification score
    Timeframe: 0-90 days
    Cost: Low to moderate (seed capital for new products)
    

    Editing Recommendations

    Administrators can edit recommendations:
    1. Click “Edit” next to any recommendation
    2. Modify the text to add context or local specifics
    3. Save changes
    4. Edited recommendations show a “(Edited)” tag
    5. Original AI text is preserved in history

    Radar Chart Visualization

    The radar chart provides a visual overview of category scores:

    Reading the Radar Chart

    Axes: Each of the 7 corners represents a risk category Scale: 0 (center) to 100 (outer edge) Filled area: Shows actual scores across categories Shape interpretation:
    • Balanced shape: Consistent performance across categories
    • Irregular shape: Strengths and weaknesses in different areas
    • Small shape: High overall risk (low scores)
    • Large shape: Low overall risk (high scores)

    Spotting Patterns

    Indented corners: Categories with lower scores (higher risk)
    • Focus improvement efforts here
    • May drag down overall score
    • Review subcategory details for root causes
    Extended corners: Categories with higher scores (lower risk)
    • Strengths to leverage
    • May indicate mature controls
    • Potential to share best practices

    Executive Summary

    The Executive Summary section provides a high-level overview suitable for stakeholders:

    Summary Components

    Overall Assessment: 2-3 sentence business characterization Key Strengths: 3-5 bullet points highlighting low-risk areas Primary Concerns: 3-5 bullet points on high-risk areas Critical Actions: Top 3 recommendations (HIGH priority only) Risk Outlook: Forward-looking statement on risk trajectory

    Example Executive Summary

    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
    Sunrise Agro Ltd. - Q1 2026 Risk Assessment
    
    Overall Risk Score: 58/100 (MODERATE RISK)
    
    Sunrise Agro is a growing organic farm cooperative with promising 
    operations but significant financial and market risks requiring 
    attention. The business demonstrates strong governance and environmental 
    practices but faces revenue concentration and cash flow challenges.
    
    KEY STRENGTHS:
    ✓ Well-established governance structure with active board oversight
    ✓ Strong environmental compliance and sustainability practices
    ✓ Experienced management team with deep agricultural expertise
    ✓ Diversified supplier base reducing input cost risks
    ✓ Growing market demand for organic products
    
    PRIMARY CONCERNS:
    ⚠ High revenue concentration in coffee (87% of sales)
    ⚠ Insufficient working capital (current ratio 0.8)
    ⚠ Single major customer represents 34% of revenue
    ⚠ Limited climate adaptation measures despite exposure
    ⚠ No formal financial planning or budgeting process
    
    CRITICAL ACTIONS (Next 90 Days):
    1. Develop revenue diversification plan with 2+ new product lines
    2. Secure working capital facility to improve liquidity position
    3. Implement formal budgeting and cash flow forecasting
    
    RISK OUTLOOK:
    With targeted interventions in financial management and revenue 
    diversification, Sunrise Agro has potential to reduce risk profile 
    to LOW (75+) within 12 months. Current trajectory without action 
    likely leads to increased financial stress.
    

    Comparing Assessments

    Track risk evolution over time:

    Accessing Historical Assessments

    1. View all assessments for a company on the dashboard
    2. Filter by company name to see timeline
    3. Compare scores quarter-over-quarter or year-over-year

    Key Comparison Metrics

    Score trends:
    • Is overall risk increasing or decreasing?
    • Which categories show improvement?
    • Which categories are deteriorating?
    Recommendation completion:
    • Were previous HIGH priority actions taken?
    • Did scores improve as expected?
    • What new risks emerged?
    Version comparison:
    • How has the business evolved?
    • Are controls strengthening?
    • Is documentation improving?
    Trend Analysis: The platform doesn’t currently include automated trend charts, but you can manually track scores in a spreadsheet for longitudinal analysis.

    Taking Action on Results

    1
    Review with Stakeholders
    2
    Key audiences:
    3
  • Business owners/managers
  • Investment committee
  • Risk management team
  • Technical advisors
  • 4
    Discussion points:
    5
  • Overall risk level and implications
  • Category-specific findings
  • Priority recommendations
  • Implementation timeline
  • Resource requirements
  • 6
    Develop Mitigation Plan
    7
    Based on recommendations:
    8
  • Prioritize actions by impact and feasibility
  • Assign owners for each recommendation
  • Set deadlines aligned with priority levels
  • Allocate budget for implementation
  • Define success metrics to track improvement
  • 9
    Monitor Progress
    10
    Quarterly reviews:
    11
  • Check recommendation implementation status
  • Update assessment with new information
  • Re-score to measure improvement
  • Adjust mitigation plan as needed
  • 12
    Export and Share
    13
    Use the “Download Report” button to:
    14
  • Generate PDF report for stakeholders
  • Include all scores, evidence, and recommendations
  • Share with investment committees
  • Maintain compliance documentation
  • Best Practices

    • Compare against sector benchmarks when available
    • Consider business stage (startup vs. established)
    • Account for external factors (market conditions, climate events)
    • Review trends over time, not just absolute scores
    • Balance quantitative scores with qualitative judgment
    • Always verify critical findings in source documents
    • Look for patterns across multiple evidence points
    • Consider data freshness (recent vs. outdated information)
    • Flag evidence gaps for follow-up with business
    • Use citations in discussions to maintain credibility
    • Focus on HIGH priority items first
    • Group related recommendations for efficiency
    • Involve business owners in implementation planning
    • Set realistic timelines based on capacity
    • Track completion and measure impact
    • Reassess after major changes

    Next Steps

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