[BCM] [LKC] [C3] Types of Risks

Continuity in Care: Implementing BCM for Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine

Chapter 3

Risks to The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Imperial College London, plays a crucial role in medical education and research in Singapore.

As part of NTU, LKCMedicine is subject to various risks that could impact its operations, teaching, and research activities.

Practical Business Continuity Management (BCM) is essential to safeguard against disruptions.

This chapter examines potential risks faced by LKCMedicine in the context of NTU and explores strategies for mitigating these threats.

Key Risks to LKCMedicine from NTU

IT and Cybersecurity Risks

As a part of NTU, LKCMedicine relies on the university’s IT infrastructure for critical systems, including student records, research databases, and communication networks.

Any cyberattack or IT system failure at NTU could disrupt LKCMedicine’s ability to function effectively. Key risks include:

• Data breaches compromise confidential medical research and student records.

• Ransomware or malware attacks affect NTU’s IT systems.

• Downtime of critical platforms like learning management systems and cloud storage.

Mitigation Strategies

• Implement robust cybersecurity policies and conduct regular penetration testing.

• Develop backup and disaster recovery plans for IT systems.

• Conduct training for staff and students on cybersecurity best practices.

Pandemic and Public Health Risks

As a medical school, LKCMedicine is particularly vulnerable to public health crises such as pandemics.

NTU’s policies on campus closures, remote learning, and health protocols directly impact LKCMedicine’s operations.

Mitigation Strategies

• Establish remote learning infrastructure for medical education.

• Develop contingency plans for clinical training in case of hospital access restrictions.

• Align BCM plans with Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines.

Dependence on NTU’s Governance and Decision-Making

LKCMedicine operates under NTU’s governance framework, which means that any university-wide administrative or financial decisions may have unintended consequences for the medical school.

• Budget cuts or reallocation of university resources may affect LKCMedicine’s funding.

• Changes in NTU’s policies on academic collaboration may impact LKCMedicine’s partnership with Imperial College London.

Mitigation Strategies

• Advocate for LKCMedicine’s unique needs in NTU’s strategic planning.

• Secure independent funding streams to reduce financial dependency on NTU.

• Establish governance structures to ensure LKCMedicine’s interests are represented.

Infrastructure and Facility Risks

LKCMedicine’s campuses, facilities, and research labs are integrated within NTU’s physical infrastructure. Any disruption to NTU’s facilities, such as power failures, natural disasters, or construction projects, can significantly impact LKCMedicine’s operations.

Mitigation Strategies

• Conduct regular risk assessments on infrastructure vulnerabilities.

• Develop emergency response protocols for lab and clinical facilities.

• Ensure redundancy in critical utilities such as power and water supply.

Student and Faculty Risks

LKCMedicine’s student body and faculty are directly affected by NTU’s broader policies on academic continuity, faculty appointments, and research funding.

• Disruptions in NTU’s administrative functions could delay student admissions, exams, and graduation.

• Faculty members may be impacted by changes in NTU’s employment policies or funding for research grants.

Mitigation Strategies

• Develop independent crisis management plans for academic continuity.

• Establish clear communication channels between LKCMedicine and NTU leadership.

• Advocate for specialized faculty retention policies within NTU.

Summing Up ...

LKCMedicine faces various risks associated with NTU’s broader BCM framework, ranging from IT threats and governance decisions to infrastructure vulnerabilities.

LKCMedicine must proactively engage in risk assessment and mitigation planning to ensure resilience.

Strengthening its BCM strategy, fostering independent risk management measures, and maintaining open communication with NTU leadership will ensure the continuity of LKCMedicine’s mission in medical education and research.

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 [BCM-3] and the BCM-5000 Business Continuity Management Expert Implementer [BCM-5].

 

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