[BCM] [NYP] [E1] [C3] Establishing Organisational Goals

Chapter 3

Identifying Organisational Goals for BCM for the Nanyang Polytechnic

Introduction

Business continuity management (BCM) is a core component of organisational resilience, ensuring that an institution can continue essential functions and quickly recover following disruptions. ISO 22301 provides a structured framework that guides organisations in establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). 

A BCMS aligned with ISO 22301 enables organisations like Nanyang Polytechnic to protect mission‑critical activities, meet stakeholder expectations, and uphold reputation and service delivery during crises. 

In the context of NYP — a Singapore post‑secondary educational institution under the Ministry of Education (MOE) — BCM goals must align with international best practices, national expectations and sector‑specific continuity needs. 

These goals should reflect NYP’s organisational mandate to provide uninterrupted educational services, support its students and staff, and maintain operational stability during disruptions while complying with applicable Singapore government and MOE requirements.

Purpose and Objective of the Chapter

The purpose of the chapter “Understanding Your Organisation: Nanyang Polytechnic” is to provide readers with a clear and comprehensive overview of NYP’s structure, operations, and strategic priorities. 

By examining the organisation’s mission, core functions, stakeholders, and operational processes, the chapter helps establish a foundational understanding of the institution. This insight is essential for identifying critical activities, potential vulnerabilities, and key resources that must be protected in the event of a disruption.

The objective of developing this chapter is to equip readers with the knowledge needed to align Business Continuity Management (BCM) initiatives with NYP’s specific context. 

By understanding the organisation’s structure and operational dynamics, BCM planners can design more targeted continuity strategies, set relevant priorities, and ensure that recovery efforts are effective and efficient. 

Ultimately, this chapter benefits the organisation by enabling a BCM program that is both practical and tailored, strengthening NYP’s resilience against disruptions while safeguarding its mission and stakeholders.

Ensure Continuity of Core Academic and Administrative Services

NYP’s primary purpose is to deliver high‑quality education, research support, administrative operations, and campus services. 

BCM goals must prioritise continuity of functions such as teaching, examinations, learning management systems, and student services.

Why this matters: Disruptive events — from pandemics and cyber incidents to infrastructure failures — can interrupt academic activities. Rapid resumption of core academic and administrative functions protects student learning pathways and institutional credibility.

Goal examples:

• Maintain uninterrupted access to essential digital learning platforms (e‑learning, portals, student records).
• Ensure critical academic and administrative services can resume within predefined recovery objectives established through Business Impact Analysis (BIA).

Safeguard Health, Safety and Well‑Being of Campus Community

Protecting the safety and well‑being of students, staff, faculty and visitors is fundamental to institutional resilience. 

Any BCM objectives should incorporate protective measures, clear escalation procedures and crisis communication to support human safety.

Goal examples:

• Establish clear protocols for rapid response and safe recovery of campus operations during emergencies.
• Ensure timely communication to all stakeholders (students, staff, families, community partners) during disruptions.
• Integrate health and safety risk assessments into continuity planning.

Comply with Singapore Government and Education Sector BCM Expectations

While specific BCM requirements may differ by sector, Singapore’s government strongly emphasises preparedness and organisational resilience. 

Government resources on BCM planning outline structured processes — such as risk assessment, business impact analysis and continuity planning — consistent with ISO 22301‑aligned BCMS development. 

Within the education ecosystem, the Ministry of Education oversees statutory boards, including polytechnics, encouraging robust operational resilience. 

NYP’s BCM goals should recognise MOE’s strategic emphasis on institutional readiness and ability to sustain educational operations during emergencies. 

Goal examples:

• Align NYP’s BCMS objectives with ISO 22301 requirements to ensure systematic resilience and continuous improvement. 
• Ensure BCM frameworks support compliance with any sector‑specific guidance from MOE or related government agencies.

Protect Institutional Reputation and Stakeholder Confidence

A clear organisational goal for BCM is to uphold trust among students, parents, partners and the broader community. 

Continuity readiness demonstrates responsible governance, supports public confidence and reduces reputational impact during disruptions.

Goal examples:

• Prepare communication strategies that provide timely, accurate information during crises.
• Establish stakeholder‑centred continuity objectives that reflect service expectations.

Maintain Operational Resilience and Risk Mitigation

Effective BCM goals include strengthening NYP’s capacity to anticipate, assess and mitigate risks that could affect critical operations — including cyber threats, infrastructure outages, natural events and global health issues. 

These goals must be outcome‑oriented and measurable, enabling the institution to monitor progress and refine strategies.

Goal examples:

• Embed BCM into routine risk management and operational planning processes.
• Ensure clear prioritisation of critical functions through consistent application of risk assessments and business impact analyses.

Support Continuous Improvement of BCM Capabilities

ISO 22301 emphasises monitoring, reviewing and improving BCMS performance to enhance effectiveness over time. 

BCM goals should therefore incorporate mechanisms for periodic assessment, testing, training and refinement.

Goal examples:

• Conduct regular BCM exercises and reviews to evaluate readiness and identify opportunities for enhancement.
• Build organisational awareness and capability through ongoing education and training on BCM principles.

This chapter has outlined the critical organisational goals that underpin Nanyang Polytechnic’s approach to Business Continuity Management.

Key objectives include ensuring the continuity of academic and administrative services, protecting the health and safety of the campus community, maintaining operational resilience, safeguarding the institution’s reputation, and supporting continuous improvement of BCM capabilities.

By prioritising these areas, NYP can minimise disruption, maintain stakeholder confidence, and uphold the quality of its educational offerings even during crises.

Additionally, the chapter emphasises the importance of aligning BCM goals with ISO 22301 standards and relevant Singapore government and Ministry of Education policies.

This alignment ensures that NYP not only meets regulatory expectations but also integrates BCM into everyday operations, risk management, and long-term strategic planning.

By establishing clear, measurable, and compliant goals, the institution strengthens its overall resilience and prepares proactively for a wide range of potential disruptions.

More Information About Business Continuity Management Courses

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the BCM-300 Business Continuity Management Implementer [B-3] course and the BCM-5000 Business Continuity Management Expert Implementer [B-5].