[CM] Designing and Developing an Integrated CM Exercise

Designing and Developing an Integrated CM Exercise

Designing and developing an integrated crisis management exercise requires a structured approach to ensure realism, stakeholder engagement, and actionable learning.

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

Step-by-Step Guide to Designing an Integrated Simulation Exercise

Below is a step-by-step framework to create an effective exercise:

Define Objectives & Scope

• Purpose: Why are you conducting the exercise? (e.g., test coordination, validate plans, train teams).

• Scope: What aspects will you test? (e.g., communication, decision-making, recovery).

• Success Criteria: What outcomes determine effectiveness?

Example

"Test the coordination between IT, PR, and leadership during a ransomware attack."

Identify Stakeholders & Roles

• Core Team: Crisis management leads, facilitators, and evaluators.

• Participants: Executives, IT, legal, communications, operations, external partners (e.g., law enforcement, regulators).

• Observers/ Controllers: Neutral parties will monitor and inject scenarios.

Tip

Use a RACI Matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) to clarify roles.

Develop a Realistic Scenario

• Risk-Based: Align with top threats (e.g., cyberattack, natural disaster, PR crisis).

• Injects: Pre-planned events to simulate escalation (e.g., "Media reports a data breach").

• Multi-Stage: Start simple, then increase complexity (e.g.,  initial incident → reputational fallout → regulatory scrutiny).

Example Scenario

"A fire breaks out at HQ, disrupting operations; simultaneously, social media spreads false claims about casualties."

Choose the Exercise Type

Hybrid Approach

Combine a tabletop (plan review) with a functional exercise (e.g., mock press briefing).

Design the Exercise Flow

• Timeline: Split into phases (e.g., detection → response → recovery).

• Injects: Challenges to test decision-making (e.g., "CEO demands a statement in 30 mins").

• Branching: Adjust based on team actions (e.g., if they ignore social media, escalate backlash).

Tool

Use a Master Scenario Events List (MSEL) to schedule injects.

Conduct the Exercise

• Briefing: Explain rules, objectives, and safety protocols.

• Execution: Run the scenario, track time, and introduce injects.

• Adapt in Real-Time: Adjust difficulty if teams struggle or excel.

Pro Tip

Record reactions (e.g., confusion, delays) for debriefing.

Debrief & After-Action Review

• Hot Wash: Immediate feedback from participants.

• Formal Report: Document strengths, gaps, and corrective actions.

• Follow-Up Plan: Assign responsibilities for improvements.

Questions to Ask

• Did the crisis team follow protocols?

• Were decisions timely and effective?

• How can we improve?

Update Plans & Trainings

• Refine crisis playbooks based on lessons learned.

• Schedule follow-up drills to test fixes.

Key Success Factors

✅ Realism: Mimic actual crisis pressures (e.g., time constraints, misinformation).
✅ Integration: Ensure all departments (IT, legal, PR) work together.
✅ Psychological Safety: Encourage open discussion without blame.

IT isolates servers, PR conducts a mock press conference, and Legal contacts regulators.