[BCM] [NYP] [E1] [C4] Establishing Business Continuity Objectives

Chapter 4

Identifying Organisational Goals for BCM

Introduction

In today’s dynamic educational landscape, institutions like Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) face a spectrum of operational disruptions—from technology failures and cyber threats to public health crises and natural hazards.

To maintain the integrity of its academic programs, research initiatives, and student services, NYP has recognised the importance of implementing a structured Business Continuity Management (BCM) program.

The primary aim of BCM is to enable the organisation to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptive events while maintaining core functions.

This chapter explores the specific business continuity objectives that NYP has established to guide its BCM program.

Understanding these objectives provides clarity on the purpose of continuity planning, informs strategic decision-making, and ensures that all stakeholders—from leadership to operational staff—align with a shared vision of institutional resilience.

Purpose and Objective of the Chapter

The chapter “Understanding Your Organisation: Nanyang Polytechnic” is developed to give readers a comprehensive understanding of NYP’s structure, operations, and core functions.

Its purpose is to provide the foundational knowledge necessary for designing and implementing an effective Business Continuity Management (BCM) program.

By examining the institution’s mission, critical processes, key stakeholders, and operational environment, readers can appreciate the specific risks and challenges NYP may face during disruptions.

The objective of this chapter is to equip readers—particularly BCM practitioners and organisational leaders—with the insights needed to align continuity planning with NYP’s strategic priorities.

Understanding the organisation ensures that BCM measures are relevant, targeted, and actionable, ultimately enhancing the institution’s resilience and ability to maintain essential services under adverse conditions.

Nanyang Polytechnic’s Business Continuity Objectives

NYP’s business continuity objectives are designed to protect its mission, students, staff, and critical services while supporting sustainable operational recovery in the face of disruption. These objectives include:

1. Ensuring Continuity of Academic and Administrative Services

NYP aims to minimise disruption to teaching, learning, and administrative functions.

This includes safeguarding classroom delivery, online learning platforms, examination processes, student registration systems, and essential administrative workflows.

The objective is to ensure that both students and staff experience minimal interruption during crises.

2. Protecting Life, Health, and Safety

A central objective of NYP’s BCM program is to maintain a safe campus environment.

Business continuity planning integrates risk assessments and response strategies to protect the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors during emergencies such as natural disasters, health outbreaks, or security threats.

3. Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure and Information Systems

NYP recognises that its digital and physical infrastructure forms the backbone of its operations.

BCM objectives emphasise resilience in IT systems, data security, communication networks, laboratories, and campus facilities to ensure rapid recovery and continuity of essential services.

4. Maintaining Regulatory Compliance and Institutional Reputation

As a leading polytechnic in Singapore, NYP must comply with national education regulations, safety standards, and reporting requirements.

A proactive BCM program supports compliance while reinforcing stakeholder confidence, including that of students, parents, faculty, regulatory authorities, and the wider community.

5. Minimising Financial Loss and Operational Impact

Continuity planning helps NYP identify critical processes and resources, enabling the prioritisation of recovery efforts to limit financial losses and operational downtime.

By doing so, the polytechnic ensures that resources are used efficiently and that the institution remains financially sustainable even during adverse events.

6. Promoting a Culture of Preparedness and Resilience

Beyond structural and technological measures, NYP’s BCM program aims to cultivate a resilient organisational culture.

This includes regular training, awareness campaigns, and simulations that empower staff and students to respond effectively to disruptions, thereby embedding continuity practices into the organisational DNA.

Alignment with ISO 22301

NYP’s objectives align closely with the requirements of ISO 22301, the international standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS).

ISO 22301 emphasises the need for organisations to identify objectives, assess risks, and implement plans that protect critical functions while supporting ongoing improvement.

By establishing clear, measurable continuity goals, NYP demonstrates its commitment to operational resilience and the proactive management of risk.

Defining and communicating business continuity objectives is a cornerstone of NYP’s BCM program.

These objectives provide a strategic roadmap for protecting the polytechnic’s people, processes, and assets against disruption.

By aligning with international standards and focusing on critical services, safety, infrastructure, compliance, and resilience culture, NYP positions itself to respond effectively to crises and emerge stronger, ensuring that its educational mission continues uninterrupted.

Resilient Support: Implementing Business Continuity Management at Ministry of Manpower (Singapore)
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