[CM] Designing and Developing an Integrated CM Exercise

Designing and Developing an Integrated CM Exercise

Designing and developing an integrated crisis management exercise requires a structured approach to ensure realism, stakeholder engagement, and actionable learning.

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

Step-by-Step Guide to Designing an Integrated Simulation Exercise

Below is a step-by-step framework to create an effective exercise:

Define Objectives & Scope

• Purpose: Why are you conducting the exercise? (e.g., test coordination, validate plans, train teams).

• Scope: What aspects will you test? (e.g., communication, decision-making, recovery).

• Success Criteria: What outcomes determine effectiveness?

Example

"Test the coordination between IT, PR, and leadership during a ransomware attack."

Identify Stakeholders & Roles

• Core Team: Crisis management leads, facilitators, and evaluators.

• Participants: Executives, IT, legal, communications, operations, external partners (e.g., law enforcement, regulators).

• Observers/ Controllers: Neutral parties will monitor and inject scenarios.

Tip

Use a RACI Matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) to clarify roles.

Develop a Realistic Scenario

• Risk-Based: Align with top threats (e.g., cyberattack, natural disaster, PR crisis).

• Injects: Pre-planned events to simulate escalation (e.g., "Media reports a data breach").

• Multi-Stage: Start simple, then increase complexity (e.g.,  initial incident → reputational fallout → regulatory scrutiny).

Example Scenario

"A fire breaks out at HQ, disrupting operations; simultaneously, social media spreads false claims about casualties."

Choose the Exercise Type

Hybrid Approach

Combine a tabletop (plan review) with a functional exercise (e.g., mock press briefing).

Design the Exercise Flow

• Timeline: Split into phases (e.g., detection → response → recovery).

• Injects: Challenges to test decision-making (e.g., "CEO demands a statement in 30 mins").

• Branching: Adjust based on team actions (e.g., if they ignore social media, escalate backlash).

Tool

Use a Master Scenario Events List (MSEL) to schedule injects.

Conduct the Exercise

• Briefing: Explain rules, objectives, and safety protocols.

• Execution: Run the scenario, track time, and introduce injects.

• Adapt in Real-Time: Adjust difficulty if teams struggle or excel.

Pro Tip

Record reactions (e.g., confusion, delays) for debriefing.

Debrief & After-Action Review

• Hot Wash: Immediate feedback from participants.

• Formal Report: Document strengths, gaps, and corrective actions.

• Follow-Up Plan: Assign responsibilities for improvements.

Questions to Ask

• Did the crisis team follow protocols?

• Were decisions timely and effective?

• How can we improve?

Update Plans & Trainings

• Refine crisis playbooks based on lessons learned.

• Schedule follow-up drills to test fixes.

Key Success Factors

✅ Realism: Mimic actual crisis pressures (e.g., time constraints, misinformation).
✅ Integration: Ensure all departments (IT, legal, PR) work together.
✅ Psychological Safety: Encourage open discussion without blame.

IT isolates servers, PR conducts a mock press conference, and Legal contacts regulators.

 

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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