[CM] Designing and Developing a Partial Simulation CM Exercise

Designing and Developing a Partial Simulation CM Exercise

Designing and developing a partial simulation crisis management exercise (functional) involves simulating specific aspects of a crisis response rather than a full-scale drill.

Pre-reading for Participants Attending Module 4 of the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer Course

This approach helps test particular procedures, team coordination, or decision-making processes in a controlled environment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Designing a Partial Simulation Exercise

Define Objectives & Scope

• Purpose: Focus on testing a specific function (e.g., emergency communications, IT recovery, media response).

• Scope: Limit the exercise to a single department or process (e.g., activating the crisis team, executing a business continuity plan).

• Audience: Select relevant participants (e.g., IT for a cyberattack sim, PR for a media crisis).

Choose the Simulation Type

Partial simulations can be:

• Functional Exercise: Tests real-time response in a specific function (e.g., emergency ops centre activation).

• Hybrid Tabletop + Simulation: This type of activity combines discussion with limited real-world actions (e.g., mock press releases, simulated system outages).

Develop a Focused Scenario

• Select a realistic but narrow incident (e.g., ransomware attack, supply chain disruption, executive scandal).

• Define key injects (e.g., simulated phone calls, fake social media posts, mock system alerts).

• Keep it time-bound (e.g., 1-2 hours of active response).

Design the Exercise Flow

• Pre-Exercise Briefing (10-15 mins): Explain rules, roles, and objectives.

• Simulation Phase (30-90 mins):

  • Introduce the crisis scenario.

  • Provide injects (e.g., "CEO receives a ransom demand via email").

  • Observe decision-making and documentation.

• Hot Wash-Up Debrief (15-30 mins): Discuss lessons learned.

Prepare Realistic but Limited Props/Tools

• Simulated dashboards (e.g., fake IT alerts, mock news websites).

• Role-playing actors (e.g., a journalist calling for comment).

• Communication tools (e.g., Slack/Teams for internal coordination).

Conduct the Exercise

• Start with a trigger (e.g., "Security team detects unauthorised access").

• Introduce complications (e.g., "Hacker leaks data on dark web").

• Monitor team responses without full-scale execution.

Evaluate & Improve

• Collect feedback on gaps in procedures or communication.

• Update response plans based on findings.

• Schedule follow-up drills to reinforce improvements.

Example: Partial Simulation for a Data Breach

Objective: Test IT and PR coordination during a breach.
Scenario:

1. Trigger: "SOC detects exfiltration of customer data."

2. Injects:

   • "Hacker demands ransom in 24 hours."

   • "Media requests a statement."

   • "Legal team asks about GDPR compliance."

3. Focus Areas:

   • How quickly was the incident escalated?

   • Was PR messaging aligned with IT findings?

   • Were stakeholders informed correctly?

Key Benefits of Partial Simulations

✔ Cost-effective (no need for full mobilisation).
✔ Flexible (can target weak areas).
✔ Low disruption (business operations continue).