[CM] Designing and Developing a Partial Simulation CM Exercise

Designing and Developing a Partial Simulation CM Exercise

Designing and developing a partial simulation crisis management exercise (functional) involves simulating specific aspects of a crisis response rather than a full-scale drill.

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

This approach helps test particular procedures, team coordination, or decision-making processes in a controlled environment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Designing a Partial Simulation Exercise

Define Objectives & Scope

• Purpose: Focus on testing a specific function (e.g., emergency communications, IT recovery, media response).

• Scope: Limit the exercise to a single department or process (e.g., activating the crisis team, executing a business continuity plan).

• Audience: Select relevant participants (e.g., IT for a cyberattack sim, PR for a media crisis).

Choose the Simulation Type

Partial simulations can be:

• Functional Exercise: Tests real-time response in a specific function (e.g., emergency ops centre activation).

• Hybrid Tabletop + Simulation: This type of activity combines discussion with limited real-world actions (e.g., mock press releases, simulated system outages).

Develop a Focused Scenario

• Select a realistic but narrow incident (e.g., ransomware attack, supply chain disruption, executive scandal).

• Define key injects (e.g., simulated phone calls, fake social media posts, mock system alerts).

• Keep it time-bound (e.g., 1-2 hours of active response).

Design the Exercise Flow

• Pre-Exercise Briefing (10-15 mins): Explain rules, roles, and objectives.

• Simulation Phase (30-90 mins):

  • Introduce the crisis scenario.

  • Provide injects (e.g., "CEO receives a ransom demand via email").

  • Observe decision-making and documentation.

• Hot Wash-Up Debrief (15-30 mins): Discuss lessons learned.

Prepare Realistic but Limited Props/Tools

• Simulated dashboards (e.g., fake IT alerts, mock news websites).

• Role-playing actors (e.g., a journalist calling for comment).

• Communication tools (e.g., Slack/Teams for internal coordination).

Conduct the Exercise

• Start with a trigger (e.g., "Security team detects unauthorised access").

• Introduce complications (e.g., "Hacker leaks data on dark web").

• Monitor team responses without full-scale execution.

Evaluate & Improve

• Collect feedback on gaps in procedures or communication.

• Update response plans based on findings.

• Schedule follow-up drills to reinforce improvements.

Example: Partial Simulation for a Data Breach

Objective: Test IT and PR coordination during a breach.
Scenario:

1. Trigger: "SOC detects exfiltration of customer data."

2. Injects:

   • "Hacker demands ransom in 24 hours."

   • "Media requests a statement."

   • "Legal team asks about GDPR compliance."

3. Focus Areas:

   • How quickly was the incident escalated?

   • Was PR messaging aligned with IT findings?

   • Were stakeholders informed correctly?

Key Benefits of Partial Simulations

✔ Cost-effective (no need for full mobilisation).
✔ Flexible (can target weak areas).
✔ Low disruption (business operations continue).

 

Types of Crisis Management Exercises
Design and Develop Crisis Management Exercises

 

More Information About Crisis Management Courses

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

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