[BCM] [NYP] [E1] [C5] Determining BC Assumptions

Chapter 5

Determining Nanyang Polytechnic's BC Assumptions for Implementing its Business Continuity Management

Introduction

Business continuity management (BCM) is most effective when grounded in a clear understanding of the assumptions that guide its development and implementation.

For Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), these assumptions form the foundation upon which the institution can plan, respond, and recover from disruptions while continuing to serve its students, staff, and the wider community.

Identifying and documenting these assumptions ensures that all stakeholders operate from a common understanding of potential risks, institutional priorities, and operational expectations.

Purpose and Objective of the Chapter

The purpose of this chapter, “Determining the Nanyang Polytechnic's Business Continuity Assumptions for Implementing its Business Continuity Management, is to guide readers in understanding the foundational beliefs and expectations that underpin effective business continuity planning at NYP.

By identifying and articulating these assumptions, the chapter helps ensure that all stakeholders—including faculty, administrative staff, and leadership—share a common understanding of how the institution operates under normal and disruptive conditions.

The objective is to equip readers with the knowledge to recognize critical operational dependencies, anticipate potential challenges, and prioritise recovery strategies.

This understanding benefits NYP by creating realistic, practical, and resilient business continuity plans that align with its mission of maintaining educational excellence and institutional functionality, even during crises.

Purpose of Business Continuity Assumptions

Business continuity assumptions are the underlying statements or beliefs about how the organisation operates, the resources it relies upon, and the environment in which it functions.

At NYP, these assumptions help establish the parameters for planning, risk assessment, and response strategies. They are crucial in shaping realistic recovery time objectives, determining the availability of critical resources, and prioritizing essential academic and administrative functions.

In essence, assumptions ensure that BCM plans are both practical and aligned with the institution’s mission to provide quality education and support services.

Key Assumptions Guiding NYP's BCM

Availability of Core Infrastructure

NYP assumes that critical infrastructure—including campus facilities, IT systems, and communication networks—will be maintained and operational under normal conditions.

BCM planning incorporates contingencies for infrastructure failures, but baseline assumptions focus on continued access to electricity, internet connectivity, and essential academic and administrative systems.

Stakeholder Engagement

The institution assumes that faculty, administrative staff, and students will cooperate with business continuity procedures.

This includes participation in drills, adherence to communication protocols, and willingness to adopt temporary arrangements such as remote learning or alternative work locations when necessary.

Resource Accessibility

NYP’s BCM assumes timely access to key resources, including human capital, technological tools, and essential supplies.

For example, the availability of trained staff to implement recovery procedures and the functionality of digital learning platforms are critical to maintaining continuity during disruptive events.

Regulatory and Government Support

As a Singapore-based public educational institution, NYP assumes that relevant regulatory authorities and government agencies will provide guidance and support during crises.

This assumption ensures alignment with national risk management frameworks and compliance with legal and policy requirements for educational institutions.

Predictable Risk Landscape

NYP’s BCM planning assumes that potential threats—such as IT outages, natural hazards, or public health emergencies—can be anticipated to some degree based on historical data, government advisories, and risk assessments.

While it is impossible to predict every scenario, planning is based on credible probability and impact assumptions.

Recovery Priority Hierarchy

The institution assumes that certain operations, such as student learning, examinations, and critical administrative functions, will be prioritized in recovery efforts.

This hierarchy guides decision-making during crises, ensuring that essential functions are restored first to minimize disruption to academic and operational continuity.

Benefits of Defining Assumptions

By explicitly determining its business continuity assumptions, NYP gains several advantages.

First, it ensures that all stakeholders share a clear and realistic understanding of operational expectations during disruptions.

Second, it allows the BCM team to develop practical strategies that reflect the institution’s resources, risk environment, and recovery priorities.

Finally, well-defined assumptions provide a reference point for reviewing and updating business continuity plans, ensuring that they remain relevant as organisational conditions and external risks evolve.

For Nanyang Polytechnic, the process of defining business continuity assumptions is a strategic step in strengthening institutional resilience.

These assumptions guide planning, inform risk management, and create a shared framework for response and recovery.

By clarifying expectations around infrastructure, stakeholder participation, resource access, regulatory support, risk anticipation, and operational priorities, NYP ensures that its business continuity management program is both realistic and robust.

This foundation enables the institution to maintain its mission of educational excellence, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.

Strengthening Institutional Resilience: Business Continuity Management at Nanyang Polytechnic
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